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NorthernLight IRL: USAC standout Darland earns another chance at rookie test

14 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- USAC standout Dave Darland earned another chance at passing the Indy Racing rookie test by winning the 30-lap Hemelgarn Racing "Rollie Beale Night" Stoops Freightliner USAC Sprint Car feature July 7 at Toledo, Ohio.

Darland, from Kokomo, Ind., received an Indy Racing Northern Light Series rookie test with Hemelgarn Racing as part of his prize package after leading all 30 laps around the -mile paved oval at Toledo Speedway.

Last fall, Darlands first attempt at the Indy Racing rookie test was abbreviated due to mechanical problems.

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McGehee lands Atlanta sponsor: Broadband Investment Group has become the title sponsor of the Treadway Racing entry for the Midas 500 Classic on July 15 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, driven by Robby McGehee.

BIG is a Missouri-based incubator supporting the development of early-stage broadband technology companies. BIG became an associate sponsor of Treadway Racing in early May.

"We are extremely pleased with Broadbands increased support of our race program," said Scott Cronk, Treadway Racing vice president. "We have had BIG on board for a few months now, and they are excited about the marketing benefits available through Treadway Racing. The depth of marketing tools available to Broadband through Treadway Racing will benefit Broadband in all phases of its companys growth."

Said Timothy M. Roberts, chairman of the board, chief visionary officer and director of BIG: "Robby McGehee is a proven name with a winning track record in Indy Racing. As our marketing opportunities continue to increase, it was only fitting that our sponsorship of Robby and Treadway Racing increase, as well."

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Hamilton wins: Indy Racing Northern Light Series standout Davey Hamilton won the USAC Western Sprint Car Series feature July 8 at Carson City, Nev., leading all 40 laps.

Hamilton, who drives for TeamXtreme in the Northern Light Series, leads the Western Sprint Car Series standings with 567 points. Todd Ellison is second at 554.

Hamilton will miss the next race in the series, July 15 at Boise, Idaho. He ll drive in the Midas 500 Classic Northern Light Series event that night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

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Mexmil helping kids: The Mexmil Company is playing host to 17 boys and girls ages 8-14 on July 14-15 at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Midas 500 Classic as part of its "Race to Read" program.

Indy Racing Northern Light Series driver Stephan Gregoire, whose primary sponsor is Mexmil, will visit the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Griffin, Ga., on July 14. Then the winners of the "Race to Read" program will visit the track July 15, receiving a tour of the track and Mexmil pit area, dinner with Gregoire and a grandstand seat for the race.

The "Race to Read" program was first introduced at the Indianapolis 500 in May for the Atkins Boys and Girls of Indianapolis, where the pilot program was developed to determine qualifiers for the race program.

Criteria for the program are based on reading, tutoring and overall behavior. Each club may select the winners on the basis of one or all of the components. The Griffin Boys and Girls Club determined their winners based on overall behavior.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.