NASCAR All Pro: Fast Paced Weekend Set At USA International Speedway
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 20, 2001LAKELAND, FL -- The roar and excitement of stock car racing will again fill the air at USA International Speedway when the NASCAR Gatorade All Pro Series returns to the high-banked 3/4-mile oval. NASCAR's only late model touring division makes it's third stop of the 2001 tour and only stop this year at USA with 40 drivers pre-entered in hopes of qualifying for the Discount Auto Parts 200 presented by Quaker State. This year's event will see the return of former series champion and NASCAR Winston Cup driver Jody Ridley to the All Pro Series. Naples Florida's Billy Bigley Jr., 200 Series Champion, will also spend his weekend off from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series behind the wheel of his familiar number 28. Several other Florida drivers include David Reuitimann, Casey Yunick and Polk Counties own Chris Fontaine.
Joining the NASCAR touring division is the PARTS Pro Truck Series. This southeastern-based short track touring division will making their first of two visits during 2001 to USA International Speedway. Featuring truck bodies on Late Model type chassis, this division has produced spectacular finishes in previous appearances.
Activities get under way Friday night with qualifying for the PARTS Pro Truck Series at 7:30 PM. Qualifying for the NASCAR Gatorade All Pro Series begins at 5 PM on Saturday. Fans will get a chance to meet the drivers at a drivers autograph session at 6 PM. Pre-race activities also include a concert beginning after qualifying with "The Daytona Extreme Machine Band". The Tim Chitwood Thrill Show will also perform prior to race time featuring stunt-driving demonstrations on the front stretch. The start of the Discount Auto Parts 200 presented by Quaker State will follow at 7 PM.
Text provided by Gene Crane
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