WEATHER POSTPONES THUNDER IN THE MOUNTAINS 250

for immediate release
October 11, 2001


WEATHER POSTPONES THUNDER IN THE MOUNTAINS 250

NEWPORT, TN - Officials of the American Racing Association (ARA) have 
postponed the $5000 to-win Thunder in the Mountains 250 race at Newport 
Speedway due to weather.  The ARA Kool seal Challenge Series race 
originally set for Saturday, October 13, has been rescheduled for Saturday, 
October 20.

"The weather forecast has put us in a tough position," said Terry 
Treadwell, ARA President.  "This is the first appearance for the ARA Kool 
seal Challenge Sereies cars at Newport Speedway.  Based on current 
information, we would have had a difficult, if not impossible, task of 
running practice, qualifying and the race between the projected thunder 
showers.  By postponing the event for a week, we hope to provide the 
necessary practice time for our teams and a better show for the fans."

The race weekend schedule will follow the same format as previously 
announced.  The ARA Kool Seal Challenge Series teams are set to arrive on 
Friday, October 19, for a closed practice on the high-speed high-banks of 
the super-fast Newport Speedway.

On Saturday, October 20, the gates are scheduled to open at Noon.  Race-day 
practice is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.  Time trials for the Battery 
Supply of Virginia Pole Award are set for 5:30 p.m.  The Thunder in the 
Mountains 250, $5,000 to-win feature race is slated to start at 7:30 p.m.