Lakeland Release
Press Release For Immediate Release Contact: Gene Crane PR and Media Relations P.O. Box 90097 Lakeland, FL 33804-0097 863 984-RACE (7223) 800 984-RACE (7223) 863 984-2442 Fax genecrane@usaspeedway.com November 19, 2001 Who Is The Fastest Crew in United Speed Alliance Racing's HOOTERS ProCup Series? The GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge Set To Decide Lakeland, FL -The top teams for the 2001 season head to Lakeland's USA International Speedway for the final race of the Four Champions Championship Series races and GOODYEAR has stepped up to offer the crews a chance to decide who is quickest on pit road. The first annual GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge leads a night of championship racing for the USAR Hooters ProCup Series on February 24th starting at 5 PM. The GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge will pit the top 5 teams from the regular point season from each the north and south series against each other for a shot at the $10,000 in prize money. With $5,000 on the line for the overall winner, each of the 10 teams will be judged not only on their speed but also accuracy. Each car will be checked for loose lug nuts with a penalty for each lug not sufficiently tightened. Larry Robinson of GOODYEAR announced the competition last January and the contest was originally scheduled for September 15th at Chicago Motor Speedway. The terrorist attacks of September 11th forced the cancellation of the Chicago race weekend and the GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge was rescheduled for the series finale Alan Kulwicki Memorial Hooters 300 weekend November 24th. During the announcement Robinson remarked that the motivation to create the contest is to recognize the efforts made on pit road by crews to get their driver in position to win. With a point fund distribution of more than one million dollars and the 2001 championship yet to be decided, the GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge leads a night of intensity for many crews and drivers. Bobby Gill looks to capture an unprecedented third ProCup title but Darlington South Carolina's Hal Goodson holds the point lead and has been the benefactor of an unbelievable run of fortune following the closing of his previous teams operation just five days before the second championship race. Goodson responded to the bad news by taking a loaned car from the Bill Plemons team to victory lane twice to move him into the lead. The 19 point advantage owned by Goodson does not leave much margin for error on the part of the team or driver and Gill from the second spot cannot ignore third place Shane Huffman just 9 points back. Mardy Lindley and Brian Vickers round out the top five in the point standings and are just 22 and 27 points respectively behind Huffman leaving the championship chase wide open. Action gears up at USA International Speedway at 3:30 with Qualifying followed by the GOODYEAR Pit Crew Challenge at 5 PM. An on-track Autograph session at 6:15 allows fans a chance to meet the stars and get an up-close look at the cars they will be watching in competition. The green flag then falls on the Alan Kulwicki Memorial Hooters 300 at 7:30 PM. More information including entry list and detailed race day schedule is available at the speedway website, www.usaspeedway.com -30- For more information about USA International Speedway, please visit our web site at http://usaspeedway.com/.