02-26 Press Release

FOR RELEASE WEEK OF 03/04 - 03/08

For associated photos please go to: 
www.lebanonvalley.com/02Press/02-26pres.htm
For photo captions hold cursor over photo. Photo Credentials to Kustom 
Keepsakes.

TONY STEWART SET TO DEFEND "THUNDER IN THE VALLEY IV" TITLE 
JUNE 27TH AT THE VALLEY

FEBRUARY 26, 2002
WEST LEBANON NY-One of the strongest threats on the Winston Cup Circuit is 
set to rock and roll on the super fast Lebanon Valley Speedway. In a joint 
effort between track promoter Howard Commander and prominent businessman and 
modified car owner Bryan Goewey, Lebanon Valley Speedway is proud to announce 
the return of Tony Stewart to the high banks for at least two exciting events 
this upcoming season. 
       Last year Tony made three visits to the West Lebanon speedplant. His 
first trip to the racetrack resulted in one of the most exciting events of 
the year. On his maiden voyage, Stewart smoked the entire star-studded field 
enroute to victory in the 100 lap, I Love NY 358 Modified Championship, part 
of the Sunoco Race Fuels Series.
       An ecstatic Stewart returned on an intense Saturday night in the end 
of July to run Goewey's GE Extreme Silicone Technology sponsored modified 
against the regular competitors at the Valley. Mechanical problems sidelined 
the car but his style of racing electrified the crowd.
       Tony's most recent appearance at Lebanon was in the CARQUEST National 
200 last September. The 200 lapper, one of the most exciting fall races on 
the modified schedule, turned out to be another great finish for the GE 
Silicone Adhesives, Goewey owned modified. Stewart was in contention all day 
for the victory and entertained the packed house in the season ending 
modified run and ended the day with a seventh place finish. 
       What does Tony Stewart think of racing at Lebanon Valley?
       "Lebanon Valley is a cool track. It's a big half-miler with long 
straight-aways and lots of banking in the turns, but the corners have a 
pretty tight radius, so this isn't one of those joints where you just hold 
the throttle wide open and go. You really have to drive the car," commented 
Stewart. 
       Plans for this season have Tony once again driving the Goewey owned GE 
Extreme Silicone Technology #20 at the Valley on at least two separate 
occasions. Stewart's first visit to the speedway will take place on Thursday 
June 27th, when he will try to defend his victory in the "Thunder in the 
Valley IV" 100 lap 358 modified championship brought to you by CARQUEST Auto 
Parts, De Crescente Distributors and Molson Beer. He will also make a return 
visit to compete in the CARQUEST National 200 on Sunday September 8th.
       Stewart, a superstar in the Winston Cup ranks, loves to get back to 
grass roots racing and is as hard a competitor as any on the DIRT circuit. 
Competing at Lebanon is special to Tony and he is excited to race in front of 
the Valley fans and added, " the short-track people in New York really are my 
kind of crowd."
       To obtain more information on what's cooking at the Valley or ticket 
purchases, call the speedway office @ (518) 794-9606 or (518) 794-9965 
between 9am-5pm Mon.-Fri. visit us on the web @ www.lebanonvalley.com.