BLANEY SETS SIGHT ON LEBANON VALLEY IN 2002

MARCH 05, 2002
WEST LEBANON NY- Current Winston Cup driver Dave Blaney has recently been 
confirmed by speedway management of making at least two appearance at the 
high banked Lebanon Valley Speedway in the 2002 season.  Blaney, who has 
visited victory lane at the half-mile oval twice in his World of Outlaw 
sprint days, will climb behind the wheel of a dirt modified this upcoming 
season.  Last season Blaney stopped into the Valley on two separate occasions 
and the popular chauffeur garnered two great finishes.
    On June 28th, "The Buckeye Bullet" strapped into Steve Hastings' & Joe 
Knoth owned Smith Brothers Masonry number 74 for the first ever I Love NY 358 
Modified Championship.  Blaney was not intimidated by the stellar field and 
proved his ability over the 100-lap affair.  He excited the overflowing crowd 
by making some daring moves and passes on way to a fourth place finish.
    July 21st marked Blaney's' second appearance of the season at Lebanon 
aboard Hastings ride.  Blaney and Tony Stewart both came on a Saturday night 
to challenge the Valley regulars.  Despite the handicapped procedure, Blaney 
stunned the packed house rim riding from the rear to an incredible 5th place 
finish.
    Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the Buckeye Bullet was unable to 
return to the Valley for the annual Kings 200 Weekend.   
    Two excellent finishes on the high banks last year has made Blaney 
determined to get to victory lane in 2002.  Blaney will once again pilot 
Steve Hastings & Joe Knoth owned Smith Bros. Masonry #74 Teo chassis at the 
Valley and is considered a favorite to win at any visit.  
       The first appearance will be at the 100 lap "Thunder in the Valley 
IV," 358 Modified Super Dirt Series Championship event.  Blaney, and fellow 
Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart, will take on Dirt Motorsports finest drivers 
on June 27th. Both have seen victory lane at the Valley and are anxious to 
make a repeat visit.
    Blaney will return to the Lebanon Speed plant on September 8th for the 
CARQUEST National 200, Big Block Modified affair.  He has competed in several 
extra distant races over his career most notably the Eckerd 300, which he 
nearly won a couple different years.  
    The Buckeye Bullet will definitely be a major threat when he circles 
around the high banks.