Fw: New Smyrna Preview

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Tim Southers 
To: Tim Southers 
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2002 10:51 AM
Subject: New Smyrna Preview


  
For Immediate Release

 

Tim Southers

USAR Media Relations

(770) 719-0204

usar@bellsouth.net

www.usarprocup.com

 

USAR Returns to Familiar Florida Track
 

            Fayetteville, GA (March 25, 2002) -            The USAR Hooters ProCup Series will return to familiar territory on April 6 when New Smyrna Speedway hosts the Hooters ProCup Series 250 as the Series concludes its three-race swing through Florida to open the 2002 Southern Division schedule. 

            USAR visited the fast one-half mile track during the mid 1990s when it operated the Hooters Cup Late Model Series. However, when USAR returns in April the track will look very different. 

            Track owner Robert Hart and promoter Don Nerone have worked to make several improvements at the track known throughout North America for its traditional Speed Weeks series of races on nine consecutive nights during February.

            The track expanded its inspection areas in the infield to accommodate technical inspection for competitors and has also made it possible for all haulers from the Hooters ProCup Series to be parked outside to ensure fans an opportunity to see all of the action during the race.

            The track also hosted a standing room only crowd last fall during the running of the Govenor's Cup when Govenor Jeb Bush attended the special night of racing. The track is also welcoming back Florida driver and 1997 USAR Hooters ProCup Series champion Mario Gosselin. 

            "The track is a very nice track," said Gosselin. "It has long straights and tight turns. It is one where you have to have the car handling great to get around."

It will also be a challenge for ProCup drivers to have their car "hooked up enough" to get around the track and also save tires, according to Gosselin.

            "Tire wear will be a factor for the car," said Gosselin. "It won't be as bad as tracks like Five Flags or Peach State on the tires. If you have your car set up properly then hopefully you can make the tires last."

            Bobby Gill enters the April 6th race in first place in the point standings after winning the first two races of the season at USA International Speedway and Five Flags Speedway. Gill can become the first driver in the history of the USAR Hooters ProCup Series to win the first three season-opening events at New Smyrna Speedway.

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