USAR Prepares for Southern National Speedway

 

            Kenly, NC (June 24, 2002) - When the 2002 USAR Hooters ProCup Series schedule was set last fall, five new facilities were added that had not been on the 2001 schedule. One of the new stops is at Southern National Speedway in Kenly, NC. The track is located near the town of Wilson and features some of the best short track racing on the east coast. The Hooters ProCup 250 presented by Capital Ford of Goldsboro will feature the 3,300-pound stack cars in action for the first time at the track in five years.

            "We look forward to going to Southern National Speedway," said USAR Director of Series Development Tony Cox. "The facility is first-class and I think the fans will enjoy the show the Hooters ProCup Series will give them when we visit in late June".

            The track hosted USAR when the organization operated the Hooters Cup Late Model Series and for the first season of the Hooters ProCup Series in 1997. The former Late Model Series ran at the track twice in 1996 with a couple of familiar names.

            Hal Goodson, who currently competes in the Hooters ProCup Series, finished third in the first race that year. Mario Gosselin also competed in the race, finishing a solid 13th. Current Winston Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth also competed in the races at Southern National Speedway that year finishing ninth and second, respectively.

            Mardy Lindley and Derrick Kelley also joined Goodson and Gosselin as current ProCup Series regulars who raced in the Hooters Cup Late Model race in 1996. Gosselin, Don Satterfield and Jimmy McClain are two current ProCup drivers who raced there in 1997 in ProCup cars with Gosselin taking the win during his championship season.

            "The track is one that is really fun to race on," said Goodson. "You have to be prepared when you get there to practice and race. Qualifying will be important because of track position."

            A common bond for all drivers is that they will all be on the same learning curve.

            The race will be the ninth of 14 scheduled regular season events for the Southern Division. Southern National will also feature a 40 lap street stock race followed by Bandoleros and Legends races, each for 25 laps. The green flag will be given to the field at 7:30 pm.