NHRA Summit Racing Series West Central Division Finals from Brainerd International Raceway

NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES - WEST CENTRAL DIVISION FINALS

BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY, BRAINERD, MINN.

FRIDAY, Sept. 16, 2005
 

MORE THAN 500 DRIVERS BEGIN QUEST FOR SUMMIT SERIES

GLORY AT  BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

 

 

 

            BRAINERD, Minn. - The largest so-called "grass-roots" racing
program in the world, the Summit Racing Series, began to unfold Friday
for NHRA West Central Division drag racers at Brainerd International
Raceway (B.I.R).  Racers referred to as "weekend warriors" and "hobby
racers" bring the same  passion to their sport as their professional
brethren.  They will be vying for one of the coveted championships:
Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman and Motorcycle/Snowmobile.  There is also a
High School category for young student racers.

            At stake are cash prizes totaling more than $15,000 with a
chance to go to Pomona, Calif., the first week of November and run off
for a national title and even more cash.  But even more important to the
more than 500 drivers on hand for the weekend will be the bragging
rights that go along with becoming the Top Dog in the whole West Central
Division - NHRA's largest geographical region that includes not only
Minnesota, but Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Wisconsin,
Iowa and the Dakotas.

            What's more, the Summit Racing Series West Central Division
Finals feature a team championship battle that is waged along with the
individual races.  As a driver advances through rounds of competition he
or she earns points for the team they represent from their home track.
Last year's team champions were crowned at the event in Topeka, Kan.
That team, from B.I.R., was led by Super Pro winner Mark Ryberg, and
hopes they can use the home-court advantage this year to double up.

            Joining Ryberg are defending individual champions Jason
Novacek (Pro), from Heartland Park Topeka; Tim Larson (Sportsman) from
Bandimere Speedway in Denver; and Dale Dettlie (Motorcycle) from Rock
Falls in Wisconsin.  Luke Siebert, last year's High School Champion from
Heartland Park Topeka is expected to run in one of the other classes
this year.

            Time trials began Friday and will continue Saturday at 9
a.m. with a special Race of Champions, pitting the top points earners
from each of the 20 teams in competition, scheduled to roll out at 1
p.m.  The Summit Racing Series West Central Division Finals eliminations
will begin for all 500 entries at 9 a.m. Sunday.  Gates open at 7 a.m.
both days.

            B.I.R. is located at 4343 Highway 371, North of Brainerd.
For more information about the event call B.I.R at (218) 824-7220.