NASCAR and USAC Speed Into Texas for 'Racefest 2006'

AUSTIN, Texas, June 20 -- Full Throttle Productions -- producer of last year's sell-out "Allstate Texas Thunder 200" -- today announced plans for an expanded 2006 event featuring a NASCAR Grand National Division race, two United States Auto Club (USAC) National Midget Series races, concerts and a full line-up of family activities. Billed as the "Allstate Thunder & Lightning Racefest," the multi-weekend event will be the only place in Texas that fans can see both a NASCAR race and USAC races as part of the same event.

"We are very excited to bring NASCAR racing back to Central Texas this year," Aryn White, co-founder of Full Throttle Productions, said. "The addition of the first USAC National Midget Series races in Texas in nearly a half century is sure to attract open-wheel race fans and expose Texans to another exciting form of racing."

This year's "Allstate Texas Thunder 200," a NASCAR Grand National Division Series race, features cars nearly identical to those that are raced in the Nextel Cup Series, with only very minor modifications. Thirty of the top drivers from around the country will race to win on Sat., Sept. 30, at Thunder Hill Raceway.

"Thunder Hill is such a fun place for fans to watch any race, but for the races to be NASCAR and USAC is something that no other racetrack in the state offers," said Tavo (C.T.) Hellmund, NASCAR driver and Full Throttle Productions co-founder. "The intimate setting allows fans to watch the cars race up-close and experience how fast and exciting big-time auto racing really is."

Fans are invited to experience racing first-hand when Team Texas of Texas Motor Speedway offers rides around the track in real NASCAR stock cars on Sun., Oct. 8. After being fitted for a helmet, drivers will be buckled into the passenger seat of an actual NASCAR Nextel Cup stock car for a five lap ride reaching blinding speeds. Drivers under age 18 have the opportunity to drive go-carts around the oval track.

The "Allstate Texas Lightning 100" races, held Sat., Oct. 14, and Sun., Oct. 15, will showcase the lightning fast speeds of USAC National Midget Series racing. The premise of USAC Midget racing is simple: squeeze as much horsepower as you can into a compact engine and bolt it onto an open-wheel, open cockpit lightweight chassis. The result is an intensely fast, pure racing machine built for heart-stopping, wheel-to-wheel action. Legendary drivers A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, as well as current superstars Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, consider their achievements racing USAC Midgets as some of the most difficult and rewarding accomplishments of their careers. Tony Stewart continues to compete when his Nextel Cup schedule permits.

"USAC is very grateful to Full Throttle Productions for bringing Midget racing back to Texas. The company's reputation for successful event promotion is second only to its emphasis on event quality," Rollie Helmling, president and CEO of USAC, said. "We are excited about returning to The Lone Star State and, specifically, to the Austin area. This race should be great for both our drivers and our Texas fans."

Junior race fans can play in the Kid Zone where they can have their picture taken in an actual NASCAR Grand National Division racecar, experience interactive fun from RadioDisney, shake hands with the Texas Motor Speedway mascot, Sparky, scale a rock climbing wall and much more. Other Racefest events include autograph sessions with drivers, pit tours and concerts. All Racefest activities will be held at Thunder Hill Raceway, just off I-35 between Austin and San Antonio in Kyle, Texas.

Racefest 2006 advanced tickets will go on sale today, June 20, and will be available at http://www.texasracefest.com/ , http://www.starticketsplus.com/ , as well as all Star Tickets locations. Fans who purchase a Racefest Pass will receive a free official Racefest 2006 t-shirt.

Racefest 2006 is an event Central Texans won't want to miss. The fast speeds and close racing of 700 horsepower engines, coupled with the Kid Zone, make it an affordable event that will be fun for adults and kids alike.

About the NASCAR Grand National Division

The NASCAR Grand National Division cars are nearly identical to those used in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and in the NASCAR Busch Series. It is the only NASCAR division that allows teams to choose which car they will use for each track. The cars are powered by 350 to 358 cubic-inch V-8 engines with a maximum compression ratio of 12:1, with a minimum weight of 3,300 pounds without the driver. The Grand National Division is in its 53rd season in 2006.

About the United States Auto Club National Midget Series

The USAC National Midget Car Series has produced some of the top open- wheel and stock car racers, and continues to be home to some of America's great racing talent. During its 11-month season, USAC hosts some of the most competitive racing in the country, due in part to the variety of tracks on which it races and the quick reflexes necessary to maneuver the 900-pound, front engine midget cars. NASCAR veterans Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, as well as open-wheel legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti had stellar USAC Midget careers.

About Full Throttle Productions

Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, based sports and special event production company that provides event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.