---

NASCAR Featherlite Modifieds Head for Thompson International Speedway

24 July 1997

               NASCAR MOD TOUR IN MID-WEEK THOMPSON EVENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GARDINER, Me. -- The NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour tops off its
second week of barnstorming in 1997 with the Polar Beverages 150 set
for Wednesday, July 30 at the Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway.

This special mid-week race has proven to be a delight to race fans,
and a great way to spend a sultry July evening.

Rick Fuller from nearby Auburn, Mass. picked up the win in Thompson's
annual Icebreaker race back in April, but he has good reason to want
to add this race to his resume.  It is sponsored by the same company
that sponsors his race team - Polar Beverages.

But, there are others who might feel that Fuller receives enough Polar
money throughout the year, and they will be out to claim their own
share.

One of the hottest drivers on the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Tour
this year has been Mike Stefanik of Coventry, R.I.  After a third
behind Fuller in the Icebreaker, Stefanik drove a borrowed car to a
second-place finish at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. He then strung
together five-straight wins to match the record held by the late
multi-time NASCAR Modified Champion Richie Evans of Rome, N.Y.

But Fuller will have to contend with a number of drivers in addition
to Stefanik if he has any hopes of keeping the Polar money "in the
family."

One driver who might prove to be a threat to Fuller's wishes is Tim
Connolly of Endicott, N.Y. Connolly recently scored a victory on the
Watkins Glen road course. It was his second career NASCAR Featherlite
Modified Tour win, but his first with car owner Bob Garbarino.

Garbarino has fielded winning cars for numerous drivers at Thompson
over the last few decades, and now that Connolly and the Garbarino
team have found a winning combination, they must be considered a
threat wherever they race - especially at a place where Garbarino and
his team have so much experience.

It is likely that following the race, Rick Fuller will be refreshing
himself with a cold Polar Beverage. The only question that remains is
whether of not he will be drinking it in victory lane.

-30-