The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

PARTS Trucks: Record Purse Announced for Truck Race

24 May 1999

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Professional Association of Racing Trucks (PARTS) announced today that a record purse will be paid for the June 5 Alabama Tailgate $10,000 at South Alabama Motor Speedway.

The winners share of the purse will be $10,000, which is causing quite a bit of interest. With an average of 60 trucks showing up to qualifying for Pro Truck Series events, the added incentive is expected to bring out more competitors.

"At a typical PARTS Pro Truck Event, we have some of the most competitive racing in America," said Larry Evans, president of PARTS. "With $10,000 to win, we expect the competition to be beyond compare."

The drivers in the PARTS Pro Truck Series are short-track drivers who travel the Southeast United States in the 12-race series. The series makes stops in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina Tennessee and Alabama.

"We have drivers from as far away as Michigan and Maryland who compete regularly on the series," said Evans. "These guys put on a show wherever we go and the fans that show up at the South Alabama Motor Speedway event wont be disappointed."

Randy Gilbert of Dallas, Ga. has won three of the first four races this season and has to be considered a top contender for a win on June 5. A local favorite, Butch Gafnea of McCalla, Ala., is coming off his first win of the season and is always a front runner.

Defending PARTS Pro Truck Series Champion, Kevin Barrett of Cleveland, Ga. has yet to win in 1999 and has already conducted testing at the 4/10-mile track. Derek Hagen of Cadillac, Mich. is also hungry for a win this season.

Activity for the Alabama Tailgate $10,000 will get underway on Friday, June 4th with practice beginning at 6 p.m. A drivers autograph session is scheduled for 6 p.m .on Saturday and the first race is scheduled for 7 p.m.

South Alabama Motor Speedway is located just south of Opp, Ala. For additional information, call 334-565-3539 or 706-653-8990.

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.