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Tracks: Racing About to Shift to High Gear at USA International Speedway

22 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Lakeland, FL - Following months of testing and preparation fast paced racing excitement gets underway on Saturday February 26th when the United Speed Alliance Racing Hooters ProCup Series kicks off their 2000 season in the Naturally Fresh Foods 250 presented by Johnsonville Bratwurst here at USA International Speedway.

Continuously for the past three months the roar of race engines propelling nearly every type of racing vehicle known around the high bank 3/4 mile asphalt which makes up the USA International Speedway has pierced the air. Race teams from Winston Cup, Busch, Truck, IRL, CART, ASA, Formula 2000 and the USAR Hooters ProCup Series have visited Lakeland to test and fine tune their equipment and personnel all in pursuit of championships in their respective series.

The opening event, the first of four visits to USA during 2000 for the USAR Hooters ProCup Series, holds much anticipation for many new as well as the established teams. Although just beginning its fourth year of operation, the USAR ProCup series has caught the eye of many race fans across the country. ProCup is viewed as the series to run by many rising young racing lions as well as seasoned veterans looking to climb the ladder of professional stock car racing. Over 100 drivers have registered for competition licenses and are readying their 3400-pound steel-bodied machines for the upcoming season. Some of those veterans returning to the short track wars include defending series champion and race winner Bobby Gill, Jay Fogleman, Johnny Rumley, Steve Christian, Mike Laughlin Jr., Charlie Ford, Marty Ward, Derrick Kelley and the only woman currently racing in the series Karen Schulz. The Rookie of the Year battle will also be intense with former national late model stock champio! ns and championship contenders joining what can best be described as the "TEEN SCENE", a half dozen young drivers still in their teenage years but looking to prove their abilities against the veterans.

The always-exciting SARA Sportsman Series will also be on tap for the February 26th opener in a 50-lap shootout following the Naturally Fresh Foods 250.

Race time is 7 PM. Pit gates open at 8 AM followed by grandstands open at noon. Qualifying begins at 3 PM with a driver autograph session beginning at 6 PM.

The remaining 2000 race schedule for USA International Speedway brings the American Speed Association to Lakeland on March 25 and 26th for the B.F. Goodrich 200. The NASCAR Slim Jim AllPro Series marks their return on April 29th in the running of the Discount Auto Parts/ROL Gaskets 200. The Hooters ProCup Series highlights the month of June with the Lucas Oil 250 on June 3rd. The second annual Howell and Thornhill Florida State Super Late Model Championship takes to the highbanks on July 29th. Labor Day Weekend features the Hooters ProCup Series on September 2nd in the Jackaroo Sauces 250. The fourth annual Discount Auto Parts/Pennzoil 150 for the NASCAR Goodys Dash Series is October 21st. The 2000 schedule draws to a close during the Thanksgiving weekend with the running of the Hooters 300 Alan Kulwicki Memorial for the Hooters ProCup Series on November 25th.

For more information contact the speedway office at 1-800-984-7223.

Notes for the Naturally Fresh Foods 250 presented by Johnsonville Bratwurst



Distance - 250 laps

Post event purse - $67,000+

Starting field 40 cars

ProCup track record - 21.804 sec. 117.144 mph Bobby Gill 11-27-99

1999 Hooters ProCup Series Champion - Bobby Gill

1999 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year - Steve Christian
Bobby Gill completed all but one lap of competition heading into the season finale in 1999 where a crash in turn three marked his only DNF of the season. Numerous late model wins and championships highlight Bobby's resume who is also a veteran of the Craftsman Truck Series of NASCAR and additionally tested a Craftsman Series truck at Daytona earlier this year setting the fastest time of all test days.

Jay Fogleman returns after finishing runner up in the series championship chase in 1999. In addition to wins in prestigious late model stock events including Martinsville VA, Jay has Busch Grand National experience and pending sponsor involvement, may compete on limited basis in Busch during 2000.

Auburndale, FL driver Derrick Kelley will move to the Competition Motorsports entry previously piloted by Michael Ritch who has moved to the Busch series. Derrick went to the Winners Circle twice in '99 earning a $25,000 bonus through the Four Champions Series program. Discount Auto Parts will remain the sponsor of the number 21.

2 time Busch Grand National winner Johnny Rumley will again wheel the T-Bone Motorsports Chevrolet. Johnny will serve as mentor for rookie contender Regan Smith.

NASCAR Winston Racing Series champion Dexter Canipe will run for the Miller Lite Rookie of the Year honors.

The famed Wood Brothers will join the ProCup series as Jon Wood, son of Eddie Wood, will debut in a Ford Taurus sponsored by GoRacing.com.

16 year old Allison Legacy Car National Champion Regan Smith will also compete for Rookie of the Year.

Canadian champion Ron Beauchamp Jr. will bring his Dodge Avenger to the Rookie battle for 2000. Ron is the 1998 CASCAR Eastern Champion.

Following a successful career as a fashion model, Link Kiser will wheel a Chevrolet wrenched by famed racer and owner Maxi Bush. Link has modeled for Calvin Klein Jeans. Hollywood actor Victor Browne owns Link's car.

Another 16 year old challenger is B. J. McCleod of Wauchula, FL. B. J. comes to the Hooters ProCup Series a 2 time winner in the All Star Late Model Series.

Also slated to run for Rookie of the Year is Shane Huffman of Claremont, NC. Shane has competed in the Hickory/Tri-County events during '98 and '99 starting on the outside of the front row at Hickory this past June in an Andy Petree Chevrolet.

Mulbire Motorsports brings David L. Pletcher (Buggy) back to follow up on two impressive runs at USA during '99 with a Rookie of the Year campaign with their Pinellas Park team.

Text provided by Gene Crane

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.