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ARCA: Winchester ARCA 250 under the lights

1 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Winchester IN--For the first time in series history, the stars and cars of ARCA will race under the lights at Winchester Speedway Saturday night, August 12th.

The 250-lap race, sponsored by GW Pierce Auto Parts, will be the 15th appearance of the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series at Winchester since the series first raced there in 1964. But unlike previous Winchester ARCA races, most of which were 150 laps, this years version will be 250. Additionally, the race will be, for the first time ever, run under the lights scheduled for an 8 PM local start time with practice at 3 PM and qualifying at 5:30.

Frank Kimmel, the 98 ARCA champ, has recently taken over the tightly-contested point lead from veteran Bob Strait heading to Winchester while Tim Steele, whose last Winchester appearance was in 1997, is fast closing in on both in third. Rookie Brian Ross, a former Winchester late model track champion, trails in fourth ahead of veterans Andy Belmont, Mark Gibson and 99 Daytona ARCA 200 winner Bobby Gerhart in fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Des Moines, Iowa driver Shawna Robinson, eighth in points, will make her first Winchester appearance in the Michael Kranefuss-owned Kmart Kids Race Against Drugs Ford Taurus. Robinson is attempting to become the first female driver in history to win in ARCA, in its 48th season of competition. Robinson already holds the distinction of having the highest finishing position among the female ranks after finishing second in the 99 Daytona ARCA 200. Additional entrants include 19-time ARCA winner Bob Schacht, Norm Benning, Cavin Councilor, Joe Cooksey and 99 ARCA rookie of the year Ron Cox to name a few.

Three-time ARCA driving champion Jack Bowsher has entered his familiar #21 Ford Taurus with son Todd Bowsher listed as the driver. The elderly Bowsher won the inaugural ARCA race at Winchester in 1964 and also won two car owner titles with son Bobby in 92 and 94.

For additional information, call Winchester Speedway at (765) 584-9701.

Text provided by ARCA

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