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MISC: Drivers Dismore and Blaney to Appear at Motorsports Expo in DC

17 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Planning for the Washington D.C. Motorsports Expo shifts into high gear as the show opens its three-day run at the Capital Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia on December 8, 2000. With support from several automotive manufacturers and motorsport sponsors, the expo is shaping up as a national level exposition in its inaugural year.

Chevrolet has agreed to make the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo one of the stops on the "Monte Carlo Thunder Tour" this year. In addition to racing simulators, a Monte Carlo pace car, and an assortment of Chevrolet's performance products, the "Monte Carlo Thunder Tour" features three NASCAR Winston Cup cars. Dale Earnhardt's famous black No.3 GM Goodwrench Monte Carlo will be featured along with his special Tasmanian Devil car driven at Daytona and Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Dupont Monte Carlo.

MBNA America has participated in various professional motorsports series in the United States, sponsoring drivers, teams and awards. Their presence at the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo includes the 300-mph NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driven by Cory McClenathan, Bobby Labonte's Winston Cup car, Jason Leffler's NASCAR Busch Series Pontiac and an Indy car driven by Tom Sneva.

Bridgestone/Firestone will grace the Capital Expo Center by exhibiting a West McLaren from the FIA Formula One World Championship. McLaren has eight Formula One Constructor's World Championships and three victories in the Indianapolis 500. Firestone, tire supplier to the winner of this year's Indianapolis 500, will also exhibit an Indianapolis style race car.

The Ford Motor Company and FedEx are two of the latest corporations to join Chevrolet, MBNA America, and Bridgestone/Firestone at this year's Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo.

Autograph Alley at the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo will give race fans an opportunity to greet personalities from all forms of motorsport. While the entire personality line up has yet to be determined due to driver commitments to sponsors, award banquets and testing schedules, two drivers have confirmed their appearance at this year's show.

Mark Dismore, driver of the Onstar GM BuyPower Oldsmobile-powered Dallara entered by Kelley Racing in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, will appear on the evening of Friday, December 8, 2000. Dismore has raced in USAC Midgets, Atlantics, the Chevrolet Corvette Challenge, Super Vee, the CART FedEx Series and endurance racing, winning the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1993 with Dan Gurney's All American Racers Toyota GTP program. While competing in the Toyota Atlantic series, Dismore broke two records previously set by the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, most consecutive wins (4) and career wins (14).

Dave Blaney has confirmed his participation at the show but has yet to determine the appearance date. Blaney currently drives the No. 93 Amoco Pontiac entered in NASCAR Winston Cup competition by Bill Davis Racing. Blaney started his racing career on dirt bullrings driving sprint cars and midgets. Blaney, who won the USAC Silver Crown Championship in 1984, moved to NASCAR Busch competition in 1998 after a long career driving in the Pennzoil World of Outlaws series. Blaney scored 12 top-ten finishes in NASCAR Busch competition in 1999 before moving up to the Winston Cup series for 2000.

The Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo will feature three distinct areas for attractions, manufacturers, and vendors. The Manufacturer's Midway will feature the latest products for racers and do-it-yourself automotive enthusiasts. The vendor's area will include opportunities to shop for motorsports related memorabilia and apparel just in time for the holiday season.

Text provided by David Reininger

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