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

MISC: Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo Adds Four Drivers to Appearance Schedule

3 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Herndon, VA - Four more drivers have confirmed personal appearances at the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo, held December 8-10, 2000 at the Capital Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. The three-day show will feature a manufacturers midway loaded with the latest performance equipment, show cars, vendors and attractions, including racing simulators and driver autograph sessions.

Joining NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dave Blaney and Indy Racing's Mark Dismore at this years show will be Sterling Marlin, Sarah Fisher, Robert Pressley and Jeff Altenburg.

Sterling Marlin will meet and greet his fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures for two hours starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday December 9, 2000. The veteran driver of the Coors Light/Team Sabco No. 40 Chevrolet made his NASCAR Winston Cup debut substituting for his injured father, Coo Coo Marlin at Nashville Speedway in 1976. Seven years later, Marlin landed his first full time ride in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, earning the Rookie of the Year title in 1983.

Marlin scored his first win in NASCAR Winston Cup competition at the Daytona 500 in 1994. Repeating as Daytona 500 champion in 1995, Marlin became the first driver in NASCAR history to record his first two career victories in the "Super Bowl" of stock car racing. Only two other drivers, Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough, hold the distinction of earning back-to-back victories in the Daytona 500.

Joining the veteran NASCAR driver in Autograph Alley on Saturday will be Sarah Fisher, rising star of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series.

After starting her career in karting, Fisher moved into midgets and sprints, earning wins in NAMARS, ARCA and USAC midget competition before landing a Indy car ride for the 2000 season with Walker Racing. Although Walker Racing started the season late, missing the season opening Indy 200 at Orlando, Fisher resides in fourth place in rookie of the year standings, only 19 points behind the leader.

In May, the 19-year old Butler University student became the third woman in history to compete in the Indianapolis 500 when she started 19th in the 85th running of the 500 mile classic.

Last month at the Kentucky Speedway, in her eighth career Indy Racing start, Fisher scored a career best third place finish, earning a place on the podium alongside winner Buddy Lazier and runner-up Scott Goodyear

Northern Light, title sponsor of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, will exhibit an Indy Racing car, at the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo, allowing fans to sit in the car for a special photo opportunity. The Northern Light exhibit will also feature Jeff Burton's Northern Light-sponsored NASCAR Busch Grand National car.

On Sunday, December 10, 2000, NASCAR Winston Cup driver Robert Pressley will meet and greet his fans in Autograph Alley. Pressley, of Ashville, NC, is the driver of the No. 77 Jasper Motorsports Ford Taurus.

After making his debut in 1994, Pressley competed in his first full season of NASCAR Winston Cup competition in 1995. A season-long battle with Ricky Craven for rookie of the year honors ended at the final race of the season when Pressley suffered engine problems, ending his chances of earning the prestigious crown.

Pressley's best finish this season came at the Kmart 400 at Michigan Speedway in June where he placed fifth

Jeff Altenburg is the latest driver to confirm his appearance on Autograph Alley at the Washington, D.C. Motorsports Expo. Altenburg, currently third in the BF Goodrich Trans-Am Series Championship standings, 60 points behind series leader Paul Gentilozzi, drives a Jaguar for the Fairfax, Virginia-based Steele Racing team.

After scoring podium finishes in four races this season, Altenburg currently enjoys a commanding 58-point lead in rookie of the year standings. With five top-five finishes in eight races, Altenburg is capable of producing a win before his rookie season is over.

The date and time of Jeff Altenburg's appearance, along with the names of additional drivers appearing at the show, will be announced soon.

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.