Goody's Dash Series Prepares To Visit The City Of Champions
By Randy Claypoole

September 9, 2002

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The Goody's Dash Series, NASCAR Touring, one of NASCAR's longest running regional touring series, is familiar with making history.

On Friday, September 13, 2002 the Goody's Dash Series will break new ground by competing within just a few minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. No NASCAR Touring Series has ever been this close to downtown Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is familiar with championships, fierce competition, and loyal fans. From Its three rivers rises history defined and outlined with some of the greatest moments known to mankind.

From its industrial past to the renaissance of the present, "The Burgh" stands tall in American Tradition.

So, it is a "Big Deal" for NASCAR to make its presence known in such a place. And the Goody's Dash Series enthusiastically embraces this opportunity.

2002 Championship Points leader, Jake Hobgood will lead the parade as the Goody's Dash Series rolls into town Friday for the Travel Club International 150 at Motordrome Speedway in Smithton.

Motordrome is a half mile banked oval that is a member of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Presented by Dodge. A track that well defines the spirit of NASCAR competition.

Mag Clip Rookie of the Year contender, Chuck Gafrarar is as excited as anyone about returning to his home state. Gafrarar is from Lancaster and is a graduate of Penn State University. Chuck was among those who visited the track and downtown Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. Robert Huffman and Randy Humphrey, along with Gafrarar spent two days promoting the upcoming event. They signed hundreds of autographs while visiting Motordrome and Station Square.

Gafrarar returned last week to conduct a "Rookie Test" at the local track. "This is a really nice place. It took me a while to learn how to get around the track. It actually has several racing grooves," Gafrarar commented.

History making indeed. For the second time in 2002, three female drivers will enter a NASCAR race. Kelly Sutton and Arlene Pittman will be joined by Wendy Hicks, who will be making her first appearance in a Goody's Dash Series race.

The last time the Goody's Dash Series visited the state of Pennsylvania was June 7, 1986 when the series ran at Pocono International Raceway.

The Goody's Dash Series will be practicing from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, with Qualifying getting underway at 6:45 pm. The night's events will include a 75-lap Late Model feature, Motordrome's final points race of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Presented by Dodge 2002 Season. The Goody's Dash Series race takes the green flag at 9:00 pm.

The series is coming off a wild event at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway. After taking two weeks off these drivers are ready to get back to racing. There is a lot on the line. There is a Championship to be decided. By appearance it may seem all but over.  By calculations, Jake Hobgood needs to finish well ahead of Robert Huffman, Justin Hobgood, and Cam Strader to secure his spot at the podium in November. Should he encounter difficulty and finish well back in the pack, it could be a rebirth for the hopes of the other drivers mentioned. With Motordrome being a new track, all of the teams are basically on a level playing field. So, anything can happen.

Kelly Sutton and Mark Howard are two drivers who have raced at Motordrome, both having competed in the Allison Legacy Series. Kelly Sutton is involved in the chase for the Mag Clip Rookie of the Year title. Mark Howard will be making his first series appearance as a driver. Howard served as a crew chief for former Series Champion, Mickey York.

For More Information Contact:
Randy Claypoole, Series Public Relations/Media Coordinator
386/437-1560 or email: [email protected]
Log on to www.nascartouring.com/goodysdashseries/ for all the latest news and statistics.

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