Tony Stewart South Boston Grand Marshal

Stewart, Sadler & Donlavey at South Boston Oct. 19

South Boston, VA (Sept. 27, 2002)--Tony Stewart, a top contender for the 2002 Winston Cup Championship, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Oct. 19 USAC Mini Indy Midget 200 at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. Stewart is one of a number of NASCAR Winston Cup celebrities that will be at the Speedway that evening. Legendary Virginia car owner Junie Donlavey and Virginia native Hermie Sadler, driver of the Virginia Lottery Chevrolet in the Winston Cup Series will also make an appearance at South Boston. Donlavey will serve as Honorary Pace Car Driver, while Sadler, Donlavey and Stewart will all participate in a pre-race autograph session. With Martinsville Speedway hosting their Winston Cup event on Sunday, Oct. 20, only 60 miles from South Boston, the list of NASCAR celebrities visiting South Boston Oct.19 is expected to grow.

In last year's USAC event at South Boston, Stewart came from the rear of the field to pull off a last lap pass for the win, receiving a standing ovation from the amazed fans in attendance. Stewart will not be competing this year, giving more South Boston fans the chance to meet him. The first 800 fans through the gate will receive a voucher good for a Tony Stewart autograph. The autograph session is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

"I have had the chance to work with a lot of Winston Cup drivers over the years, and Tony has got to be one of the best there is," commented Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway President Joe Mattioli. "Last year, he not only signed autographs and won the race, but on his own will, spoke individually to 20 children that were here competing in quarter midgets, which is where he started his racing career. Those kids will never forget his kindness and neither will Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway."

In addition to coinciding with Martinsville's Winston Cup activities, fans attending South Boston's USAC event can enjoy the fun and excitement of the annual Halifax County Fair, which will be taking place within walking distance of Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway. The fair features amusement rides, great food, games and entertainment.

Grandstand gates for the USAC Mini Indy Midget 200 open at 2 p.m., with practice getting underway at 3 p.m. Qualifying is at 4 p.m. The autograph session is set for 5.p.m, and racing gets underway at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the USAC Midgets, the evening will include racing for quarter midgets and Scale Racing League Mini Cup Cars and Trucks. ESPN2 will broadcast the event on November 3rd from 5:30-7:00pm.

Reserved seats are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. Adult general admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Advance pricing is good only until 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18. General admission for young adults (10-15) is only $10, with children 9 and under admitted free. A limited number of $15 back straight seats will be available for purchase on race day. Tickets are available on line via tickets.com. Credit card orders can be placed by calling the Speedway toll free at 1-877-440-1540. Further event information can be accessed via the Speedway's website at www.southbostonspeedway.com

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