BUSCH: The Names are the Same, the Faces Aren't

FORT WORTH-DALLAS (March 15, 1999) - The names Petty and Earnhardt are the most famous in NASCAR's 50-year history. For the March 27 Coca-Cola 300 NASCAR Busch Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, the names will be the same but the faces will be new.

Adam Petty, son of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Kyle, grandson of NASCAR's all-time leading winner Richard and great-grandson of NASCAR pioneer Lee will be seeking victory lane in the Coca-Cola 300. Kerry Earnhardt, son of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale, will be looking for that same territory -- the winner's circle -- in the event that will offer competitors nearly $1,000,000.

The youngest of the racing Pettys will guide the Spree Prepaid Phonecard Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the richest Busch Series race ever at Texas Motor Speedway. Earnhardt will be aboard the Channellock Monte Carlo. One of the pair's largest challenges is never having raced at Texas Motor Speedway.

"I guess I will be asking Dale Jr. a lot of questions before this race," Kerry said, referring to the defending Coca-Cola 300 champion, Busch Series champion and half-brother Dale Earnhardt, Jr. "Since this is my first time at most of these speedways, Dale Jr. and I talk for 30 to 45 minutes before we start practice at each race. He has been a huge help to me."

Petty and Earnhardt will be up against plenty of experience just to qualify for the 43-car field. More than 65 Busch Series teams have entered including 23 regular Winston Cup drivers on the list. Leading the group is defending Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will lead the Busch Series regulars along with former series champion Randy LaJoie, Matt Kenseth and Mike McLaughlin. Coca-Cola 300 tickets are available at Texas Motor Speedway, the speedway ticket hotline of (817) 215-8500, on-line at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or at all TicketMaster locations.