Iowa: Mike Bliss preview

Pleased with the performance of the new Key Motorsports Chevrolet Impala last week at ORP, team owner Curtis Key, along with driver Mike Bliss and crew chief Gary Showalter, have decided to take the car, with a new engine, to Iowa Speedway for Saturday's U. S. Cellular 250.

Bliss posted a 13th place finish at ORP in the green-colored Westerman Companies sponsored machine, the latest addition to the Key Motorsports fleet of No. 40 Nationwide Series vehicles. The Oregon native feels the new car is a good choice for the .875-mile oval in Newton, Iowa.

"The crew made some changes during the race last week that really helped this new car," said Bliss. "Hopefully it will run as good or better at Iowa this weekend. Gary and all the guys on the team have worked hard this year and we are due to have some good races."

GREAT CHOICE: Key Motorsports crew chief Gary Showalter says the new car is a "great choice for Iowa." Showalter and crew have spent the past three days preparing the green machine for 250 laps of Nationwide Series competition. "We have gone through it pretty good and put a new engine in it," explained Showalter. "The guys have done a good job getting the car ready and we are ready to get to the track."

MEET MIKE BLISS IN IOWA: Race fans are invited to attend an autograph party featuring driver Mike Bliss and members of the Key Motorsports race team at The Courtyard by Marriott-Des Moines West/Clive, 1520 NW 114th St., Clive, Iowa, on Thursday, July 29, 2010 beginning at 7 pm local time. "I really enjoy racing at Iowa Speedway," said Bliss. "The fans in Iowa are very supportive, very enthusiastic, and I am looking forward to meeting with them and having a good time Thursday evening." Courtyard by Marriott-Des Moines West/Clive, known among race fans for great accommodations, is an associate sponsor of the Key Motorsports team in the U. S. Cellular 250 Saturday at Iowa Speedway. Fans can call 515-225-1222 for directions.

-source: key motorsports