BNS: Series to debut on NBC at The Glen

Little Trees 150 Presented By Pepsi At Watkins Glen On August 11 Marks Busch North Series Debut On NBC-TV

Posted Awards Are Largest In Series History

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (August 1, 2001) - The Little Trees 150 presented by Pepsi at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 11, will mark the debut of the Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring on live broadcast network television as NBC carries the event flag-to-flag for a national audience. The Little Trees 150 presented by Pepsi is the major supporting event for the Global Crossing at the Glen NASCAR Winston Cup race on Sunday, August 12 at the 2.45 mile Watkins Glen road course.

NASCAR officials have released the entry blank for the Little Trees 150, showing total posted awards of $234,525, the largest in Busch North Series history. The winner will collect over $30,000, also the largest in the 15-year history of the series.

Andy Santerre is the defending winner of the Little Trees 150 and the only two-time champion of the event. All the contenders for the 2001 Busch North Series title will be in action, including point leader Mike Olsen, who carries the colors of event sponsor Little Trees Car Freshner. "It's huge to be on NBC with a nationwide, even worldwide audience, and it really gives added value to their sponsorship," Olsen said. "I'd love to win it, but if we can get a solid top five run and get Little Trees some exposure, it will be a good weekend for us," he added.

Other title challengers Kelly Moore, Mike Johnson, Tracy Gordon, and two-time defending series champion Brad Leighton, and Martin Truex Jr. will be joined by past winners Bryan Wall and Ted Christopher, while several established road racers are also expected to participate. Practice and qualifying are set for Friday, August 10, with race time at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 11.

The Busch North Series is one of nine NASCAR Touring series which blanket the USA, bringing major events to NASCAR Weekly Racing Series tracks as well as superspeedways and road courses like Watkins Glen International. The NASCAR Touring program is recognized as the premier training ground for NASCAR's national series, the Winston Cup Series, Busch Series, Grand National Division, and Craftsman Truck Series, while also providing career opportunities for professional racers at the regional level. Corporations making major contributions to NASCAR Touring point funds include Anheuser-Busch Inc., Featherlite Trailers, Goody's Headache Powders, Gatorade, RE/MAX International, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Raybestos Brakes, and R.J. Reynolds' Winston brand.

-nascar/bns-