SES: Shasta: Auggie Vidovich preview

CHAMPIONSHIP STILL IN THE EYES OF VIDOVICH HEADING INTO FINAL THREE

LAKESIDE, Calif. (7 September 2005) -- NASCAR Southwest Series competitor Auggie Vidovich II is not just looking to race a track new to him this Saturday, September 10, when he arrives at Shasta Raceway Park in Northern California but rather gain a substantial number of points in his quest to reclaim another Southwest Series championship. Vidovich will be racing on the 3/8-mile Shasta track similar to his own hometown oval, Cajon Speedway. Recording one top-five and two top-ten finishes throughout the past years at Cajon Speedway, Vidovich likes what the small town tracks have to offer adding that he won both races on the 1/4-mile Stockton 99 track earlier this year. "The tight nose-to-tail racing gives the fans an awesome show. I always enjoyed returning to my hometown 3/8-mile track in El Cajon, California before it closed down this year," said the nine-time main event winner who is eager to take to the Anderson, California oval at the Shasta Fairgrounds for the Shasta "125" race. The Southwest Series is heading to Shasta after a 16-year absence and Vidovich is positioned only nine points out of second with three races remaining in the series.

With a fourth-place finish at Irwindale Speedway August 8, Vidovich is showing that he is not backing off his stalking for another championship in 2005. The fan-favorite twenty-four-year-old racer came from a 19th place starting position up to fourth, passing 14 cars with ease during the 150-lap race. In fact, he avoided an early race accident in the backstretch. Vidovich maneuvered past positions smoothly one-by-one with the only car that handled well on the lower inside groove. "This finish was a good one for our points bringing our team to within nine points of second heading into this weekend's race at Shasta," said Vidovich who thought his car was going to be too tight for the Irwindale race.

On another note, Vidovich last month took part in two intense weeks of testing on and off the track at this year's Roush Racing Gong Show and recently took time to reflect on his experiences from the entire three weeks of testing down south. Not only was Vidovich the only driver selected from California, he also made it down to one of six finalists for the chance at a fully-sponsored Roush Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride in 2006. "The experience, I will never forget and I thank Jack Roush and the panel of judges for considering me out of the 1700 submitted resumes," said Vidovich from his Lakeside, California race shop. Testing took place at Martinsville Speedway and Darlington Raceway for this year's Discovery Channel Roush Racing Gong Show Driver Search. Vidovich once again proved to many that he was able to handle the heavy trucks on the fast southern tracks with a competitive edge and confidence moving him into the final six out of 1700. The 13-part reality show will air this fall.

Team Vidovich and the No. 11 Centrifugal Technologies car owner Rich Fountain will continue to dedicate the remainder of the races to the recovery of Samantha Palumbo of San Dimas, California by featuring Samantha's photo on Vidovich's hood. Samantha, the beautiful 16-year-old current Miss California Junior National Teen, was involved in a near-fatal accident April 8, 2005. "Our team is happy to continue assisting the Sam and Diana Palumbo family in spreading the word about Samantha's story," said Vidovich. A benefit Dinner Dance and Live Auction is scheduled for September 16 at the Pacific Palms Resort (Industry Hills, California) for the 3.85 GPA sophomore cheerleader and junior varsity team swimmer. It is not too late to contact the www.pray4samantha.com website to get tickets or donate to the charity auction. Samantha has done so much for others like starting her own charitable project "To Mom, With Love" last fall where she collects and donates gift items and supplies to be given to children staying in local women's shelters so the children can make their own special presents for their moms. Samantha continues to heal at Casa Colina in Pomona continuing to receive physical, speech and occupational therapies. The Palumbo family extends their deepest gratitude to all those that are helping their daughter by praying for her and supporting them during this most difficult time.

Vidovich, the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion, continues to maintain the lead in Southwest Series laps lead at 369 and is tied with three wins a piece with series driver, Jim Pettit II.

-www.vidovichracing.com.