SWS: Raudman expects to win art Las Vegas

Rancho Santa Margarita, California (September 18, 2000) - Although he's been running a limited schedule the past couple of seasons, Craig Raudman has a way of making his presence known among the Featherlite Southwest Series, NASCAR Touring regulars when he does join the competition.

In his last appearance, July's Ford L.A. Street Race, he took first place after dominating the top five throughout the race, and pacing the field for the final 50 laps of the 125-lap race.

Raudman expects that same level of performance of himself and the Yerf-dog Fun Karts Chevrolet team in this Saturday's StarNursery.com 250 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Bullring.

Although the Bullring is a newly reconfigured version of LVMS' 3/8-mile oval, Raudman has a history of wins and top five finishes on the former track, and has performed well at short tracks throughout his career.

"We'll all be in the same situation, since we'll be essentially at a new track with no notes or experience to pull from," said Raudman. "The key will be adapting as quickly as possible. I like racing short tracks, though, and our experience should be a help."

Raudman will have the benefit of having tested at the Bullring recently, posting some of the fastest times clocked during the session. He noted that the new track has been well designed with a nice shape and a very smooth surface.

"This is a longer than usual race for the Southwest Series, so good pit stops will definitely have an effect on the outcome of the race. I'm lucky to have a great crew backing me up," Raudman continued.

Las Vegas fans will have an opportunity to meet Raudman and the team, and see the racecar and hauler on Friday, September 22 at Race Rock Intl. Race Rock is located at 495 Fremont St. at Las Vegas Blvd. Raudman will be available for interviews and autographs from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Check out the team's Web site at http://www.davereedracing.com for more information.

Dave Reed Racing operates NASCAR Winston West and Featherlite Southwest Series, NASCAR Touring teams featuring Craig Raudman as driver. Raudman's 1999 season results included one win, three top five finishes and one Bud Pole award. He finished the 1998 season in seventh place out of fifteen drivers competing for the Sears Point Raceway Winston West Rookie-of-the-Year Award and thirteenth in the points standings. Raudman finished in the top five in final points standings in four of his past five full NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series seasons.