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CORR: Douglas on pole for Crandon Governor's Cup race

Rancho Ford driver on pole for 9th annual Governor's Cup Race at Crandon Raceway. Governor McCallum to award cup, Sunday, June 23 in Crandon CRANDON, WI -- Crandon International Off-Road Raceway opens the 2002 off-road race season this coming ...

Rancho Ford driver on pole for 9th annual Governor's Cup Race at Crandon Raceway.

Governor McCallum to award cup, Sunday, June 23 in Crandon

CRANDON, WI -- Crandon International Off-Road Raceway opens the 2002 off-road race season this coming June 22-23 with the annual Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run Races. The weekend features the 9th annual running of the Potawatomi Governor's Cup race -- the longest running Heavy Metal Challenge race of its type in the nation. This year, the honorable Governor of the State of Wisconsin, Scott McCallum, will be hand on to award the coveted trophy named for the Office he holds.

The Governor's Cup Heavy Metal Challenge race pits 800 hp 4x4 trucks against high performance 2-wheel drive trucks in a 10-lap shootout over Crandon's 1.75 mile course. The 4x4 trucks are the pinnacle of off-road racing machines and the 2-wheel drive trucks, which are at a disadvantage, will receive a 100-yard handicap at the start of the race. "We are delighted to have Governor McCallum attend this year's event," said Clifford Flannery, track president. "It is indeed a special honor to have him in Crandon at the World Capital of Off-Road Racing."

On the pole position will be Scott Douglas, El Cajon, CA, who was first to register for the event. Douglas, who drives the black and red Rancho Ford F-150 4x4 truck, is a previous winner of the $100,000 BorgWarner Cup but curiously has never won a Governor's Cup. "We're fast this year, real fast," said Douglas. "And being on the pole for the Potawatomi Governor's Cup race should help us move to the front quickly," he said. "Our Rancho-BF Goodrich team can't wait to get to Crandon -- it's the Big House for off-road racing," he said. "My plan is to be shaking hands with Governor McCallum and Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Gus Frank in Crandon's victory circle on Governor Cup Sunday," Douglas said.

Second to Douglas is Johnny Greaves, DePere, WI, whose Forest County Potawatomi Toyota Tundra 4x4 has looked sharp in five earlier outings this season. Pole-sitter in the 2-wheel drive class is Dan Vanden Heuvel, Appleton, WI. The Governor's Cup race is also open to semi-pro 2-wheel drive pickups as well as semi-pro Formula 4x4 trucks. First to enter a Formula 4x4 truck in the race is Jerry Bundy, Tolland, CT, with a Jeep CJ, followed by Chris Raffo, Arlington Heights, IL, who has entered a Chevrolet Blazer.

The total purse for the 2002 Governor's Cup race exceeds $30,000 for the first time. The first place prize check in the inaugural Governor's Cup battle, won by the "Duke of Wisconsin" --Curt LeDuc -- was just.$3,000. "Joining the the Forest County Potawatomi at Crandon Raceway with prizes and contingency for the race are great companies such as Ford Truck, Miller Electric Welders, Miller Lite and Toyota Racing Development", noted Flannery.

In addition to the financial investment by the Forest County Potawatomi in this race, Ford Truck has posted $5,000 if the winner is driving a Ford F-150 into Victory Circle. Ford has offered an additional $1,000 to the first two-wheel drive truck crossing the finish line, if it is a Ford. Toyota has posted $2,000 if the winner of the race is driving a Toyota truck.

The driver who wins the race will also be the recepient of a Miller Electric Welder Spectrum plasma cutter valued at $1,000. And Crandon sponsor Miller Lite, in conjuction with Potawatomi Bingo Northern Lights Casino, has once again recognized Governor Cup winners on a limited edition pint glass. The collectible glass series was initiated last year.

Also part of the hoopla surrounding the Governor's Cup race is the permanent Governor's Cup award on display at the Casino. This Cup includes the name of the winning driver by year, vehicle type, tire sponsor, home town and last but not least, the presiding Governor of the State of Wisconsin. "It's an impressive award and will be on display at the Casino and track over the weekend," said Flannery.

The Johnsonville Sausage Formula 4x4 truck class is all-new at Crandon this season. In an historic moment, the first racer to register for the new class is Rich Hiebing,Wabeno, WI.

The Governor's Cup race is the highlight of a weekend of off-road racing at Crandon during the Brush Run Races. That race is scheduled for Sunday, June 23 at 3:45 P.M.

On Saturday, racers compete in several classes, ranging from Schaefer Grocery Classix American Sedans to Enduro GOB trucks and exotic buggies and pro race trucks. Saturday evening, northeastern Wisconsin favorite band "Horseplay" takes center stage at Crandon for an 8 P.M. performance. The concert includes a 10 P.M. break for the Associated Bank Brush Run Blast-Off Fireworks show. Sunday racing includes continued Lucas Oil Championship Off-Road Racing action, the Governor's Cup race, and traditional GOB races.

Fans will also enjoy a full group of exhibits, including a massive display by Ford Motor and Bergstrom Ford of Rhinelander, WI. The track also conducts its annual Fan Appreciation giveaway of $1,000 cash Saturday June 22 at 11 a.m., and other prizes all weekend long.

Crandon International Off-Road Raceway marks its 33rd year of off-road racing this season. Meanwhile the Forest County Potawatomi have grown and prospered and both concerns have a continued commitment to helping the area grow and prosper. "Both operations have been very community oriented," said Doug Davis, Crandon track promoter. "We have struck up a partnership over the last several years that has benefited all area businesses, race drivers, the sport of off-road racing, drivers, team owners and more," he said.

Davis said the key to the nine year run of the Governor's Cup is the race sponsorship by the Forest County Potawatomi "No title sponsor, no race," commented Davis. "The Potawatomi worked with us from the beginning to be a title sponsor to support the big race," he said. "Over the past several years, the Tribe has been with us every step of the way," Davis remarked. "The sponsor investment by the Potawatomi permits us to conduct major league events, drawing race fans and tourists which fill the hotels and motels, restaurants, area airports and more," he said.

Crandon has been truly fortunate to build a remarkable base of loyal and enthusiastic sponsors. Key sponsors include the Forest County Potawatomi, BorgWarner, Snap-On, Miller Lite, American Axle & Manufacturing, Johnsonville Sausage, Trail Master, Indian Springs Lodge, Coca-Cola, Rancho, Miller Electric Welders, Associated Bank, KC Hilites, BF Goodrich, Bergstrom Ford, Baumgart Tire, Amsoil, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Superior Diesel, Parsons Chevrolet, Goodyear, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, Ford Trucks, Cellcom, Precision Gear, Potawatomi Bingo Northern Lights Casino, Toyota Racing Development, DynoMax, Amsoil, K&N, Baumgart Tire (Appleton, WI), among others.

In addition to Governor McCallum and his entourage, a record crowd is expected to descend on Crandon Raceway for the Brush Run Races. The track is located on U.S. Highway 8 in Crandon WI, approximately 90 miles Northwest of Green Bay.

-cr-

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