Albertson's Spring Challenge preview

FORT WORTH-DALLAS (March 7, 2001) - The stars of the United Dirt Track Racing Association Pro DirtCar Series are eagerly looking forward to the Albertson's Spring Challenge Wednesday night, March 28 at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. For some, it's an effort to keep good early-season momentum going, for others, it could be the turnaround point to their season.

The UDTRA Pro DirtCar Series Southeastern tour in February produced six winners in seven races. The list is surprising because of who won and who did not. Davey Johnson led the win list with a pair while Freddy Smith, Billy Moyer, Steve Shaver, Rick Eckert and Matt Miller took single victories each.

NASCAR Winston Cup stars Tony Stewart and Ken Schrader will be seeking their first career UDTRA victory. Frontrunners such as defending UDTRA champion Scott Bloomquist, 2000 UDTRA Texas winner Dan Schlieper, Wendell Wallace, 1999 series king Dale McDowell, Terry English, Rick Aukland, Donnie Moran, Jimmy Mars, Bill Frye, Brian Birkhofer and Marshall Green are winless this year. A $15,000 winner's paycheck at Texas would change their season immediately.

"We had record car counts and record crowds at our opening shows," said Mike Swims, UDTRA president. "So many of the top teams left Florida without a victory. Heads are turning to Texas to turn their season around. It is already a big event that every top dirt late model driver in the country would like to win."

A 75-lap feature race will be the highlight of the Albertson's Spring Challenge. Qualifying, Borla Performance heat races and consolations are also scheduled. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with the first heat at 7:45 p.m.

Tickets for the Albertson's Spring Challenge are priced from $15 to $25. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office, by calling (817) 215-8500, online at www.texasmotorspeedway.com or at Ticketmaster locations.

-TMS