Auto Value, Michigan Legends Series preview

HOWELL, Michigan - (March 31) - Engines are revving up for the 2000 Auto Value, Michigan Legends Series Summer Shootout, with more than 25 teams competing in 21 races throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.

This year's schedule starts May 13 at the Springport Speedway in Springport Michigan and concludes with a run at Auto City Speedway in Flint. Among the other race locations: Flat Rock, Birch Run Michigan, Angola, Indiana, and Toledo, Ohio.

Legends cars are purpose-built 5/8th scale replica cars from the late 30's and 40's. They are manufactured by 600 Racing in Charlotte North Carolina and are powered by a 1200cc Yamaha motorcycle engine.

The number of veteran Legends drivers, and several rookie teams, promises an exciting and competitive season, now that last year's series champion, Mike Carter, has moved on. Among others vying to fill that void are Steve Jancar and Tom Terzo, who finished the 1999 season in second and third place, respectively. Jancar claimed the Masters series title last year, but hopes to be the 2000 series champion and a second-time Masters winner this year. Terzo, a police officer, plans to challenge Jancar for the championship.

John Turnbull, Jr., last year's Pro Class title winner, will burn rubber again this year. Turnbull finished 7th overall last year, even though he competed in only 17 of the 21 races, making him a formidable opponent for returning rookies Levi Rouster and Paul Stroufe.

Both Rouster and Strouf showed steady improvement throughout last year's events. This year the sophomores will be battling each other for points, as well as for the overall title.

Ionia native Pat Rogers hopes to keep all four tires on the ground this year. In 1999 Pat finished in fourth place overall -- quite a feat for a driver who flipped his car halfway through a mid-season race, skidding upside down along the backstretch at Springport Speedway.

Two Dads Racing will be returning with veteran driver Mike Lowe. A new powerplant and a taste for victory means last year's fifth place finisher plans on coming on strong in 2000.

Toledo native Chuck Kreutz survived a scary wreck in 1999 and still finished in sixth place. Chuck only made 17 of the 21 races last year. Chuck will have the backing of his Gino's Pizza crew again for 2000.

Other notable returning drivers are Gene Clark, Rick Kilbourn, Thom Adis, Billy Simmons, 65 year old Don Reimink, and last year's most improved driver Sean Brown.

Events for the Auto Value Michigan Legends series will be held throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Legends cars are manufactured by 600 Racing in Charlotte North Carolina and are powered by a 1200cc Yamaha motorcycle engine. Peak horsepower is somewhere around 130. Series rules state they must run a street-legal tire, which emphasizes a driver's skill ability rather than a car's brute power.