IPSC: Scotia Speedworld Practice Set for Saturday

(April 19) - The International Pro Stock Challenge (IPSC) will see its first official event of the 2000 season with an open practice session for competitors this Saturday, April 22nd at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Many teams will have their cars on the track for the first time this year as they prepare for the IPSC 2000 season-opener at Scotia Speedworld on May 6th - The Daily News 150.

Fans are invited out to the track this Saturday to get their first taste of what is sure to be the most exciting season ever in Scotia Speedworld's 13-year history. Grandstand admission is FREE. Cars will be on the track between 1pm and 4 pm.

Halifax's John Flemming was at the facility Tuesday for a private test session and can attest to the importance of having the opportunity to shake down a race car before race day. Flemming was posting consistent fast times with his new No. 97 Zenith Chrome Monte Carlo race car until he heard a clunk and a crash and then saw parts and oil all over the track.

"We chewed up a set of rear-end gears," said Flemming. "But better today than race day. The guys on the crew put so many hours into building these cars over the winter months that you need to take every precaution before race day to make sure everything is working properly. You never can tell with mechanical things, but you try not to leave any stones unturned."

Truro's Steve Henderson was also at the track Tuesday and went for a wild ride after losing traction in the oil Flemming's car had laid on the track. He got stopped before hitting anything with his brand new No. 67 Municipal Contracting Monte Carlo.

Both drivers plan to have their cars back at Scotia Speedworld this Saturday for more practice and testing. As many as 15 teams have indicated they'll be on hand to turn some laps.

The Daily News 150 is the first event of the 11-race 2,000 schedule for the IPSC and the first of the five-race Scotia Speedworld Challenge Series which will see an additional $5,000 U.S. point fund paid out to the top 10 teams in the Scotia Speedworld/IPSC events.

Tickets are now on sale for The Daily News 150 at the following metro Halifax/Dartmouth (Nova Scotia) locations: Amber Contracting; Forbes Chev Olds; Parts For Trucks; Racing Around (Chain Lake Business Park); R & D Racing (Penhorn Mall); Scotia Speedworld. Tickets are also available in Elmsdale, NS at the Superstore and in Yarmouth, NS at Motor Mart. Call Scotia Speedworld at (902) 481-2514 for more ticket information.