Ken Schrader, Ray Marler Group purchase I-55 Raceway

Pevely, MO (February 27, 2003) Raceway Properties, Inc. announced that they finalized the deal and have purchased I-55 Raceway in Pevely, MO. Raceway Properties, Inc. is solely owned by the Schrader and Marler families. The sale was finalized late this morning. Shortly after signing all the paperwork to complete the deal, Schrader had to jump on a plane and head to Las Vegas, NV for this weekend's NASCAR Winston Cup event.

Raceway Properties, Inc. purchased the track from long time owner Carol Smotherman. Mrs. Smotherman had leased the track to Schrader and Marler for the past seven seasons. Ray Marler and Ken Schrader are both very excited about the future at I-55 Raceway and are very happy that the deal is done.

Ray Marler stated that although it is too close to racing season to make many changes this season, look for many improvements in the future to the track and the surrounding facilities. Improvements over the next few seasons will include new bathrooms, lighting and grandstands. Some of the improvements made during this off season include raising the outer catch fence in turns three and four to twenty feet above the racing surface. This will help prevent large pieces of dirt from being thrown into the grandstands.

I-55 Raceway will kick off their 2003 season on Saturday, March 29th with U.M.P. Late Models, U.M.P. Modifieds, A.A.R.A. Sportsman and A.A.R.A. Wannabeez. I-55 Raceway has races every Saturday night throughout the summer until September 13th. There are also many special events scheduled in 2003, including Saturday, April 12th, when the O'Reilly World of Outlaws & U.M.P. Modifieds will take to the track. Saturday, May 31st, it will be the Tri-State Challenge, a $10,000 to win U.M.P. Late Model special which is part of a three night series with Farmer City Raceway and the Terre Haute Action Track. Wednesday, June 11th, it will be NASCAR guest night with the U.M.P. Challenge Series Late Models & Winged Sprints competing. Saturday, July 5th, the Bud U.M.P. Summer Nationals make a stop at I-55 Raceway. Saturday, July 12th, the O'Reilly World of Outlaws make a return visit. Wednesday, July 30th, it is the 2nd Annual M&M Night of Stars, a benefit for the Victory Junction Gang Camp founded by Kyle and Patti Petty. Last year's event raised over $110,000 for the camp. The U.M.P. Challenge Series Late Models & Winged Sprints will be competing. Saturday, September 13th, it is the 21st Annual Pepsi Nationals, with $10,000 going to the winner of the U.M.P. Late Model division. Saturday, October 4th, the 2nd Annual Sportsman Fall Nationals will hit the track along with the Wannabeez.

I-55 Raceway, a high-banked, one-third-mile clay oval, is located 30 minutes south of the St. Louis Gateway Arch on Interstate 55 at Pevely exit 178. For tickets or more information, call the track at (636) 479-3219 or visit www.i55raceway.com.

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