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USAR: Goodson Chicago preview

Hal Goodson Gears Up for USAR Four Champions Challenge Series Event at Chicago Motor Speedway WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., (September 10, 2001) -- As the USAR ProCup Series heads into a new market this weekend with the running of the Alan Kulwicki ...

Hal Goodson Gears Up for USAR Four Champions Challenge Series Event at Chicago Motor Speedway

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., (September 10, 2001) -- As the USAR ProCup Series heads into a new market this weekend with the running of the Alan Kulwicki Memorial 200 at Chicago Motor Speedway in Chicago, Ill., Hal Goodson and his Taylor Motorsports team are gearing up for a run at the national championship. Goodson heads into round one of the five round battle only 45 points out of the top spot.

"I'm looking forward to running this weekend at Chicago," Goodson said. "It's a new market for the ProCup Series and from what I hear, it's a first class facility. I think the fans in the Chicago area are in for a very competitive race."

The event marks the first battle this season between USAR ProCup Series Southern and Northern Division drivers. Throughout the 2001 season, drivers have been competing in two separate racing divisions. The top 25 in points from both the Southern and Northern divisions will go head-to-head in a five-race shootout to determine the national champion.

"There'll be close to 50 teams competing for a starting spot this weekend in Chicago, which should make for some exciting racing," Goodson said. "Our goal is to go to Chicago and win the race and set the momentum heading into these championship races. We are taking a very strong car to Chicago and we should be a serious threat for the win."

With 15 events under his belt this season, the Darlington, S.C. native has taken the No. 45 Carlin Financial Chevrolet Monte Carlo to victory lane twice, and has scored nine top-five and 11 top-10 finishes along with three pole positions in USAR ProCup Series competition.

"We've been very consistent this season," Goodson added. "Hopefully we can pick up the pace a little this weekend in Chicago and start a new winning streak."

In addition to the event this weekend at Chicago Motor Speedway, the Four Champions Challenge Series will converge on tracks in Jennerstown, Pa., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Concord, N.C. and Lakeland, Fla.

Goodson's pit crew will also get added attention this weekend, as they will be competing in the Goodyear Pit Crew Challenge Friday at the Chicago Motor Speedway. The top five teams in Southern and Northern Division points, along with the top Rookie of the Year candidates, will compete for the fastest pit stop time with the winning team receiving $3,000.

"Our guys have been doing a great job this year in the pits and it's good that USAR is providing an opportunity to showcase the skills of the guys that go over the wall during each race," Goodson said. "Hopefully the guys on this No. 45 team will have a little spring in their step and a little more money in their pockets on Saturday after winning the Pit Crew Challenge on Friday."

Goodson is no stranger to competing for a national championship. He was honored in 1995 and 1997 as the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series Champion. In addition, Goodson has competed in the NASCAR Busch Series and has scored over 100 victories throughout his driving career.

Taylor Motorsports, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., consists of drivers Hal Goodson, rising star Scott Hall and Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell.

Goodson and his fellow competitors take to the Chicago Motor Speedway this Friday for practice from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. CST. The Goodyear Pit Crew Challenge will take place immediately following the practice session.

Qualifying for the Alan Kulwicki Memorial 200 is set for this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. CST. The green flag will wave a few hours later at 2:00 p.m. CST.

Fans will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and see the cars of the USAR ProCup Series during an autograph session Saturday at the track at 12:30 p.m. CST.

-TM-

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