USAR: Hooters Procup prepares for 2001; season opener Saturday

Hooters ProCup Series Prepares for 2001
Season-Opener Set for Saturday at USA International

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. -- February has arrived which means United Speed Alliance Racing is ready to begin another action-packed season of Hooters ProCup Series racing. The series begins its fifth year of competition at the "home" track of the series, USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida as 40 drivers take the green flag this Saturday night in the Naturally Fresh Foods 200.

As the season opener draws closer, the stage will be set for the young series to determine who will lead the charge at the first race on the 30-race 2001 schedule. Defending two-time Hooters ProCup Series champion Bobby Gill looks to continue his winning ways, while a bountiful crop of talented drivers will be in contention for the most prestigious championship in short track racing.

The Hooters ProCup Series has crowned three different champions in its short history with Gill becoming the first driver to win back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000. Mario Gosselin won the first title in 1997 and the Florida driver continues to be a force to contend with, currently holding the series record for most career wins with 16. Jeff Agnew used 14 top-10 finishes en route to capturing both Rookie of the Year and championship honors in 1998.

USA International Speedway has held more Hooters ProCup Series events than any other track on the 2001 schedule. A total of 15 events have been held at the 3/4-mile track. The track will host the Hooters ProCup Series on September 1, and close the season with the final race of the Four Champions Championship Series on November 24, 2001. Gill holds the track record in qualifying with a time of 21.804 (117.144 mph). The record is sure to fall with the cool temperatures expected at the track.

While series veterans such as Gosselin, Jay Fogleman, Mart Nesbitt, Charlie Ford, Joe Harrison Jr., Don Satterfield, Bill Plemons, Jr. and Shane Huffman is among the handful of drivers who hope to turn things around in 2001 and start the season with a win.

Hal Goodson entered competition midway through the 2000 season and quickly made his presence known winning two races and collecting four pole awards, including the past two pole awards at races held at USA International Speedway. Freddie Query will also enter USAR Hooters ProCup competion for the first time this season and is capable of putting his Chevrolet into victory lane this Saturday.

While the rookies and veterans are sure to charge for the win, the 2000 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Brian Vickers, along with Steven Christian John Kinder, Jon Kerley, and Mike Laughlin, Jr. are just some of the drivers poised to collect a win to start the 2001 campaign.

Haulers will park Friday afternoon with tech inspection open from 2-7 p.m. Competitor gates will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday February 24, 2001 with the green flag scheduled to fall at 7 p.m.

For more information, please contact the USAR office at 1-800-852-7223 or USA International Speedway at 1-800-964-7223.

- Tim Southers