USAR: New Smyrna: Southern Division preview

Drivers Expect Fast Weekend at New Smyrna

LONGS, SC - The second race of the 2004 USAR Hooters ProCup Series Southern Division will be held this weekend at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and if what the drivers is expecting comes true, fans can expect an exciting race this weekend.

The Naturally Fresh 250 presented by KRO Country 93.1 FM will feature over 30 of the best short track drivers from across the country at the fast one-half mile track located near Daytona Beach, FL. Bobby Gill survived 11 cautions during the race to win at New Smyrna last year in the race and the veteran is favored once again this year.

Clay Rogers, who won the season-opening race at USA International three weeks ago, expects new records to be set at the track and hopefully an improved finish for him after ending 10th in last year's race.

"I think the race is going to be a great one I believe with the new tire," Rogers said in an interview last week on the Hooters ProCup Happy Hour on racetalklive.com. "We are going to go down and test but from what I am hearing the new BFGoodrich radial tire has done great and we should see a new track record in qualifying."

The starting field will also feature many new faces as over 12 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year candidates have already pre-registered for the Naturally Fresh 250. Action will get under way Saturday morning as the gates open for competitors at 9:00 a.m. with practice scheduled to begin at noon and end at 2 p.m.

The grandstand gates for fans will open at 4 p.m. with Advance Auto Parts Pole qualifying scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. An autograph session for the fans will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the Naturally Fresh 250 presented by KRO Country 93.1 FM should get the green flag at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the Naturally Fresh 250 or to purchase advance tickets please contact New Smyrna Speedway at (386) 427-4129.

2004 USAR Hooters ProCup Series quick Facts

WHAT: Naturally Fresh 250 presented by KRO Country 93.1 FM
USAR Hooters ProCup Series Race #2 of 30 (Southern Division Race #2 of 13)

WHERE: New Smyrna Speedway
.500-mile, semi-banked asphalt oval

WHEN: Saturday, March 20, 2004 0x2022 7:30 pm

DISTANCE: 250 Laps/125 Miles

STARTING FIELD: 36 car starting field. 38 cars possible. Fastest 32 cars through time trials. Two provisional positions for top-30 from 2003 Southern Division Driver Points Standings. One provisional for top-30 2003 Southern Division top-30 Car Owner. Two provisional starting positions available for a past Hooters ProCup Series champion or rookie of the year (only if necessary).

TELEVISION:
SPEED, Thursday March 25, 2004 (8:00 pm EST)
SPEED, Friday, March 26, 2004 (12:00 noon (EST)

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Saturday, March 20, 2004:
12:00 - 2:00pm Hooters ProCup Series Practice
4:00pm Grandstand Front Gates Open
5:00pm Hooters ProCup Series Qualifying
6:15pm Autograph Session
6:55pm Pre-Race Ceremonies
7:30pm Naturally Fresh 250 presented by KRO Country 93.1 FM

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