USAR: Pit Crew Challenge update Release

FORMAT UPDATED FOR GOODYEAR CREW CHALLENGE
Eligibility Requirements Now Allow Highest Finishing Rookie Competitors

Fayetteville, GA (September, 1, 2001) - United Speed Alliance Racing President Gene Cox and Competition Tire President Larry Robinson have joined forces to host the first-ever Goodyear Pit Crew Challenge for the Hooters ProCup Series. The special event will be held on Friday September 14, 2001 at Chicago Motor Speedway.

"We are very happy to announce this very special event," said Cox. "Goodyear Tires and USAR have enjoyed a close relationship for several years and this is another great example of two organizations forming a working partnership to highlight the efforts of our USAR crews and drivers."

The original format was set up by USAR and Goodyear representatives to offer the top-five finishing teams from the final regular season point standings in both Northern and Southern division's an opportunity to win a total of $6,000 in cash awards for the team members. The highest finishing rookie driver from each division will also be eligible for competition.

The 12 eligible teams will set up their respective pit stalls in accordance to how they finished in the regular season point standings. Each driver will then drive their car to their pit stalls and a total of six team members will perform the pit stop in timed conditions.

USAR President Gene Cox added the change of format was decided upon after finalizing plans for the Four Champions Championship Series.

"We had a reward for the driver who won their respective division in the point standings but we really had no way of rewarding a rookie driver and his team for their performance during the regular season," added Cox. "The $10,000 Miller Lite Rookie of the Year Award will be determined during the Championship Series and this way we can reward a team for their performance during the regular season before the Championship Series begins the following afternoon."

Based on the final regular season Southern Division point standings the following six drivers and their teams are now eligible: Bobby Gill, Steven Christian, Hal Goodson, Jay Fogleman, Shane Huffman and leading rookie candidate Jason Sarvis.

One crewmember will hold the pit board, while two tire changers, two tire carriers and one jack man will change four Goodyear Eagles during the pit stop. The team with the fastest pit stop time will win $3,000. The second place team will collect $2,000 and the third place team will take home $1,000 for their efforts.

"We wanted to do something to enhance the events at Chicago Motor Speedway," said Robinson. "Goodyear and USAR have enjoyed a great working relationship in the Hooters ProCup Series and we look forward to giving the teams the recognition they deserve."

All USAR competitors are required to make a competition pit stop during each Hooters ProCup Series race and must change a minimum of two tires during the event. This will be the first time the pit crews have the opportunity to compete among themselves.

The pit crew competition will begin after practice Friday afternoon on September 14th and the top-three teams will be recognized during the broadcast of the Alan Kulwicki Memorial/Hooters 200 on Speedvision and various regional sports channels.

-usar