USAR: Pro Cup 2006 schedule released

Hooters Pro Cup Series Unveils 2006 Schedule

Thirty-race schedule features three new tracks, two new states, six championship races

Mansfield, OH--The Hooters Pro Cup Championship Series features the best of the best fighting it out for five races and over $1.2 million in point-fund money.

Since its inception in 2001, the five-race shootout has become one of the most exciting and competitive forms of racing, showcasing the top-30 drivers from each division and 36-car fields separated by less than half a second. Over the years, the tight fields and competition have become a race fan's dream.

In 2006, the dream will last a little longer.

Prior to tonight's running of the Alan Kulwicki Memorial Lucas Oil 250 at Mansfield Motorsports Speedway, United Speed Alliance Racing released the 2006 Hooters Pro Cup Series schedule.

After years of five Championship Series events, the top-60 drivers will have six races to show their wares and possibly walk away with the most coveted hardware in short-track racing: The Hooters Pro Cup Series National Championship Trophy.

"The reason for extending the Championship Series to six races was to even up the number of races between the Northern and Southern Divisions," said Tony Cox, Hooters Pro Cup Series vice president. "In the past, we've had 12 races in the North and 13 races in the South. Next season, we'll have 12 races in both divisions and six races in the Championship Series.

"By having six races, it also allows teams to have a bad race, or two, and still come back to win the title. But the drivers want be the only ones to benefit from the extension. Fans will get an extra chance to catch a glimpse of the best of both divisions racing on the same track."

In addition to the new format, several new venues were added to the schedule for next season. Shenandoah (Va.) Speedway was added on the Northern Division schedule, while Montgomery (Ala.) Motor Speedway will return to the Southern Division schedule for first time since 2001. The Hooters Pro Cup Series will also make its first trip to the Hawkeye State, competing at Iowa Speedway on Sept. 15 in the Championship Series opener.

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