USAR: Series reaches 100th race

USAR Prepares to celebrate its 100th Race

Fayetteville, GA- As the USAR Hooters ProCup Series prepares to crown the champion of the 2001 season, the Series will also surpass its own milestone, celebrating its 100th race. The first race took place at USA International Speedway, in Lakeland, FL, on February 9, 1997; Chad Chaffin took the pole and also recorded the win.

"During the first race, it was a learning experience for us all: the officials, the drivers, and everyone involved. It took a lot of learning, but we never lost our personal touch," said Director of Registration and Membership, Linda Nerone. "The thing that makes this Series so great is the places we've been, the people we've met; everyone that we have came into contact with has been friendly. The Series has grown so fast in a short period of time, and everyone has grown with the series," commented Nerone.

"The biggest accomplishment I have seen is the amazing growth the Series has produced in its short time," said Gene Cox, president of the USAR Hooters ProCup Series. That growth prompted USAR officials to include a new division, the USAR Hooters ProCup Northern division, which started in 2001.

"I believe the ProCup Series has revitalized and reshaped the way short-track racing is perceived. Short tracks benefit from nationally televised events." commented Cox.

"The Series has brought racing back to where it used to be. This is what it is all about. Everything combined-the rules, tracks that we visit, and the caliber of drivers is what makes the USAR Hooters ProCup Series one of the best," said Nerone.

"The greatest moment I believe I have seen is Jeff Agnew, back in 1998 winning both the championship and the Rookie-of 0x2022the-Year title. Also, watching Bobby Gill winning back-to-back championships in 1999 and 2000," commented Cox. "The championship race-off format is also a great moment. We got the idea from other major sporting events (baseball, football, basketball) which have play-offs to determine who their champion will be."

Heading into the final race at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL. for the running of the Alan Kulwicki Memorial Hooters 300, the top-eight competitors; Hal Goodson, Bobby Gill, Shane Huffman, Mardy Lindley, Brian Vickers, Jeff Agnew, Jay Fogleman, and Steven Christian still mathematically have a chance of taking home the 2001 championship trophy.

"Our plans for the next 100 races are to stay with our present structure and fine-tune the Series, without diluting what we have. Bringing the Series to national prominence and increasing exposure is our plan for the future," said Cox.

Drivers who started running in the 1997 Hooters ProCup Series and who are currently competing in the Series include: Jay Fogleman, Charlie Ford, Mario Gosselin, Daryl Gwynn, Joe Harrison, Jr., Jabe Jones, Derrick Kelley, Mike Laughlin, Jr., Jimmy McClain, Johnny MacKison, Mart Nesbitt, Bill Plemons, Jr., Calvin Redwine, Don Satterfield, and Lee Tissot.

Officials who have grown with the Series include: Fritz Augustine, Michael Blair, Deniele Collier, Jim Creighton, Rusty Crews, John Dreisbach, Linda Nerone, Daniel Schmitz, and Dean Templeton.

- www.usarprocup.com