USAR: Wood set for homecoming

STUART, VA (July 20, 2000) -- Hooters Pro Cup Rookie of the Year candidate Jon Wood returns to his home track this weekend. Wood will compete at New River Valley Speedway, which is the home of his first win behind the wheel of a stock-car.

Wood won last year at New River Valley as a rookie in NASCAR's Weekly Touring Series. He qualified on the outside pole and did not relinquish the lead for the entire race. Wood feels added confidence returning to the New River Valley Speedway, but admits this race will be present a unique challenge.

"These Hooters cars have a lot more horsepower than the late model cars," stated Wood. "That will require me to make some changes getting around the track but we're still very confident we'll have a setup worthy of winning."

Wood, a native of nearby Stuart, VA, eagerly awaits the chance of racing in front of his fans.

According to Wood, "I'm excited about racing in front of the home town crowd. This is a big race for our team and we have a lot to gain this weekend. I'd love to win in front of my friends and family. That's what we're shooting for but we're also 7th in points so there is room for us to move up in the standings with a good finish."

Wood recalls hearing other drivers speak of returning to their home track. This is Wood's first year racing in a touring series and is anxious to race in front of the hometown crowd.

"I've always heard drivers talk about returning home and how it adds pressure to run well," stated Wood. "I'm sure I'll have butterflies before the race starts but I know we're ready for the challenge. I'm going to try and do what we've been able to do so far this season ? give it 110% and hope our results equal the team effort we've put into this season."

In nine Hooters Pro Cup races Wood has posted three top-5's and five top-10's. Wood, currently 7th in the point standings, is a mere 12 points out of the top-5.