Outlaws could decide series title in Houston

HOUSTON (Oct. 16) -- The World of Outlaws series makes its second stop of the year at the brand-new, state-of-the-art Houston Raceway Park Speedway Oct. 20-21 for the Inaugural Lone Star Sprint Car Classic. The "Greatest Show on Dirt" is sure to be at a fever pitch by the time the circuit arrives in Baytown as this event marks the 60th of 62 races on the 2000 tour.

"There's a very good chance that the 2000 championship will be decided right here in Houston," said Gerald Critchfield, general manager of Houston Raceway Park. "Local race fans were blown away when the World of Outlaws circuit made its first stop here in April for the Texas Shootout. Now, with the championship on the line, I'm convinced they'll see some of the best racing of the entire season. We're excited about this event."

It should come as no surprise to Sprint Car fans that Steve Kinser will lead the way around Houston Raceway Park Speedway's high-banked, 3/8-mile oval. With 15 World of Outlaw series championships to his credit, "The King" is on a tear once again in Y2K, having racked up nine "A" feature victories and five prelim wins this year in his powerful Quaker State Maxim machine.

Joining Kinser at the top of the standings is his cousin Mark, a former World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year winner. The younger Kinser hasn't shown the relentless consistency of his savvy cousin Steve, but he has racked up more "A" wins this year, 12, then anyone else on the circuit. Not to mention, Mark's bank account has grown the most in 2000 with his winnings totaling just over $425,000. "Mopar Mark" is definitely a driver that could leave Houston with the championship trophy in tow.

Another pair of drivers that are enjoying championship-worthy seasons are Sammy Swindell and "The Dude" Danny Lasoski. Swindell has been a lightening bolt in his Channellock Stealth ride, logging 17 wins including nine "A" feature events. If he can maintain his pace, he could win championship No. 4 to start off the new millennium.

"The Dude," meanwhile, continues to prove himself worthy of the title of Most Improved Driver on the circuit. Behind the wheel of his Beef Packers Eagle car, Lasoski has bolstered his bid for his first-ever world title with 10 "A" wins and two prelim victories.

The Inaugural Lone Star Sprint Car Classic will take place over two days at Houston Raceway Park Speedway, which is widely regarded as the best supertrack in the country. The speedway, located next to the world-renowned drag strip, features the latest in racing venue amenities such as a 3/8-mile oval dirt track, 10,000 stadium-style seats with backs, 14 VIP suites, two tower elevators, state-of-the-art Musco lighting, and a fully-paved pit area.

For more information or to order tickets, contact Houston Raceway Park Speedway at (281) 383-2666 or on the Internet at www.houstonraceway.com. To learn more about the Pennzoil World of Outlaws series, visit their website at www.outlaws.com.