Portland Speedway WoO 2001 events

	Sammy Swindell Photo: Portland Speedway

Portland, Oregon. January 7. "The Greatest Show on Dirt", the Pennzoil World of Outlaws will return to Portland, Oregon Friday, August 24 and Saturday August 25 for the 2nd Annual Baxter Auto Parts and Auto Value Classic at the Portland Speedway half-mile clay oval. Over 20,000 spectators are expected to attend this two-day event that will feature more than 40 of the worlds best sprint car drivers. Tickets will go on sale March 1st, and are expected to go fast.

The 2000 Portland WoO event saw Sammy Swindell of Cordova, Tenn. sweep both nights of action by winning the Channellock Dash and dominating the main events. Danny "The Dude" Lasoski with a time of 17.130, set the initial track record. Lasoski will be driving for a new team in 2001 owned by Winston Cup star Tony Stewart, with new crew chief and former WoO competitor Jimmy Carr calling the signals. Although sprint car Ace Steve Kinser could only manage a top-ten finish in last years Portland event, Kinser prevailed during the rest of the season to claim his 16th WoO Championship at years end. The new clay surface proved more than acceptable to the drivers, Lasoski stated, "This is one of the best tracks we have run at all year."

	Winners perks Photo: Portland Speedway

Since completing the transformation to a clay racing surface last July, track officials have continued to improve upon the new surface by installing additional retaining walls in turn 1, expanding the spectator catch fence, and widening the corner transitions that will make for improved passing opportunities. Race fans can log on to Portland Speedway's official website (www.portlandspeedway.com) for all the latest news.

Formed in 1978, The World of Outlaws will enter their 24 season of competition in 2001 criss-crossing the country from February to November, racing a demanding 95-race schedule at 35 facilities in 23 states that keep competitors on the road most of the time. Drivers in the series race for more than $10 million in purses, contingencies, and point fund awards. These winged-warriors pilot 800 horsepower, 1,200 pound, fuel injected, open-wheel vehicles. The WoO sprint car utilizes a 25-square foot top-mounted wing to hold the cars to the track as they race side-by-side at over 130 mph.

Portland Speedway's NASCAR Weekly Racing Series action will resume on Friday, April 6th with a new dirt format featuring the Grand American Modifieds and a new all-female division called WAR, for "Womens Auto Racing." "We have a good 'Friday-night' formula right now," said Craig Armstrong, Portland Speedway General Manager. "I think we can maintain most of what made it a good show for the fans in the past, and fun for the competitors, while introducing new and exciting elements to the program." --Derrick Shannon