WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Besides showcasing some of the country’s top short track stars in Saturday night’s World Cup 300 main event, I-70 Speedway will be hosting other exciting activities throughout the weekend.  An open practice for all cars from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday will kick off the weekend schedule.  Following the practice, fans will be treated to a special compact car Demolition Derby in the infield.  The Demo Derbies have become a staple of family fun at racetracks throughout the country, and this should be no exception.

 Racing action really heats up on Friday when all the World Cup 300 teams take to the track for practice, qualifying and last chance races.  Race fans will also get to see exciting 100 lap features for the Super Trucks and Open Wheel Modifieds.  Friday’s activities conclude with live music and a “Fantastic Fireworks” display.

 All the preliminary action sets the stage for Saturday nights Grand Finale:  The World Cup 300 for Super Late Models.  Fans will get a special treat at 5:00pm, when they are invited to come onto the racetrack, meet the drivers and see their cars up close as part of the special “On-Track Autograph Session.”  Pre-Race ceremonies will follow at 6:30pm, with the green flag dropping at 7:00pm.  Another “Fantastic Fireworks” show will bring the weekend to a close, following the checkered flag of the $10,000 to Win, 300-lap battle.  The winner is also guaranteed a start in the “Super Bowl” of short track racing in Nashville, as part of the All-American 400 weekend at the Music City Motorplex, November 6-7.

 Officials have already been contacted about visits from a special “unannounced” guest.  Two NASCAR Nextel Cup Team owners have expressed interest in attending the event to evaluate talent, as well as other unnamed NASCAR drivers and families.  Only 45 minutes separate the NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway and the World Cup 300 activities at I-70 Speedway, which makes it easy for dignitaries and fans alike to enjoy all the great racing action of the weekend.

 Through the years, the World Cup 300 has heralded as one of the premier late model races in the country.  Some of the top names in motorsports have been a part of the event of their way to stardom, including NASCAR Star Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin, ASA Stars Dick Trickle, Mike Garvey, Mike Eddy and 2003 Champion Kevin Cywinski.  Local heros like John O’Neil, 2003 Track Champion Jeff Klem and the 2003 World Cup winner Jenny White have also been part of the event in recent races.

 Just like the glory days of past events, this 2004 version is also packed with talent.  Wheaton, IL. Driver Eddie Hoffman is a former champion of the NASCAR Midwest Series, as well as wins at Grundy County and Illiana Speedways.  Additionally, Hoffman has scored an incredible three wins in three starts in Sunoco Super Series action in 2004.  Chelsea Alabama’s  Charlie Bradberry will roll in from the south, where he was NASCAR’s Southeast Series Champion in 2003.  Bradberry is also the reigning champion of one of short track racing’s most prestigious events, the “Snowball Derby” in Pensacola, Florida.  While Bradberry is working on developing his NASCAR Craftsman Truck career, he took time out last weekend to take the victory in the Southern All-Stars 15^th Annual World Classic at Birmingham International Raceway.

 The Super Series contingent of drivers will be led by championship contender Jeff Lane, and top Rookie of the Year contender Chris Gabehart.  Lane has already captured two Series victories this year, while Gabehart has recorded two fast times and is seriously looking for I-70 to be his first victory.  The Southern All-Stars team will be lead by top two point men:  Gary Helton and Ricky Turner.  Helton has scored three series victories this year while Turner has recorded two.  Turner was also involved in one of the most exciting races of the 2003 season, when he was just edged out in a photo finish in the Patriot 200 in Nashville.

 I-70 Speedway has long been heralded as one of the most exciting tracks in the country.  Besides the World Cup 300, the lightning fast, high-banked ½ mile track has hosted top special events through the years, including stops for ASA and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  The Speedway is also enjoying one of its best summers in recent years.

 For information on the World Cup 300 at I-70 Speedway and a complete expected entry list, fans can go to www.sunocosuperseries.com, www.southern-allstars.com, or www.i70speedway.net.

Interested parties can also call 812-883-0455 or 256-539-4484.  For ticket info, fans can call I-70 Speedway at 816-230-0080.