
I-70’s World Cup 300 Approaching 40
Entries
Fireworks, Support Races,
Music and Special "Unannounced" Guests also Part of this Weekend’s Events
Odessa, MO –
With
less than a week remaining before the World Cup 300 at I-70 Speedway, fans
have begun to overwhelm track officials with requests for tickets and
information regarding the prestigious Super Late Model race at the ½ mile Speedplant. The expected entry list is growing each day with 35 top late
model teams having already committed to race this Saturday night, looking
for their fame during Nextel Cup Weekend in Kansas City. Leading drivers
from the Sunoco Super Series, Southern All-Stars, Mid American Racing
Series, Romco Series, I-70 Speedway, and many others will make up the
star-studded field. The nature of the event has become so large that
entries from 15 different states have been received: from North Carolina
to Colorado, Minnesota to Texas, and all points in between.
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 to 8 pm 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 race tracks 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 SuperTrucks 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 night’s Grand Finale: The World Cup 300 for
Super Late Models. Fans will get a special treat at 5:00 pm, when they are
invited to come onto the race track, meet the drivers and see their cars
up close as part of the special "On-Track Autograph Session." Pre-race
ceremonies will follow at 6:30, with the green flag for 7:00. 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 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 a 45 minute drive separates 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 was 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 on their way to stardom, including NASCAR Stars Rusty Wallace and
Mark Martin, ASA Stars Dick Trickle, Mike Garvey, Mike Eddy and 2003
Champion Kevin Cywinski. Local heroes 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 in 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,
and has recorded multiple wins throughout the Midwest this year, including
wins in 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 15th
Annual World Classic at Birmingham International Raceway.
The Sunoco 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 teams will be lead by the 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 more 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.