WELTMEYER TO DEFEND HIS BETTENHAUSEN CROWN

Schererville, IN (September 14, 2005) - Dave Weltmeyer has submitted his entry to defend his 2004 Bettenhausen "100" crown.  Weltmeyer is one of the many Top Midwest stock car drivers entered in the 44th Annual event at the Illiana Speedway.

The Tony Bettenhausen Memorial "100" presented by Lisa Thomas Salon will take place on Saturday Night, September 17, 2005. Qualifying is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m. with the first race scheduled at 7:00 p.m. 

Weltmeyer will be looking for his fifth Bettenhausen Memorial crown (`95 `96 `01 `04), but it won't be an easy task. The field will consist of some of the best drivers in the Midwest.  Three-time winner and "Arch Rival" Eddie Hoffman could be Weltmeyer's biggest competition. Hoffman's wins came in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

Erik Darnell, Beach Park, IL is the latest entry for the famed event. The 22-year-old short track sensation is currently a finalist in Roush Racing's "Gong Show." the audition program, which rewards the winner a 2006 NASCAR Craftsman truck ride. Darnell the `01 Illiana rookie of the year has currently signed a driver developmental contract with Roush Racing. 

Pat Kelly Rockdale, IL recently crowned 2005 Illiana track and Nathan Haseleu Pardeeville, WI. Have also filed entries for the 44th Annual event. Kelly, now a 2 time track champion and the 2002 winner held off Eddie Hoffman for the win. Haseleu recently captured the 2005 Wisconsin Challenge Series Championship and the prestigious Slinger Nationals.

The Bettenhausen Memorial "100" honors the legendary Tony Bettenhausen.  The Tinley Park, IL native made 14 starts in the Indianapolis 500 with 5 top-ten finishes.  Sadly, Bettenhausen's life ended during a practice crash at the famed Speedway in May 1961 while testing a car. 

Since 1962, Illiana Speedway has hosted the annual event in honor of this racing legend.  Past winners of this event include Troy Ruttman, Joe Ruttman, Conan "Moose" Myers, Tom Reffner, Ed Hoffman, Tony Izzo, Jim Sauter, Larry Schuler, Scott Hansen, and the late Joe Shear.

For more information on the 44th Annual Bettenhausen Memorial "100" presented by Lisa Thomas Salon, please visit the track's website at www.illianaspeedway.com or call the track phone at (219) 322-5311