Drivers From 11 States Heading to Rockford Speedway

Loves Park, IL - Event organizers were concerned when faced with the current gas prices facing the nation, however they are proud to announce that drivers and teams from eleven states will be making the trip to the Rockford community this year. The 40th annual National Short Track Championships presented by Chicago International Truck will take place at Rockford Speedway September 22 through 25.

"In 2004 we saw drastic increases in our competitor count for this event, the sharp increase in gas prices had us concerned a little. With the slight decline we have experienced, the entries are starting to roll in daily." Commented speedway general manager Gregg McKarns. "We think people had this event on the calendar and didn?t want to miss it, so things are looking positive for this big event."

States being represented are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin. Current ASA Late Model Point Leader Stephen Leicht appears to have the longest tow to the races, as he will race 741 miles away from home (Asheville, NC) in search of his fifth win on the series this season. Meanwhile Hendrick Motorsports development driver, fifteen-year-old Chase Austin from Eudora, KS will travel 520 miles to make his first appearance at the tough 58-year-old quarter-mile oval. Bobby Parsley currently sits second in the CRA Super Series Championship hunt; he will make the 403-mile pull to Rockford Speedway in hopes of launching himself into the point lead.

"We expect over 400 teams for this event, not only will they be filling their gas tanks in the surrounding communities but they will be in the hotels and restaurants as well." Added McKarns. "This event transforms Rockford Speedway into a town of its own, and the surrounding communities benefit from it. It is billed One Great Racing Weekend and we invite everyone to come out and experience it."