| SCHRADER READY TO RACE AT EAST BAY | Nextel Cup Star Will Race in Crate Late Model Championship Dec. 1-3
By Larry Jewett
 The entry list is growing daily for the first Jasper Engines and Transmissions Crate Late Model World Championship presented by American Racer, scheduled for Dec. 1-3 at East Bay Raceway Park.. The event, sanctioned by Crate Racin’ USA, will feature the richest-ever winner’s payout. There will be a $10,000 check awaiting the winner of the 100-lap main event on Saturday, December 3.
NASCAR Nextel Cup star Ken Schrader, who is no stranger to competition at East Bay, has made a commitment to take part. “Racing is my hobby in addition to being my profession,” Schrader said. “We’re going to be in Columbus, Mississippi on Thanksgiving weekend and when we saw East Bay was running this crate race, we wanted to be a part of it. I love to come to East Bay. Our schedule allows us to come over in February and now we will be there for this race.”
Schrader will pull the engine from one of his C.J. Rayburn chassis and replace it with the factory-sealed economical engines that have been used by Crate Racin’ USA competitors throughout the recently completed season. It will mark Schrader’s first race in a crate Late Model.
Schrader is not the only driver who will be bringing an impressive list of credentials to the event. Dirt Track World Champions Ronnie Johnson and Marshall Green are expected to be a part of the action. National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame member Jeff Purvis, who competed in the National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) before moving on to NASCAR Busch racing, will be a strong competitor. A number of Late Model regulars who have competed in other series during 2005 have expressed an interest in putting crate engines in their rides. Some of the expected entries include former Southern All-Star champions Clint Smith and Shane Tankersley. Newport, Tennessee racer Jimmy Owens, who has extensive East Bay experience from Winter Nationals competition, could be in the hunt as well.
A number of local East Bay racers have purchased the sanction’s required engine and are expected to defend their home territory. Series regulars, including 2005 series champion Denny Slayton, will provide solid representation for the event field.
The Late Models utilize either an aluminum head engine (cost - $4,800) or a steel head motor (cost - $2,800), which is a considerable cost saving to the racer who uses a standard Late Model engine. The engines are sealed and available at General Motors dealerships throughout the country. No modifications are allowed.
The weekend’s events will open with a practice session on Thursday, December 1. Competition begins on Friday, December 2 with time trials and heat races, which will lock in 18 cars for the main event. The Saturday program will include two last chance B mains, concluding with the 100-lap A main. East Bay Raceway Park’s local divisions will compete each night. Limited Sprints, Limited Late Models, and Street Stocks will be featured on Friday. Saturday’s program included the Gagel’s Open Wheel Modifieds, Outlaw 4s, and 4 Cylinder Bombers.
For Crate Racin’ rules and additional information, visit the series website at www.crateracinusa.com or call 770-560-1240. East Bay Raceway Park is located five miles south of I-4 on U.S. 41. For track information, visit the track website at www.eastbayracewaypark.com or call 813-677-7223.
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