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| Goodyear Challenge Late Models at USA International June 5th | by Jane Smith
Samsula, Fla. (June 1, 2004) The fourth race for the Goodyear Challenge Late Model Series will run this Saturday, June 5, at USA International along with the USAR Hooter's ProCup Series.
A number of cars were destroyed in race three at New Smyrna Speedway but most are reported to be done or near done in repairs.
Joe Winchell of Davie leads the points for the Goodyear Challenge Late Model Series and has been very strong thus far in 2004. Winchell, who is a regular at Hialeah Speedway, has had his No. 57 on rails this year. Winchell leads the points with 292 points.
Rich Clouser of Palm Bay comes in second with 245 points driving the No. 9 of Bobby Sears. Sears, who has won both Mini Stock and Late Model Championships, saw his driver take Rookie of the Year in 2003 and also second in points.
"The car is ready and so is Rich," said Sears at New Smyrna Speedway last Saturday night. "Rich does a great job in my car and we work very well together. We are looking forward to Lakeland and running after the Hooter's ProCup."
Jason Boyd of Orlando stands third with 238 points. Boyd was disqualified in the last race due to rough driving. Boyd, who was barred after the race, has been given another chance and officials will be watching Boyd closely at Lakeland.
Tate Pierce of Zephyrhills runs fourth with 226 points but close behind Pierce is Chuck Burkhalter of Clermont. Burkhalter, who was taken out last Saturday night during his heat race at New Smyrna, has 217 points.
Said Burkhalter after the races last Saturday, "we need a new front clip for sure and a few other things but I plan to be at Lakeland on Saturday. Just a shame that a car was destroyed for a heat race."
Doug Samion of Orlando saw his car destroyed at the May 8 race at New Smyrna Speedway. Samion, who stands sixth in points with 175, is expected to be at Lakeland with another car if possible.
Jerry Artuso, the 2003 Goodyear Challenge Late Model Champion, comes in from Ontario to race with the Goodyear Challenge. Artuso, who sits seventh with 167 points, also did not fare very well at the May 8 race but has hopes of a much better race at Lakeland.
Dawayne Bryant of Lake Alford comes in eighth with 148 points followed by Williston driver Rusty Baker with 146 points. Martin Pierce of Sanford stands tenth with 143 points.
Saturday's schedule for USA International is as follows:
8:30 a.m. USAR Officials Meetingg
9:00 a.m Late Hauler Parking
9:30 a.m. Pit Gates Open
10:00 a.m. Tech Inspection Opens
10:00 a.m. Crew Chief Meeting
10:30 a.m. Rookie Meeting
10:45 a.m. Rookie Meeting
12:00 noon Front Gates Open ProCup Practice Begins
2:00 p.m. ProCup Practice Ends
2:30 p.m. ProCup Driver Meeting (Engines Off)
2:45 p.m. Chapel Service (Engines Off)
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Late Model Practice and Qualifying
5:00 p.m. ProCup Qualifying Time Trials
6:15 p.m. Autograph Session
7:00 p.m. Pre-race Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. Naturally Fresh 250 presented by Advance/Discount Auto Parts To Follow: Late Model 100
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