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| NASCAR's Kenny Schrader to Race Late Model Winternationals at East Bay | by Jean Lynch
TAMPA, FL…..2/1/05……NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader has committed to run the first three nights of the 28th Annual Late Model Winternationals scheduled from February 7-12 at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Florida.
Already with seven dirt-track races under his belt this year, Schrader phoned to say, “It doesn’t matter how many races I’ve run with my Federated Auto Parts Rayburn car, I feel my season will start at East Bay. The track always has multi-grooves and lots of passing. I still love the dirt racing and after I finish my NASCAR practice at Las Vegas and California, I’m heading straight for East Bay….and I can’t wait.”
This year’s Lucas Oil sponsored, NARA DirtCar Series sanctioned six-night program for the Late Models will feature many well-known champions and top-runners. Included in those Champions who have indicated they will be in competition are Shannon Babb the Champion from NARA, Earl Pearson the Stacker 2 Xtreme Champion, Davey Johnson the Northern Xtreme Champion, Donnie Moran the Million Dollar Man and the defending Winternationals Champion here and Xtreme Rookie of the Year Shane Clanton.
Some of the other drivers who have indicated on websites that they will be at East Bay for the week are Steve Francis, Don O’Neal, Brian Birkhoffer, Matt Miller, Dan Schlieper, Rick Eckert and many others. Young high-school sensation Josh “Kid Rocket” Richards will only be able to attend Thursday, Friday and Saturday because of school commitments.
Lucas Oil NARA DirtCar Series feature winners from last year include Scott Bloomquist, Mike Jewell, Mike Marlar and Eddie Carrier, Jr. In association with Racers Alliance Concerning Engines (R.A.C.E.), NARA will offer drivers a point/contingency fund that is over $80,000.
Following an open practice session on Sunday evening, February 6th, starting Monday, all six nights will be a complete show with time trials, qualifying heats, B-Mains and A-Main feature events, finishing with a big 75-lapper paying $12,000 to win on Saturday night.
The Pits are open to the public to view the cars and drivers up close all day until mid-afternoon. After that, anyone may purchase a pit pass and have access to the Pits. Reserved tickets are on sale all day long at the track ticket windows. After 5:00PM a ticket is required for the grandstand. For more information call toll-free 1-877-457-5611 or 813-677-7223. The Winternationals schedule and a seating chart are posted on the track’s website at www.eastbayracewaypark.com.
The track is located six miles south of I-4 just off Rt. 41 left on Old Rt. 41 or take I-75 to Exit 250 Gibsonton Road to Rt. 41 North one mile to signs on the right.
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