Jennerstown hosts nascar race of champions

JENNERSTOWN, PA (July 19, 2005) … The stars are coming to Jennerstown Speedway this Saturday evening. NASCAR Nextel Cup stars Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Sterling Marlin, and Ken Schrader will be racing in exhibition at the half-mile paved Somerset County oval in a special ‘Race of Champions’ contest.

“The event promises to be the biggest spectator motorsports event in the history of Somerset County,” said speedway general manager Larry Mattingly. “It appears we will have somewhere between 9,000 to 10,000 people on the grounds.”

The four NASCAR competitors will be driving super late model cars in two eight-lap contests during the evenings racing activities, as well as participating in a limited pre-race autograph session.

“The group of NASCAR drivers participating in the event all have short-track roots,” Mattingly said. “Kenseth was a regional touring champion in the Midwest before coming to NASCAR, Kahne was an open wheel ace on the dirt tracks, Marlin was a track champion at the Nashville, Tenn., Speedway, and Schrader would race seven days a week if time permitted.

“The fan interest has been equally divided,” he said. “The younger fans, who are new to NASCAR, have been attracted by Kahne and Kenseth. The hard-core race fans can’t wait to see Marlin and Schrader perform.”

The speedway will also be hosting its five division NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series racing program, which will be highlighted by twin 30-lap feature events for the super late model division.

Despite the fact that Tommy Beck leads the super late model points chase, Mark Smith has been the dominating force during the 2005 season, winning four of the nine events contested.

Smith will face an additional challenge this Sat. as Richard Mitchell and Rick Miller – two drivers that have dominated the action at the Motordrome Speedway in Smithton – will be on hand to prepare and test their mounts for next weeks Meegan Ford 100 lap event.

Jayme Beck, who crashed violently in the super late model feature two weeks ago, will also be returning to competition. “The cast has been removed from my leg,” said Beck. “I’m still pretty beat-up, but I’ll be back behind the wheel.”

Due to the anticipated large crowd, a special schedule will be in effect. Parking lot gates will open at 9:00 AM, with the spectator gates opening at 12:00. The 75 minute autograph session is slated to begin at 5:30. The first race will receive the green flag at 6:30.

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