JENNERSTOWN SALUTES ARMED FORCES ON MAY 20

JENNERSTOWN, PA (May17 2006)  - Jennerstown Speedway will honor America’s military personnel this Saturday (May 20) when JLG Industries presents a day long ‘Armed Forces Salute’ during the running of the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series program at the half mile paved Somerset County oval.

Eighty-Four driver Mark Poole will be looking to repeat his opening day victory in this weeks 40-lap Courtesy Suzuki super late model feature attraction. Poole, who had the fastest car in pre-season testing, dominated the first race by easily outdistancing Rick Boyer, Mark Smith, Garry Wiltrout and Barry Awtey.

“Our goal was to win the opener,” said Poole, who finished third in the final 2005 point race. “We had been fast in practice, but it’s always good to get the first win under your belt. I like our chances this year.”

Other drivers looking to duplicate their opening night success include: Dusty Rhoads (WJAC-TV late models), Josh Dunmyer (Advance Auto Parts street stocks) and John Steeley (hobby stocks).

In addition to the racing action a massive display of military equipment will be on display throughout the speedway.

“All branches of the armed forces will be involved,” said Mike Milliron, Jennerstown Speedway Director of Marketing, who organized the promotion. “We are excited about having all the displays, but the real thrill is being able to honor the men and women who serve America.” 

Included among the displays will be:

AIR FORCE:  F/A-22 Raptor Mini Jet replica simulator; Raptor X-treme show truck; NASCAR Nextel Cup #21 Woods Bros. Ford Fusion show car driven by Ken Schrader

ARMY: Mobile rock climbing wall

MARINE CORPS:  MTVR troop transport; MTVR Military Recovery Vehicle; combat Humvee

NATIONAL GUARD: Bradley battle tank; HEMMET refueling truck; Military Police Humvee; Apache helicopter flyovers

NAVY:  Display/Personnel

COAST GUARD:  Boston Whaler 24 ft. River Rescue Craft

All branches will be distributing giveaways, and the National Guard and Marine Corps. will be doing kids camo face painting.

Also participating will be the Vietnam Veterans of America Somerset Chapter 587 (Vietnam Memorial Wall float), Somerset County Military Support Group float and the American Legion Riders motorcycle drill team.

Capping off the festivities will be the first of six fireworks display scheduled for the 2006 season.

Free admission will be provided to all veterans and military personnel with identification. Also admitted free will be all youth in uniform (scouts, little league, soccer league etc.). General admission is $4.00 for all seats.

Spectator gates will open at 2:00 PM. A special on-track autograph session will be held at 6:00, providing spectators the opportunity to go trackside to meet their favorite drivers. Racing will commence at 7:00. 

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