Championship Series Rolls into Jennerstown Speedway

Myrtle Beach, S.C.—The first round of the Hooters Pro Cup Series Championship Series is in the books, but it may be three more races before a clear championship battle erupts. For now, nearly any of the drivers in the top 20 have a chance to take home the $200,000 check for being the 2006 champion.

In years past, many drivers felt like you could have one bad race and remain in championship contention. But with the increased competition in the Hooters Pro Cup Series, that may not be the case in ’06.

“I’m not sure you can have a bad race in the Championship Series and win the championship,” said Clay Rogers, driver of the No. 44s Automotive Development Group Ford. “The competition level is leaps and bounds above what it was just two or three years ago. Somebody isn’t going to have any trouble in these last six races.”

Rogers avoided the troubles that plagued some of the other contenders in the championship-opener at Iowa Speedway. He led laps and came home seventh, giving him a 16-point lead over Woody Howard coming into the Miller Lite 250 at Jennerstown Speedway on Sept. 30.

Benny Gordon, the defending Hooters Pro Cup Champion, didn’t have a terrible night in Iowa, but he didn’t have the night he was looking for. Gordon finished 15^th in the Soy Biodiesel 250 and dropped to third in point standings after coming in as the No. 1 Seed.

But for Gordon, the Miller Lite 250 at Jennerstown Speedway may just be the race that he needs on the schedule. 

Based out of nearby DuBois, Pa., Gordon usually performs well at his home track, winning twice in six starts at the half-mile oval. Earlier this season, Gordon started from the pole and led a race-high 145 laps en route to a second-place finish.

While Gordon will be a favorite, last year’s Championship Series event at Jennerstown Speedway featured a slew of surprises. Most notably, the race showcased a surprise winner.

Joe Gaita beat the best of the best and took his third Pro Cup victory while No. 1 Seeds Shane Huffman and Gordon finish 11^th and 13^th, respectively. 

Woody Howard, who won the Championship Series event at Iowa, could be in the best position at Jennerstown. Last year, Howard started third and led a race-high 105 laps before making an unscheduled stop and finishing 17^th.

“I’m looking forward to Jennerstown,” said Howard. “We didn’t win during the regular season, but winning at Iowa gave our team a lot of confidence and momentum.”

The Miller Lite 250 is slated for a 7 p.m. green flag. Front gates are scheduled to open at 2 p.m., and fans are encouraged to come out early to take in Advance Auto Parts Pole Qualifying at 4:30 p.m. The on-track autograph session will start at 5:45 p.m., followed by pre-race ceremonies at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Jennerstown Speedway at (814) 629-6677.