Jennerstown, Pa.-(July 13, 1999)-For NASCAR Winston Cup driver Hut Stricklin, the past few years have been full of changes. From driver, to crew chief, and once again back to driver, Stricklin looks to find success in the second half of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. With the off weekend found in Winston Cup's schedule Stricklin, along with Mike Skinner, Michael Waltrip and Harry Gant, will come to Jennerstown Speedway Saturday July 17th to run a Race of Champions.
    Making personal a personal appearance in Western Pennsylvania may be just another day at the job for many Winston Cup drivers but not for Stricklin. Pittsburgh, Pa. is hometown to his car owner Scott Barbour. Barbour is a self-proclaimed "die-hard" Steeler fan. After an Air Force career in jet engine maintenance and numerous other ventures, Barbour founded Turbine Solutions, Inc. He is not only Stricklin's car owner but also his sponsor. Stricklin also formally drove a Pittsburgh-based Heinz sponsored race car.
    "Jennerstown is a great place for Hut Stricklin to make an appearance," Speedway General Manager Bob Duvall said. "A lot of our fan base comes directly from Pittsburgh, and his connection to our area is an added bonus. His Turbine Solutions Ford Taurus even sports the Pittsburgh colors of black and gold to honor the Steel City."
    Stricklin is an Alabama native, where he began racing on local tracks. He found success claiming back-to-back championships. Stricklin is no stranger to NASCAR Winston Racing Series tracks like Jennerstown. He holds two championships, 1982 and 1984.
    "Two NASCAR Winston Racing Series championships make Hut Stricklin the perfect driver to race at Jennerstown," Bruce Patrum, President of Patrum Motor Racing Properties and presenter of the Race of Champions, said. "He has had tons of success on local short tracks. He won over 100 features in late-model-style cars before he even jumped into a Winston Cup machine."
    After finding local racing success, Stricklin made the move to the Goody's Dash Series, a division of NASCAR Touring, where he won the division championship in 1986. He began a full time Winston Cup career in 1989, scoring one top-5 and four top-10s in his rookie season.
    Stricklin moved to Bobby Allison Motorsports, then joined Junior Johnson's team as teammate to Bill Elliott. He then changed rides again the following year, moving on to drive Fords for Travis Carter.
    In 1995, Stricklin moved from driver to consultant for Steve Kinser's Winston Cup effort. Kinser later resigned, and Stricklin jumped into the driver's seat. At the season's end, the team shut down, and Stricklin signed with Stavola Brothers Racing. With the Stavola Brothers, Stricklin scored a career-high second at Darlington and a 22nd-place point finish.
    Most recently, Stricklin tried his hand at crew chief for Gary Bradberry's Winston Cup effort. Last week at New Hampshire Stricklin re-entered the Winston Cup Series as driver for Barbour. He came home 39th after experiencing ignition problems.
    Look for good things to come in 1999 for Stricklin with his new ties to Barbour's racing team, and don't miss him race on Winston Cup Night at Jennerstown Speedway. Tickets are now available at the advanced price of $15, or pay $20 at the gate. Gates open at 4 p.m., and drivers will be available for autographs from 6-7:30 p.m. Call the Speedway Office for details at (814)629-6677