Harry Gant to Race With Current Winston Cup Stars at
Jennerstown
Jennerstown, Pa.-(July 15, 1999)-With
the tremendous growth NASCAR has seen in the past
five years, much of the spotlight has been placed on
the current stars of the sport. But give credit to
NASCAR Winston Cup legend Harry Gant for helping to
facilitate this growth. Local race fans will have
once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Gant and
watch him in a Race of Champions Saturday July 17th
at Jennerstown Speedway.
Gant remains one of motorsports' most popular icons
and will join current Winston Cup stars Mike
Skinner, Michael Waltrip and Hut Stricklin in a
25-lap feature at the Laurel Highlands oval.
Gant is best known as former racer of the No. 33
Skoal Bandit Chevrolet. His racing resume includes,
123 top-5s and 208 top-10s, spanning over a 16-year
career.
"Harry Gant is NASCAR history," Speedway General
Manager Bob Duvall said. "He helped to make Winston
Cup the phenomenal success it is today. His
experience is bound to bring the Race of Champions
here at Jennerstown to a higher level."
In
1964 Gant began racing at Hickory (N.C.) Speedway
where he found success driving hobby cars and late
models. The Taylorsville, N.C. native made his
Winston Cup debut for Junie Donlavey in 1973 at
Charlotte Motor Speedway, finishing 11th. Gant's
career took off after moving on to drive for Hal
Needham in 1981. His first win came the following
year at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
Highlights of Gant's career include a fourth-place
Winston Cup point finish in 1991, and in
International Race of Champions (IROC) Championship
in 1985, He also earned the nickname "Mr. September"
after recording four-straight wins in September of
1991.
"Gant is one of the best in the business," Bruce
Patrum, President of Patrum Motor Racing Properties
and presenter of the Race of Champions, said. "He
has lots of experience on tracks like Jennerstown
and is sure to give the young guns a run for their
money."
Gant retired from full time Winston Cup racing in
1994. Can Gant's experience and wisdom win over the
youth and wisdom win over the youth and experience
of Skinner, Waltrip and Stricklin at Jennerstown?
Don't miss Winston Cup Night. Gates will open at 4
p.m., and public autographs will be held from 6-7:30
p.m. The speedway will also host a full night of
Super Six races. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20
at the gate. Call (814)629-6677 for details
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