2004bob

2003 archives
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
note....there are several stories from
the past weekend....please scroll down
-------------------------------------------------------

Eckert Takes Home The DTWC Title With a Flag to Flag Dominating Effort

Jeffrey A. Bayless

Bardstown, KY (Oct 15 & 16) Rick Eckert of York, Pennsylvania had come close to bagging the prestigious Dirt Track World Championship a couple of times in the past, but had never been able to seal the deal. That was until the 24^th running of the event had been completed and he took home the title of one of the dirt track racing’s crown jewel events with a dominating flag to flag win in his Raye Vest owned Raye Vest Excavating, J & J Steel, Hoosier Tire, AFCO Shocks sponsored Cornett Race Engines powered #24 Rocket Chassis entry.

The first night of the 2 day affair at Bluegrass Speedway began with 93 late models taking to the ½ mile clay oval for time trials. Dale McDowell blistered the track with a lap of 15.846 to take fast time followed by Timmy Yeager with a lap of 16.211, Chub Frank with his lap of 16.217, Dan Schlieper at 16.234, and Wendell Wallace at 16.247.

The field was divided into 8 separate heat races that would race for 15 laps each with the top 2 finishers advancing to the 100 lap main event and the rest of the competitors being relegated to one of three 20 lap consolation races that would kick off the 2^nd day of festivities of the WDTC. Scott Bloomquist shot to the front of the first heat from the outside of the front row and never looked back as he went on to a dominating win in the heat race. Pole sitter Jimmy Owens battled off Brad Hall for the second spot early in the heat and went on to a comfortable runner up slot with Dale McDowell grabbing the third spot from Hall before the races conclusion. Hall held on to 4^th with Jackie Boggs grabbing the 5^th spot.

In the second heat Mike Balzano dragged raced fellow front row starter Chris Madden down the back stretch to grab the early lead. Second row starters Brandon Kinzer and Timmy Yeager soon joined Madden in a three way duel for the runner up slot with Yeager dropping into the slot followed by Kinzer then Madden. At the half way point, Yeager and Kinzer had reached the bumper of Balzano and Kinzer dropped to the hub of the track and worked his way around both to grab the point and went onto victory. Balzano held onto the runner up spot ahead of a determined Yeager with Madden and Joey Daniel wrapping up the top 5.

The third heat saw the first cautions of the event, three in fact before the race even started forcing the track to use it’s 3 strikes and it’s a single file start policy. Bart Hartman made quick work of front starting Mark Banal to take the early lead but he was unable to hold off Chub Frank who quickly worked his way to the front and went onto a convincing win. Hartman held onto 2^nd with Tim McCreadie coming home 3^rd followed by Jesse James Lay and Johnny Wheeler.

The fourth heat began with pole sitting Josh Williams spinning into the path of another car ending his bid to make the DTWC on a hook and moving Brad Neat to the pole of the 4^th heat. Neat converted the pole into a victory in the 4^th heat with John Blankenship coming home second ahead of a race long battle between Brian Ruhlman and Dan Schlieper with Ruhlman holding the edge at the stripe. Steve Landrum came home 5^th.

The 5^th heat race, the best of the evening, began with John Gill grabbing the point ahead of Steve Francis and Shannon Babb. Gill pulled away to a straight away lead as Francis and Babb put on a show for the runner up slot with Babb running the diamond shaped laps that had served him well in the past at this ½ mile oval. Francis was able to close the door on Babb several times before the Illinois based hot shoe got by and set sail for Gill and the lead. Babb reached Gill in the waning laps and the duo raced side by side for 2 laps before Babb was able to wrestle the lead away with 2 laps remaining and went onto victory with Gill coming home second. Francis had his hands full with Wendell Wallace as the race concluded but was able to fend of the challenges to hold the third spot with Jeff Smith coming home 5^th.

The 6^th heat saw Billy Moyer grab the early lead and pull away from the field as Rick Corbin and Aaron Hatton battled for the runner up slot. Hatton eventually got by as Corbin was joined by Whitney McQueary and Tim Tungate. As this trio battled some contact was made sending Corbin into a spin collecting up McQueary in a turn three incident. Corbin was able to continue, albeit at the rear, while McQueary was finished for the evening. Moyer came home comfortably ahead of Hatton with Tungate holding off Jeff Watson for third. Raymond Nichols grabbed the 5^th spot.

The 7^th heat was another hotly contested race with Darrell Lanigan jumping to the early lead followed closely by Mike Jewell. Jewell was putting plenty of pressure on the leader and slipped by in turns one and two on the 4^th circuit only to have Lanigan pull a slide job and reclaim the lead in 3 and 4. While the lead duo danced for the point there was a three partner tango going on for third with Jeff Smith, Rick Eckert, and Josh Richards all going for the spot. A lap 8 spin by Tim Senic changed the whole complexion of the race however as this put Eckert on the tail of the lead pair and the race was on. Jewell resumed trying to wrestle the lead from Lanigan but left the door open for Eckert who went to the hub and grabbed the runner up spot and then the lead on lap 12. At the checkers it was Eckert, Lanigan, Jewell, Richards, and Smith.

The 8^th and final heat saw RJ Conley wrestle the lead from pole sitter Victor Lee down the back stretch only to have Mike Marlar blow by on the 4^th lap and set sail for the checkers. Clint Smith would take the second spot from Conley with Rick Aukland and Bryan Barber finishing out the top 5.

The first of 3 concis would see Brian Ruhlman and Dale McDowell battle back and forth for the win and only transfer spot for much of the race with Ruhlman holding the spot when the checkers flew. Wendell Wallace made a late charge to grab 3^rd with Mike Jewell and Chris Madden rounding out the top 5.

Steve Francis grabbed the point in the second conci and lead flag to flag coming home ahead of Jeff Smith, Jackie Boggs, Anthony Rushings, and Jimmy Wheeler in a race that saw a 7 car pile-up early in the festivities.

The third and final conci was led by Jesse James Lay at the start as Tim Tungate and Brad Hall battled for second. Tungate would begin sliding back before making contact with Bryan Barber sending the duo spinning in turns 3 and 4 brining out the caution on the 8^th lap. Hall used the restart to grab the lead from Lay bringing Dan Schlieper with him and at the stripe it was Hall followed by Schlieper, Lay, Josh Richards, and 14^th starting Chris Carlson.

The start of the 100 lap main event saw Aaron Hatton and Clint Smith tangle in one collecting Freddie Smith and ending Hatton’s quest for the WDTC title. The second attempt at starting the race saw pole sitting Mike Marlar spin in one collecting Brandon Kinzer and Darrell Lanigan. The third time is the charm as Rick Eckert led the field out of 2 followed by Marlar, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, and Chub Frank.. Eckert quickly separated from the pack as Babb worked on getting by Marlar with Marlar slowing with a flat left rear on the 5^th lap bringing out the races 1^st caution. On the restart Frank slid past Moyer for 3^rd as Eckert once again set a blistering pace pulling away from the field. The track began locking down making passing at a premium as Eckert and Babb were clearly the class of the field with Eckert pulling out to a straight away lead followed by Babb who would pull away from the Frank, Moyer battle for 3^rd . Once the leaders would reach traffic Babb would close in on the leader but would never get a shot at trying to wrestle the lead from Eckert as once the race passed the ½ way point attrition would work to bring out enough cautions for stalled machines to keep the track clear in front of Eckert who was untouchable with a clean track in front of him. Babb would do his best to get position on the restarts, but Eckert would have none of it as he would, without fail, reestablish the lead and pull away from the field. When the checkers flew for Eckert he was $60,000 richer and was able to add the DTWC to his all ready impressive resume. Babb came home a solid runner-up followed by Frank, and Moyer who were within a car length of each other for most of the 100 laps of the feature event. Brad Neat, Scott Bloomquist, 25^th starting Wendell Wallace, 22^nd starting Dan Schlieper, John Blankenship, and Brad Hall rounded out the top 10.

In victory lane an excited Eckert exclaimed “I’ve led this thing a couple of times and was beginning to hate this race. I was beginning to have deja vu when I saw Jimmy (Owens, who had slowed on the 99^th circuit with a flat tire, coasting to a stop at the top of turn 4 as the field took the checkers) with a flat. I was thinking man, Jimmy stay up there. Wow!” He then continued “I qualified bad, I mean real bad. People were asking me if I was sandbagging. Man I wish I was. I about junked this car after hot laps.” He concluded with a smile which every one could easily interpret as an “I’m glad I didn’t do that” as his car was definitely the class of the field come feature time.

RESULTS

NARA LATE MODELS

93 cars

Fast Time: 17M Dale McDowell 15.846

Heat 1 (top 2 transfer)

0 Scott Bloomquist
20 Jimmy Owens
17M Dale McDowell
47 Brad Hall
4B Jackie Boggs

Heat 2

18 Brandon Kinzer
E1 Mike Balzano
22 Timmy Yeager
44 Chris Madden
77 Joey Daniel

Heat 3

1* Chub Frank
75 Bart Hartman
39 Tim McCreadie
33 Jesse James Lay
C1 Johnny Wheeler

Heat 4

41 Brad Neat
23 John Blankenship
49 Brian Ruhlman
9 Dan Schlieper
18 Steve Landrum

Heat 5

18 Shannon Babb
75 John Gill
15 Steve Francis
88 Wendell Wallace
00 Freddie Smith

Heat 6

21 Billy Moyer
33 Aaron Hatton
18 Tim Tungate
11 Jeff Watson
38 Raymond Nichols

Heat 7

24 Rick Eckert
29 Darrell Lanigan
9 Mike Jewell
1 Josh Richards
70 Jeff Smith

Heat 8

157 Mike Marlar
44 Clint Smith
71C RJ Conley
12 Rick Aukland
10 Bryan Barber

Conci 1 (winner advances)

49 Brian Ruhlman
17M Dale McDowell
88 Wendell Wallace
9 Mike Jewell
44 Chris Madden

Conci 2

15 Steve Francis
70 Jeff Smith
4B Jackie Boggs
70 ½ Anthony Rushings
C1 Johnny Wheeler

Conci 3

47 Brad Hall
9 Dan Schlieper
33 Jesse James Lay
1 Josh Richards
C12 Chris Carlton

Provisional Starting Spots

Track: 77 Joey Daniel

NARA: 71C RJ Conley, 00 Freddie Smith

WoO: 9 Dan Schlieper, 39 Tim McCreadie

Past Champions: 88 Wendell Wallace

Fastest Qualifier Not in the Race: 17M Dale McDowell

World Dirt Track Championship 100 laps $60,000 to win

24 Rick Eckert (2)
18 Shannon Babb (4)
1* Chub Frank (6)
21 Billy Moyer (3)
41 Brad Neat (5)
0 Scott Bloomquist (8)
88 Wendell Wallace (25)
9 Dan Schlieper (22)
23 John Blakenship (12)
47 Brad Hall (19)
71C RJ Conley (21)
18 Brandon Kinzer (7)
75 Bart Hartman (11)
49 Brian Ruhlman (17) -1 lap
00 Freddie Smith (23)
20 Jimmy Owens (9) -2 laps
29 Darrell Lanigan (15) DNF
15 Steve Francis (18)
39 Tim McCreadie (24)
77 Joey Daniel (20)
E1 Mike Balzano (10)
17M Dale McDowell (26)
157 Mike Marlar (1)
44 Clint Smith (16)
75 John Gill (13)
33 Aaron Hatton (14)

For Immediate Release:

James Essex – NARA PR

NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Wraps Up Season with “Battle at the Bottom VI”

LEXINGTON, KY--The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series concludes its inaugural season with the “Battle at the Bottom VI” this Saturday Night, October 2 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY.

The Mack and Lesa Gabbard promoted facility will host a complete show for the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 40 Lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $2500 to win and $200 to start.

The first season of the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds will crown a champion at Soggy Bottom with Leonard Pierce of Columbia, KY leading the series points heading into the season finale at Soggy Bottom this weekend. Pierce holds a 75 point advantage over two drivers who are currently tied for second place in points. Kelly Warren of Columbia, KY and Jimmy Payne of Glasgow, KY are the two drivers tied for second in points with one race remaining. Brandon Green of Walton, KY and Ricky Arms of Moss, TN are the other drivers in the top five of the points heading to Soggy Bottom.

Russell Childress, Anthony Reams, Chris Riehle, Hank Bradley and Jerry Rutherford will try to lock down a spot in the top ten after this weekend as they currently stand sixth through tenth heading into this weekend.

Soggy Bottom Speedway is located on State Road 70, two and a half miles west of the Natcher Parkway at exit 27. For more information visit www.soggybottom.net or call (270) 526-9356 or (270) 999-1578.

Gates will open at 2 p.m. (Central Time) with racing at 7 p.m. For more information on NARA please call the office at (859) 271-4501 or visit the series website at www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Modified icon.

NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds

“Battle at the Bottom VI”

Saturday Night, October 2, 2004

Soggy Bottom Speedway

Morgantown, KY

Lucas Oil A-Main Payoff

1. $2500.00

2. 1000.00

3. 825.00

4. 725.00

5. 575.00

6. 525.00

7. 475.00

8. 425.00

9. 400.00

10. 375.00

11. 325.00

12. 300.00

13. 275.00

14. 250.00

15. 225.00

16. 200.00

17. 200.00

18. 200.00

19. 200.00

20. 200.00

21. 200.00

22. 200.00

23. 200.00

24. 200.00

For Immediate Release

Michael Despain

Brad Neat Nails 6th Annual Bluegrass 50 at Bluegrass Speedway

Bardstown, KY-September 25- Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY scored the biggest win of his career by capturing the 6th Annual Bluegrass 50 worth $5,000 sanctioned by the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts. It was Neat's first win with the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and made him the 15th different winner in 21 BOB events in the 2004 season.

The 50 lap Lucas Oil A-Main 6th Annual Bluegrass 50 would see Brad Neat take the initial lead, with Scott James, Steve Barnett, and Mike Marlar going three wide for second. The caution would show quickly as Whitney McQueary would spin in mount in turn two on lap 2. The restart would have Neat still at the point, with Mike Marlar taking second from Scott James on lap 3, as Dustin Neat taking fourth from Barnett. Marlar would close in Brad Neat and the pair would race door to door for the lead, with Marlar grabbing the top spot on lap 10. Bryan Barber would ease his way into the top five at this point and would slip by Barnett for fourth on lap 15, after Barnett had passed Dustin Neat back for fourth two circuits earlier. Marlar would begin to stretch his lead to almost a full straightaway only to that advantage erased as a slowed Tim Tungate in turn three would bring out the caution flag on lap 23. As the field was being realigned under caution, race leader Marlar would experience a deflating right rear tire that would see the leader duck in and make a change for fresh rubber. This would put Neat back at the point on the restart, but the restart would be voided when Joey Daniel, Rick Corbin, Jesse James Lay, and Johnny Wheeler all tangled in turn four.

Once the race resumed, Barber would take advantage of the double file restarts and would take second from James on lap 24, only to see James retake the spot on lap 26 with a turn four slide job, while Jerry Rice was quietly charging to the front as well, as he would slip past Barnett for fourth on lap 26 as well. As James attempted to run down Brad Neat, he would get the help of what would be the final caution flag as Aaron Hatton got crossed up in turn one and the rides on Victor Lee and Tyrel Todd would crash hard in turn one attempting to avoid the spinning Hatton with 31 lap completed. Brad Neat would still be on the point as Barnett would work under Barber and take third on lap 33. Neat and James would distance themselves from the rest of the pack as Rice would slip by Barber for fourth on lap 39, with Mike Jewell going to fifth past Barber one lap later.

The final 10 circuits would see James peak beneath Neat on several occasions, with James making one last stab at Neat for the point in turn three on the final lap, with Neat holding off James to take the win in the Greg Neat owned NWN Distributing, Neat, Wilson, and Roberts, Inc., Neat's Service Center, Tarter Gate Company, Stephens Pipe and Steel, Harvey Ellis Motors, Hoosier Tire sponsored #41 MasterSbilt Race Cars, Cornett Race Engines powered entry. James would finish second, with Barnett nipping Rice for third, with 19th starting Jewell completing the top five. The remainder of the top ten would be Barber, 14th starting Timmy Yeager, 13th starting Tim Tungate, 20th starting Corbin, and Hatton.

Fifty-seven entries would see James be the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Race Engines fast qualifier at 15.301 seconds. The five Crown Spray Power heat wins went to James, McQueary, Marlar, Barnett, and Neat. Three O'Reilly Auto Parts/ Skillsaw Designs B-Mains were scored by Brandon Kinzer, Jesse James Lay, and Josh Williams. Series provisionals were taken by Tyrel Todd and Johnny Wheeler, while Joey Daniel and Jeff Watson were track provisionals.

RealPower Race Summary -Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-September 25, 2004

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCars (57 entries)
Racing Optics Fast Qualifier- Scott James 15.301
Crown Spray Power 1st Heat- James, Dustin Neat, Shannon Thornsberry, Joey Kramer
Crown Spray Power 2nd Heat- Whitney McQueary, Patrick Sheltra, Lee Devasier, Chris Carlson
Crown Spray Power 3rd Heat- Mike Marlar, Bryan Barber, Timmy Yeager, Josh Williams
Crown Spray Power 4th Heat- Steve Barnett, Aaron Hatton, Tim Tungate, Brandon Kinzer
Crown Spray Power 5th Heat- Brad Neat, Jerry Rice, Victor Lee, Jesse James Lay
O'Reilly Auto Parts 1st B-Main: Kinzer, Mike Jewell, Kramer, Bobby Wolter, Jr., Tyrel Todd
O'Reilly Auto Parts 2nd B-Main: Lay, Rick Corbin, Tony Traficant, Carlson, Frankie Coomer
O'Reilly Auto Parts 3rd B-Main: Williams, Michael England, James Huff, Bobby Carrier, Jr., Brad Erwin
Series Provisionals- Tyrel Todd, Johnny Wheeler
Track Provisionals- Joey Daniel, Jeff Watson
Lucas Oil A-Main (6th Annual Bluegrass 50)- Brad Neat, James, Barnett, Rice, Jewell, Barber, Yeager, Tungate, Corbin, Hatton, Kinzer, Sheltra, Daniel, Devasier, Watson, Lay, Wheeler, Thornsberry, Williams, Marlar, Lee, Todd, England, McQueary, Dustin Neat

7th Annual K-C 100 Paying $10,000 to win with NARA/MACS/ESPN2 on September 25

LEXINGTON, KY--The North American Racing Association (NARA) and the Mid-Atlantic Championship Series (MACS) combine forces this Saturday Night, September 25 for the 7th Annual Running of the K-C 100 at Jim Nier's K-C Raceway in Chillicothe, OH. The Circleville Oil Challenge will pay $10,000 to the winner of the 100 lap feature event.

There will be a complete show for the NARA DirtCar Series/MACS Late Models with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and NARA DirtCar Series Lucas Oil A-Main. The NARA $10,000 to win purse structure will be in effect for the event with a payoff totaling over $40,000. Also up for grabs will be $200 bonus to the fast qualifier courtesy of Circleville Oil's Tim Wilson.

A special added bonus to all the excitement at K-C this Saturday will be that the cameras of ESPN2 in attendance to tape the event for a broadcast at a date to be announced. This is all part of the NARA DirtCar Series television package for 2004 which includes ESPN2 production of events at Florence, KY, Bardstown, KY and Woodstock, GA in October. The NARA on ESPN2 is brought to you by: Lucas Oil Products, Crown Spray Power, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Columbus Classic and RealPower.

Pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with grandstand gates at 3:30 p.m. K-C Raceway is located 12 miles south of Chillicothe, OH on U.S Route 23 to Alma, OH, the west two miles on Blain Highway. For more information on K-C Raceway please visit their website at www.kc-raceway.com or call (740) 289-4114. For more information on the two sanctioning bodies for this event go to www.naradirtcar.com or www.macsracing.com.

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will be in action Labor Day Weekend with a special event at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY on Saturday Night, September 4. The Lucas Oil A-Main will pay $3000 to win and see a complete show ran with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Time Trials, the Crown Spray Power Heat races, the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 40 lap Lucas Oil Feature race. The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass event at Clinton County Speedway scheduled for September 3 has been removed from the schedule.

As the third season of excellent O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series competition winds down who will be the driver that joins Eddie Carrier, Jr. and Mike Marlar as series champions? With 18 races in the books and 13 different event winners the season point’s championship is coming down to three drivers. Aaron Hatton, Tyrel Todd and Johnny Wheeler head into the Richmond race looking to gain more points in the chase for the $10,000 to win championship. Hatton heads to the "Action Track" with a 200 point advantage over Todd with Wheeler 241 behind the points leader. The rest of the top ten is yet to be settled with all positions up for grabs. All three drivers have run well at Richmond in past BoB races, but none of them has yet to win a BoB sanctioned race at Richmond in the past three years. Richmond Raceway continues to be one of the most action packed tracks on the series schedule and this Saturday Night's event should be no exception.

Doug Smith currently leads the "Rookie of the Year" chase with a fourth place spot in the current point’s standings. Mike Jewell is fifth followed by Victor Lee, Dennis Selby, Brad Neat, Greg Johnson and Spensor Watson with Michael England just outside the top ten in 11th position.

With Smith on top of the rookie standings this late in the season Selby, Watson and England are his main competition for the title as one of those drivers will join Bobby Wolter, Jr. and Mike Marlar as O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Rookie of the Year Award Winners.

For directions and other information on Richmond Raceway please visit their website at www.richmondraceways.net and for up to date news, points, race information and other related questions on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series go to www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass icon.

For Immediate Release:

James Essex NARA - PR

Shannon Babb is First Repeat NARA DirtCar Winner Taking Kentucky Klassic Win at Barren County

GLASGOW, KY--Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL became the first two-time winner of the new NARA DirtCar Series as he captured the 23rd Annual "Kentucky Klassic" on Friday Night at the Barren County Speedway. Before a standing room only crowd the 30 year old Babb earned $7000 on his first ever visit to the facility as he became the 18th different man to win the longest continuous dirt late model event held in the state of Kentucky. Babb drove the Arkansas Motors owned, Car City, J&J Steel, Watters Auto Land, Platinum Motors and RV, Hoosier Tires, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix to the 60 lap Lucas Oil A-main win over Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN driving the A-1 Auto Salvage/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Finishing third was another former Kentucky Klassic champion, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR in the J&J Steel/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. 20th starting, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN placed fourth in the PBM Performance Products/AMS Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix with fifth place at the finish belonging to Terry English of Benton, KY in the AAA Fence/Pro Power Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. A total of 46 cars were on hand for the event.

Babb drew the number two starting spot for the four heat race winners giving him the outside of the front row alongside veteran, Rick Aukland. Babb took the lead right at the beginning of the hotly contested start with several drivers changing positions two laps into the race, one of those was Don O'Neal, who had started in 10th place, but was up to fifth by lap two. Babb held the point early on with a battle for second between Aukland and four-time Klassic winner, Billy Moyer going door to door. Moyer would go to second on lap two and then had his sights set on the leader, Babb. Meanwhile the race for third was a dandy between R.J. Conley, Victor Lee and O'Neal. Three wide racing for third was commonplace in the early stages of the event with O'Neal slipping by Conley for third on lap seven. Up front Babb and Moyer were pulling away from the top drivers with traffic approaching by the 15th circuit. With 15 laps in the books Babb still showed the way followed by Moyer, O'Neal, Conley and Lee. The lapping process began on lap 19 with Babb in front he was trying to put some distance between himself and Moyer. Moyer had closed down on Babb's advantage with heavy traffic in sight. A yellow on lap 19 would bunch the field up with double file restarts taking place behind Babb.

With still a lot of racing left Babb would maintain the lead when the race resumed with O'Neal going by Moyer to take over the second position. Lee would then bypass Conley for fourth with Moyer in front of him. Conley, however would fight back taking fourth back away from Lee a lap later on the 22nd tour. Up front it was going to be a three car chase for the win with Babb leading followed now closely by O'Neal and Moyer. With an even better race for fourth on back between Conley, Lee and Terry English in the hunt which kept the fans on their feet. With 25 laps to go it was anybody's race as up front the trio of Babb, O'Neal and Moyer would start to re-enter traffic again. Lee would be running in fourth followed by English and Conley as those two would trade positions in the running order. The first three would have to deal with traffic the rest of the way as English would make his way into the top four passing Lee on lap 37. With 20 laps to go, Babb. O’Neal and Moyer were within just a few car lengths of each other with English gaining quickly. A car on the move through the field was 20th starting, Mike Marlar. Last year's O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion used an NARA provision to start the Kentucky Klassic and he quickly made his presence know charging through he field to get to sixth place by lap 42 bringing 14th starting Brad Neat along with him.

With ten circuits remaining in the race the first three remained close with Babb hanging onto to the lead still followed closely by O'Neal and Moyer. O'Neal would then look to the inside and took a peek at the outside in the final closing laps, but could never pull alongside Babb in an attempt to take over the lead. Babb would go on to win by a car length over O'Neal with Moyer right behind him. Babb thus becomes the first two time winner on the new NARA Series. Marlar would pass English with four laps remaining to finish fourth to earn the PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race. English would finish in fifth. A total of 18 of the 22 starters would finish the race with the first 14 cars still on the lead lap at the finish.

Completing the top ten were Neat, Conley, Greg Johnson, Lee and Darrell Lanigan.

In preliminary events John Gill was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines quick qualifier among the 46 entrants at a lap of 14.14 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race Winners were Billy Moyer, Shannon Babb, Victor Lee and Rick Aukland. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains were won by Steve Barnett and Brad Neat.

The next NARA DirtCar Series event will be the 36th Annual "Hillbilly 100" paying $25,000 to win on Monday Afternoon, September 6 at the Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, WV.

Race Summary

NARA DirtCar Series

Friday Night, August 27, 2004

Barren County Speedway

Glasgow, KY

Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Time: John Gill 14.14

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Billy Moyer, Scott James, John Gill, Steve Barnett

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Shannon Babb, Terry English, Don O'Neal, Johnny Wheeler

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Victor Lee, Darrell Lanigan, Greg Johnson, Michael England

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Rick Aukland, R.J. Conley, Bryan Barber, Freddy Smith

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: Steve Barnett, Rick Eckert, Kevin Claycomb, Randle Chupp

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: Brad Neat, Michael England, Jimmy Owens, Mike Jewell

Lucas Oil 23rd Annual "Kentucky Klassic" Feature (60 Laps): Shannon Babb, Don O'Neal, Billy Moyer, Mike Marlar, Terry English, Brad Neat, R.J. Conley, Greg Johnson, Victor Lee, Darrell Lanigan, Jimmy Owens, Scott James, Freddy Smith, Rick Eckert, Rick Aukland, Johnny Wheeler, Michael England, Tim Tungate, Steve Barnett, John Gill, Kevin Claycomb

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger – Mike Marlar

point’s standings heading into the "Kentucky Klassic" has racked up three wins

Kentucky Klassic Payoff
1. $7000.00
2. 3500.00
3. 2000.00
4. 1500.00
5. 1400.00
6. 1300.00
7. 1200.00
8. 1100.00
9. 1000.00
10. 950.00
11. 900.00
12. 850.00
13. 800.00
14. 750.00
15. 700.00
16. 650.00
17. 625.00
18. 600.00
19. 575.00
20. 550.00
21. 525.00
22. 500.00

-------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, August 7, 2004

BARDSTOWN, KY--Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL held off John Gill in the final laps to capture the Lucas Oil 4th Annual "Bluegrass Classic" on Saturday Night at the Bluegrass Speedway. The North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series sanctioned event was taped by ESPN2 and will be shown at a date and time to be announced. With the lights, camera and great racing action in full force, Babb drove the Arkansas Motors, Car City, J&J Steel, Watters Auto Land, Platinum Motors and RV, Hoosier Racing Tires, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, C.J. Rayburn Pontiac Grand Prix #18 to the $10,000 win over Gill, who was piloting the Jeff and Eddie Harrod/Harrod Farms/Rocket Grand Prix. Finishing in third was Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN driving the Powell Motorsports/AFCO Racing Products/Rocket Grand Prix. Fourth place was Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN the A-1 Auto Salvage/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and finishing out the top five was Brandon Kinzer of Allen, KY in the MOPAR Performance/Barry Wright House Car/Gaerte Engines Dodge Intrepid. Babb becomes the third different winner in three NARA DirtCar Series races in 2004 as this is the inaugural season for the series as 50 cars were on hand trying to make the show before a large crowd of spectators.

At the start of the Lucas Oil 60 lap A-Main it was Babb, who started on the outside of the front row grabbing the lead right from the start with Scott James, Brandon Kinzer and John Gill trailing him in the early going. By lap four Gill had moved by Kinzer for third with Babb still holding the lead over James. The race would settle down quickly among the frontrunners, but behind them change in positions seemingly occurred every lap with side by side racing. Babb opened up a five car length lead over James by the 15th circuit with Gill hounding him as he was right on his rear bumper. The first five racing around the high banked 1/2 mile track were Babb, James, Gill, Kinzer with Tim Tungate running in fifth. The race was going along smoothly with no mishaps until Tim Hitt blew a tire on the 17th lap resulting in Aaron Hatton and Whitney McQueary having no where to go as they crashed on the backstretch as they were headed into the third turn corner. All three cars were eliminated for the rest of the night.

With double file restarts in order Babb would be on the point with James and Gill side by side on the restart. Gill would take advantage of the double file and scoot by James for second taking Tungate with him to third. James then would have to fight back around Tungate getting to third on the 23rd lap. With 25 laps complete it was still Babb in front with Gill holding down second followed by James, now Don O'Neal and Tungate in fifth. For the next several laps they would remain in that same running order. With traffic rapidly approaching by the 32nd lap Babb would see his lead shrink over Gill with James and O'Neal now trying to make it a four car race for the lead. Lapped traffic would allow Gill to close the margin down on Babb closing right up on him at one point, but Babb would get by traffic using any groove possible and that allowed him to keep Gill at bay. With 12 laps remaining Tungate would call it a night with overheating issues and that would allow Kinzer to rejoin the top five runners. Up front all eyes were on Babb and Gill as they have distanced themselves away from James and O'Neal with ten to go. Gill would follow in Babb's tire tracks lap after lap waiting on a pass either in track or have Babb make a mistake and float out of the groove. Neither happened and Gill would have to chase Babb across the checkers in second place as Babb would take his first career NARA DirtCar Series win. Third across the line was James followed closely by O'Neal and Kinzer.

Completing the top ten were 12th starting, Mike Marlar, 17th starter Greg Johnson, Bryan Barber, Dennis Erb, Jr. and Steve Barnett.

In preliminary events the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Timer was Babb with a lap of 16.470 seconds among the 50 entrants on hand. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race Winners were Babb, Tim Tungate, Gill, Kinzer and James. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains went to R.J. Conley and Greg Johnson. The PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race was Greg Johnson, who started 17th and finished in 7th.

The next NARA DirtCar Series event will be the 23rd Annual "Kentucky Klassic" on Friday Night, August 27th at the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY paying $7000 to win.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Shannon Babb, Timmy Yeager, Johnny Wheeler, Billy Dever

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: R.J. Conley, Mike Jewell, Joey Kramer, Michael England

Lucas Oil A-Main 4th Annual "Bluegrass Classic" (60 Laps): Shannon Babb, John Gill, Scott James, Don O'Neal, Brandon Kinzer, Mike Marlar, Greg Johnson, Bryan Barber, Dennis Erb, Jr., Steve Barnett, Freddy Smith, R.J. Conley, Brad Neat, Johnny Wheeler, Jeff Watson, Tim Tungate, Joey Daniel, Mike Jewell, Timmy Yeager, Tyrel Todd, Aaron Hatton, Whitney McQueary, Tim Hitt

JUNCTION CITY, KY--Benji Lee of Raywick, KY scored his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event on Friday Night at the Ponderosa Speedway. Lee in his first full year of dirt late model racing led all the way in taking an impressive Lucas Oil A-Main event winning the 2nd Annual "John Bradshaw Memorial Race" to become the 13th different winner in 18 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar races in 2004. Lee drove the Kenneth Harlow Racing out of Danville, KY owned #16 C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo entry sponsored by Lafayette Engineering, Cliffside Farms, PPM Racing Products, A&A Mechanical Services, Curtis Graphics, CJ Slate Tobacco, Hoosier Racing Tires and powered by a Butch Smith Racing Engine grabbed the $3000 first place money over some heavy hitters. Current O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass point’s leader, Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY finished second for the sixth time in 2004 padding his point lead as he drove the Hatton Racing/Jerry Hatton Used Cars/MasterSbilt Grand Prix to the runner-up position. Finishing third was Steve Barnett of Franklin, IN in his best O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar finish of the year driving the J.D. Byrider/Cornett Engines/GRT Monte Carlo. Finishing in fourth was Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN behind the wheel of the C.J. Rayburn Race Cars #71 entry and completing the top five was Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN in the MPC Motorsports/Cornett Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix.

Benji Lee would be quick all night long starting on the outside of the front row as he took the lead right off the bat from another driver in his first full year of dirt late model racing, polesitter, Michael England. Aaron Hatton would start fourth and work his way quickly up to second past England by lap two. Lee would open up a lead on Hatton and the rest of the field in the early going as he set sail around the D-shaped track. Hatton, England, Steve Barnett and Greg Johnson were running in the top five by lap five. A car on the rise in the early going was Victor Lee. Lee started eighth in the field and was up to fourth by lap 11 passing Barnett for that spot. With Benji Lee in control of the race it was going to up to Hatton, England and Victor Lee to hunt down the leader. However on the 14th lap Victor Lee's night ended prematurely as he broke something on the car resulting in a hard collision into the turn four wall. Victor Lee's night ended with severe right front suspension damage on his car as he was towed to the pit area ending a strong run. When the race resumed it was still Benji Lee on the point looking strong in his bid for a career best win. Hatton was running in second trying to stay within contact of Lee after the caution flag. Once the race got going again Barnett would make a move past England to take over the third spot. While this was going on ninth place starter and 2004 Summernationals champion, Don O'Neal was headed to the front bringing Mike Jewell along with him.

With the halfway signal given it was Benji Lee, Hatton, Barnett, O'Neal and Jewell in what would become a track meet over the last half of the race. Lee would start to encounter some lapped traffic and that would allow the fans to get interested again in the race for the lead as Hatton and the rest of the top five would start to close in on Lee. With ten laps to go Hatton, Barnett, O’Neal and Jewell had closed right in on Lee's bumper. With five laps to go Lee would make a daring move in traffic splitting two lapped cars and that was the move that may have won him the race. Before the nice move Hatton and Barnett were bidding to make it a three wide battle for the lead coming off of turn number four, but Lee would hold his groove and when he went by the two lapped cars he had just enough breathing room at that point. Hatton, Barnett, O'Neal and Jewell would not let Lee get away from them keeping his close by in the waning laps of the 40 lapper. With two laps to go Lee was hanging on with some of the best dirt late model drivers in the country tagging on behind him, but he kept his cool and would hold them off in taking a thrilling and popular win with the fans in attendance. Lee thus becomes another new first time winner on the three year old Battle of the Bluegrass Series as he is the 13th different driver to post a win in 2004 for Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body. Hatton built his point lead up even more despite not winning yet this year he does have six second place finishes this season. Barnett led a trio of Hoosier State drivers across the line taking third followed by O'Neal and Jewell.

Completing the top ten were Jesse James Lay, Greg Johnson, Bobby Wolter Jr., Michael England and Johnny Wheeler.

Wheeler was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Timer for the 27 entries on hand with a lap of 13.301 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat Races went to England, Johnson and Benji Lee. Dennis Selby won the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main. Mike Jewell was the PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Michael England, Aaron Hatton, Johnny Wheeler, Mike Jewell, Jimmy Crabtree

Crown Spray Power Heat 32: Greg Johnson, Jesse James Lay, Victor Lee, Bobby Wolter, Jr., Shannon Thornsberry

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Benji Lee, Steve Barnett, Don O'Neal, Tyrel Todd, Brad Neat

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main: Dennis Selby, Michael Wooldridge, Doug Smith, P.J. Feistritzer, Larry Gray, Jr.

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Benji Lee, Aaron Hatton, Steve Barnett, Don O'Neal, Mike Jewell, Jesse James Lay, Greg Johnson, Bobby Wolter, Jr., Michael England, Johnny Wheeler, Tyrel Todd, Dennis Selby, Brad Neat, Shannon Thornsberry, Jimmy Crabtree, P.J. Feistritzer, Doug Smith, Michael Wooldridge, Anthony Ferguson, Bobby Carrier, Jr., Victor Lee, Larry Gray, Jr., Jordan Bland, Jake Henry

LEXINGTON, KY--The North American Racing Association (NARA) has announced that Contour Hardening, Inc. of Indianapolis, IN, the creators and marketers of RealPower has signed on with the country's newest dirt track sanctioning body as a Major Associate Sponsor. The NARA on ESPN2 welcomes RealPower to its list of television sponsors which includes: Lucas Oil Products, Crown Spray Power, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Columbus Classic.

Contour Hardening, Inc. has introduced the world's first fully integrated AC power generation system designed exclusively for your truck. RealPower is powered off of a pick-up truck's transmission. It economically and reliably solves numerous problems that plague traditional portable power generators.

"Real Power" turns a heavy-duty pick-up truck into a mobile power station capable of generating a clean, continuous 8,000 or 12,000 watt stream of power, depending on the model purchased. That's enough to power an average home while operating multiple appliances.

Real Power doesn't alter the truck's electrical system. Instead, it works off the vehicle's existing power take-off (PTO) gear, found in the transmission. To operate Real Power, the truck need only be left running in idle and a simple factory-supplied PTO switch clicked on to activate the system. The lightweight, low-maintenance, and low-profile, weather-resistant generator mounts under the floor pan of the pick-up truck between the vehicle's frame rails. There's no lost ground clearance. No modifications to the floor pan or the chassis is required.

The NARA DirtCar Series will have four racing events televised on ESPN2 in 2004.

The North American Racing Association is the parent sanction for the NARA DirtCar Series, O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts and the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series. All three series are enjoying successful seasons in 2004. For more information, as well as updated news and race schedules please visit the NARA official website at www.naradirtcar.com.
-------------------------------------------------------

LEXINGTON, KY--The newest venture into the world of dirt track racing is back in action this Saturday Night, August 7 as the North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series visits the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY for the 4th Annual "Bluegrass Classic" paying $10,000 to win and $700 to start. A large crowd of spectators and racers should be on hand as the cameras of ESPN2 will be at Bardstown for the very first time. The event will be taped for broadcast on ESPN2 at a date to be announced in the future. It will be the second of four races to be shown on ESPN2 this year. ESPN2 currently is seen in 87.1 million homes. There will be a complete racing program for the NARA DirtCar Series with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Race, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and 60 Lap Lucas Oil "Bluegrass Classic" A-Main paying $10,000 to win.

R.J. Conley of Wheelersburg, OH currently leads the inaugural NARA season point’s standings with races completed at Florence (KY) Speedway and Brownstown (IN) Speedway. National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer and owner of 783 career wins, Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN is second in points followed by John Gill of Mitchell, IN, Greg Johnson of Burgin, KY and Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN.

In the two previous NARA events held so far in 2004 Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN captured the "Spring 50" on ESPN2 at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY and Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN scored the biggest win of his racing career by capturing the "Hoosier Dirt Classic" at the Brownstown (IN) Speedway.

The rest of the top ten in NARA points heading to Bardstown include: Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, IL, Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL, Steve Barnett of Franklin, IN, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN and Jesse James Lay of Walton, KY.

Activities will get underway at Bluegrass Speedway this Saturday with pit gates opening an hour earlier than normal at 3 PM (EDT), main grandstand gates will also open an hour earlier at 4 PM, there will be a drivers meeting at 6 PM, with hot laps at 6:30 PM, followed by time trials at 7 PM. The track phone on race day is (502) 349-1241. Bluegrass Speedway is located just off of the Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway at Highway 31E off of exit 21. For more information or directions please log on to the tracks website at www.bluegrass-speedway.com

Lucas Oil Products--The World Leader in Heavy Duty and High Performance Lubricants

RealPower-The First Fully Integrated, True AC Generator that is powered off of a Pick-Up Truck's Transmission

]LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will hold it's 18th points event of the 2004 season this Friday Night, August 6 at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Times Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and $3000 to win Lucas Oil A-Main.

In the first 17 races contested this season there have been 12 different winners. The point’s race is also heating up with 17 events in the books Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY currently sits atop the points with 3405. Second place is Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY with 3260 points. Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY rides in third with 3205 points. Completing the top five currently after 17 races are Doug Smith of Somerset, KY and Victor Lee of Stanford, KY.

The rest of the top ten looks this way with Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN, Dennis Selby of Russell Springs, KY, Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY, Greg Johnson of Burgin, KY and Spensor Watson of Bethel, OH maintaining positions 6-10.

For race day information of Ponderosa Speedway please call the track phone at (859) 854-6808. For directions and other information on Ponderosa Speedway please visit their website at www.ponderosaspeedway.com.

CROSSVILLE, TN--Patrick Duggan from Lenoir City, TN became the 12th different driver in 17 races to win an O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event in 2004 as he came home the winner Friday Night in Crossville's Raceway USA Lucas Oil Main Event. Duggan earned $3000 for his first career BoB win as he led the last ten laps of the 50 lapper. Duggan driving the Waldrop Transmission, Hicks and Ingle Mechanical Contracting, Competition Equipment, Inc., Hoosier Racing Tires, D&R Construction, Kingston Paint and Flooring, Carrera Shocks, Wilwood, Weld Wheels, QA1, FK Rod Ends, Bert Transmission, B&B Performance Engines, GRT Pontiac Grand Prix to the win over defending Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN in the Wilson's Service Center/AMS Race Engines/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. Finishing third was current BoB points leader, Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY in the Porter Tire Center/Draime Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix followed by Greg Johnson of Burgin, KY in the Double D Motorsports/PPM Racing Products/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix and Whitney McQueary of Dunnville, KY in the Bigg Dawg Motorsports/Bullock Engine/Rocket Grand Prix.

It took 3 tries to get a lap in to start the 50 lap Lucas Oil A-Main event. Once it got rolling, Aaron Hatton looked like he had the car to beat at Crossville. Hatton, the current Battle of the Bluegrass point’s leader was still looking for his first series win of the year looked unbeatable in the early going as he rocketed to a comfortable margin over Patrick Duggan and Mike Marlar who were dicing it out for second place. Marlar tried every angle on the ultra quick race track to get by Duggan, but e push into turn two would slow his momentum that he had built up around the track trying to pass Duggan. Hatton stretched his lead to several car lengths until traffic became an issue. Hatton was held up briefly trying to lap cars as Duggan and Marlar would close down on him. Johnny Wheeler was also knocking at the door of the leaders as he would hound Marlar lap after lap trying to get by him for third. Wheeler did briefly get by him, but a caution flag negated the move. With 15 laps in the books it was Hatton still in front followed by Duggan, Marlar, Wheeler and Whitney McQueary. Another driver on the move was Jimmy Owens. Owens, who started 14th subbing for Randy Weaver stormed through the field and was up to sixth by the 16th circuit. The top six would remain that way for a while with Hatton still fighting through lapped traffic around the high banked dirt track. Duggan and Marlar really made it close by the halfway mark closing to within one car length of Hatton. Hatton at this point was hanging on with Duggan and Marlar applying the pressure.

Owens' strong effort would end up against the inside retaining wall on the 31st lap putting him out of the race. Meanwhile McQueary had passed Wheeler for fourth. As the laps wound down and with a couple of caution flag periods mixed in Hatton would see his lead and a possible first win of 2004 go out the window as he had trouble pushing up the bank just enough behind a lapped car allowing both Duggan and Marlar to get by him. Duggan would take the lead for good with ten laps remaining with Marlar hanging on his every move. Marlar, who's car started to handle better towards the end of the race had a tough time with Duggan who drove a steady line the rest of the way as he would race on for his first career Battle of the Bluegrass win with Marlar right on him at the finish. Hatton would finish third to maintain his series points lead. Greg Johnson would jump into his backup car after his car faltered in his heat race. Johnson would start in the back and quietly move his way up through the strong field of cars to finish in fourth at the pay window. Whitney McQueary would have his second consecutive top five finish in BoB competition since debuting a new car as he placed fifth.

The winner, Duggan, commented afterwards that the car he drove to victory had not been raced in three or four months. "We just brought it out tonight on a whim and it proved to be a good choice," said Duggan in victory lane. "It feels good to get one of these BoB wins; they have a good series and great bunch of drivers to race with." "My car worked fine all night, we really didn't have to do much to it after the heat race, in the feature the 33 car was fast early on, but his tires must have heated up or something, because he started to come back to me at some point."

Completing the top ten were Johnny Wheeler, Kurt Owens, Doug Smith, Mike Kittrell and Tyrel Todd.

Greg Johnson was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Timer for the 24 cars on hand with a clocking of 12.516 seconds. The Crown Spray Heat Race winners were Aaron Hatton, Mike Marlar and Patrick Duggan.

The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will race next at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY this Friday Night, August 6 for a $3000 to win event.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Aaron Hatton, Mike Jewell, Whitney McQueary, Brian Hickman

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Mike Marlar, Johnny Wheeler, Dennis Selby, Steven Ashby

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Patrick Duggan, Jeff Walker, Michael England, Joe Armistead

Lucas Oil A-Main (50 Laps): Patrick Duggan, Mike Marlar, Aaron Hatton, Greg Johnson, Whitney McQueary, Johnny Wheeler, Kurt Owens, Doug Smith, Mike Kittrell, Tyrel Todd, Matt Henderson, Tipp Watson, Jimmy Owens, Brian Hickman, Dennis Selby, Jeff Walker, Spensor Watson, Michael England, Steven Ashby, Tim Damron, Mike Jewell, Ruben Mayfield, Joe Armstead (DNS), Brad Neat (DNS)

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger – Greg Johnson
-------------------------------------------------------
July 26, 2004

Johnny Wheeler Becomes 11th Different O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Winner with Victory at Soggy Bottom

MORGANTOWN, KY--The "Wheelman" Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY became the 11th different driver this year to win a O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Event Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts on Saturday Night at the Soggy Bottom Speedway. Wheeler's fifth career series win came aboard the Larry Yantz Racing owned/Clayton Homes of Bowling Green, KY/PPM Racing Products/American Racer Tires/Wayne Bowen Racing Supply/Classic Homes/Cornett Racing Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. The 41 year old Wheeler who got married the week of the race earned $3000 for his win making for a nice wedding present. Current BoB point’s leader, Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY finished second in the Hatton Racing/Russell Hatton Used Cars and Mobile Home Rentals/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Third place went to Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY in the Billy Todd, crew chiefed, Pulaski Steel and Supply Inc/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Completing the top five was Michael England of Glasgow, KY in the David England/Young's Oil Corporation/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo and Dennis Selby of Russell Springs, KY in the Selby Motorsports/Highway 80 Auto/MasterSbilt Ford Mustang. It was the best career finishes for England and Selby in the series' three year history.

Before a packed hillside of race fans it was Aaron Hatton who would take the lead at the beginning of the Lucas Oil A-Main which was 40 laps in length. Tyrel Todd quickly moved into second followed by Johnny Wheeler and Kevin Claycomb, who was making his last appearance at Soggy Bottom in his farewell tour as he will be retiring from racing at seasons end. In the early going it was Hatton, Todd and Wheeler as the top three in the current Battle of the Bluegrass points were looking to gain an advantage on each other at night's end by seeing who could finish the highest and gain the most points. Todd's second place run would come to an end as he slipped coming off of turn four and looped the car bringing out the caution flag. Todd would restart on the tail, but he would be heard from later in the race. When the race restarted Hatton was still on the point with Wheeler now in second followed by Claycomb and Michael England. Hatton's continuing lead would last for two more circuits as Wheeler was able to slip by him coming off of turn number four on the ninth lap to take over the lead. England, the 20 year old driver in his first full season of dirt late model racing would run the best race of his BoB career as he would get by the veteran Claycomb on the 13th lap to take over third place. England then set his sights on the two frontrunners in his quest for his first ever BoB win. A couple of back to back cautions would slow the action on the 15th lap. With Wheeler in front and double file restarts behind him Hatton and England would battle it out for second place. Also going door to door would be Dennis Selby and Mike Jewell for fourth. By the halfway mark of the race Wheeler was still out in front followed by Hatton, England, Jewell and Selby.

Todd, who had gone to the back from an early spin, would trek towards the front getting back to sixth by the 23rd lap. Todd then would pass Jewell for fifth on lap 28 to take over fifth place. Selby and Todd then raced side by side for a few laps with Todd getting by him with less than five laps remaining. Up front it was all Wheeler as he would cruise on to take his first Battle of the Bluegrass win of the season and his fifth career win with the three year old series. Hatton, would finish in second with Todd able to get around England with two laps to go coming all the way back from the tail to finish third and remain within striking distance of Hatton in the race for the 2004 championship. Both England and Selby put on impressive displays garnering their best career Battle of the Bluegrass finishes taking fourth and fifth place respectfully.

Completing the top ten were Mike Jewell, Doug Smith, Jason Koger, Kevin Claycomb and Victor Lee.

In preliminary events the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Qualifier was Aaron Hatton at 15.374 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Hatton and Tyrel Todd.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Aaron Hatton,, Victor Lee, Kevin Claycomb, Mike Jewell

Lucas Oil A-Main :( 40 Laps): Johnny Wheeler, Aaron Hatton, Tyrel Todd, Michael England, Dennis Selby, Mike Jewell, Doug Smith, Jason Koger, Kevin Claycomb, Victor Lee, James Huff, Shawn Martin, Spensor Watson, Mike Higdon (DNS)

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Michael England (started 9th and finished in 4th)
-------------------------------------------------------
July 26, 2004

Mike Jewell Claims O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Race at Paducah International Raceway

PADUCAH, KY--Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN led all 40 laps of the Lucas Oil A-Main to take the $3000 first place money back to the Hoosier State as he captured his second O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event of 2004 on Friday Night at the Paducah International Raceway. It was the series' first ever visit to the 3/8ths mile high banked dirt track. The 46 year old driver took his sixth career series win as he guided the Don Powell crew chiefed, Southern Indiana Rock Drilling, Morgan Foods, MPC Motorsports, GKN Sinter Metals, Hoosier Racing Tires, LaFountain's Auto Body, Stephens Oil Company, Shelton Angus Farms, Re/Max Hometown Professionals, Scott County Tire, Cornett Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Pontiac Grand Prix to the win in a very exciting feature race. A great battle for second saw Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY finish second in the Todd Family Motorsports/Todd Truss Company/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo hold off Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN who placed third in the Powell Motorsports/Baylor Trucking/Rocket Grand Prix. Fourth place was Terry English of Benton, KY driving the AAA Fence/Petroff Towing/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and completing the top five was Whitney McQueary of Dunnville, KY in the Tarter Tube/Bullock Race Engines/Rocket Chassis.

Jewell would go the point at the start of the 40 lapper with local driver, Jeremy Williams running in second followed by Tyrel Todd. After the first lap was scored two consecutive yellow flags would make for a rough start for a few drivers as Michael England and Hall of Famer, Freddy Smith were eliminated early on after another car spun in front of them causing a wreck putting both of them on the wrecker. When the race got going again it was all green the rest of the way and this would set up a terrific race for the lead among Jewell, Todd, Scott James and eventually Terry English would join them. With Jewell setting a rapid pace around Paducah's high banks Todd and James would have a classic matchup for second. As the trio up front was making it into lapped traffic by the 10th circuit Todd and James were putting on quite a show for the Paducah fans as they would go back and forth lap after lap at a torrid pace. Jewell was starting to contend with more traffic in front of him as the race progressed and that would allow Todd and James to close ground on him. They would close right on Jewell's rear by the 15th lap as the cars sliced in and out of traffic it was exciting to watch as the trio was running within inches of each other in the race for the lead. Todd, who was making his first ever appearance at the western Kentucky track was racing against a couple of Indiana drivers who have raced at Paducah several times and know their way around that place, but his inexperience racing there really never showed at all as he looked a seasoned veteran on the high banks.

As the race went past the halfway mark it was still Jewell, Todd and James battling it out for the lead. Then 2002 UMP National Champion, Terry English got things going as he would track down the top three and make it a four car tussle. AS the four rimridders around the track would see the laps tick down to less than five it was still any of those drivers' race. Todd would try and dart to the inside of Jewell heading into the corners on several occasions, but Jewell would always come out still leading. When Todd dived low, James would take a path that enabled him to get by Todd briefly, but Todd fought right back regaining the spot before another lap was scored. Towards the end Todd and James were giving each other plenty of room to race as Jewell would inch away at the end as Todd and James would race hard right to the checkers. When the race Jewell would be the winner for his sixth career Battle of the Bluegrass victory tying Mike Marlar for the most wins in the three year history of the series. Todd and James high fived each other in the pits afterward after a awe inspiring performance showing respect for each other after what just happened on the track. English would finish in fourth with Whitney McQueary debuting a new Rocket Chassis finishing in fifth after getting the spot on the 15th lap and staying there the rest of the race.
Completing the top ten were John Tindal, Aaron Hatton, Victor Lee, John Gill and Brad Neat.

In preliminary events Terry English was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Fast Qualifier for the 29 entries on hand at 16.329 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Scott James, Jeremy Williams, Mike Jewell and Tyrel Todd. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main went to Victor Lee.

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Jeremy Williams, Randy Sellars, John Tindal, Michael Steele

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Mike Jewell, Phil Walker, Tait Davenport, Johnny Wheeler

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Tyrel Todd, Aaron Hatton, Whitney McQueary, Dennis Selby

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Mike Jewell, Tyrel Todd, Scott James, Terry English, Whitney McQueary, John Tindal, Aaron Hatton, Victor Lee, John Gill, Brad Neat, Tait Davenport, Johnny Wheeler, Dennis Selby, Michael Steele, Doug Smith, Jeremy Williams, Phil Walker, Randy Sellars, Joe Morris, Kevin Claycomb, Michael England, Freddy Smith

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Victor Lee (started 17th and finished 8th)

-------------------------------------------------------
July 21, 2004

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts heads west of Interstate 65 this upcoming weekend for a pair of sanctioned events.

On Friday Night, July 23 the series visits for the very first time the Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, KY. It will be the furthest west in the Bluegrass State that Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body has been in the three year history of the touring series. The visit to the John Tindal promoted facility will see a complete show at the 3/8ths mile high banked clay oval with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. Paducah will play host to the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series’ 60th race date in its history.

Directions to Paducah International Raceway are as follows: Interstate 24 to exit 11, then south on Husband Road (St Rd 1954), then east of Lydon Road (St RD 3075), the south on Oaks (St Rd 450), then west on Shemwell Lane (near the airport). For further information please visit the track's website at www.paducahinternationalraceway.com. The track phone number for race day information is (270) 898-7469.

On Saturday Night, July 24 the series then heads back east from Paducah to visit for the second time this year the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY.

Mack and Lesa Gabbard’s facility will be hosting their fourth ever O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass event. In the first three appearances at 3/8ths mile track there have been three different event winners with Johnny Wheeler, Aaron Hatton and last month's winner, Victor Lee all taking home the trophy. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models at Soggy Bottom with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win.

In addition to the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series at Soggy Bottom Speedway will be a much anticipated return visit from the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series with a $1500 to win main event for the NARA sanctioned open wheel modifieds. The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Modified event will feature a complete program for the modifieds consisting of Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O’Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the Lucas Oil A-Main. For directions and further information on the events at Soggy Bottom Speedway please log on to their website at www.soggybottomspeedway.net or call the track phone on race day at (270) 526-0600.

Aaron Hatton currently leads the race for the 2004 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Championship over Tyrel Todd, Johnny Wheeler, Victor Lee and Brad Neat.

Kelly Warren stands atop the 2004 NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Title Chase with a points lead over Leonard Pierce, Timmy Payne, Brandon Green and Russell Childress.

Additional Information can be obtained at www.naradirtcar.com or the Series Office at 859-271-4501.

-------------------------------------------------------
July 21, 2004

TO: All Press and Media Outlets
FROM: Michael Despain
RE: NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series- Preview for July 24 (Soggy Bottom Speedway) and July 25 (Barren County Speedway)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soggy Bottom Speedway and Barren County Speedway To Host NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series Events on July 24 and July 25

Lexington, KY-July 20- The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series will have a double-header of open-wheel racing action this weekend with an appearance on Saturday night, July 24, at Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY and then head down the road on Sunday evening, July 25, for the Kevin Farmer Memorial event at Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY.

On Saturday night, July 24, the "BoB Mod Squad" will share top billing with the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models at Soggy Bottom Speedway. The Modified tour of the NARA has raced once already at Soggy Bottom this season back on May 22, with Jimmy Payne of Glasgow, KY taking the $1,500 payday in that event. Jimmy Westerfield, Russell Childress, and Trent Young are just a few of the "Soggy Bottom Boys" that will try and keep the cash in Western Kentucky. For more information about Soggy Bottom Speedway, visit the track's website at www.soggybottomspeedway.net.

On Sunday night, July 25, the BoB Modifieds head down the road to the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY. This will the first year Modified tour's first ever visit to the 32 year old South Central Kentucky facility that is the home of the Kentucky Klassic. Veteran Butch Shay of Louisville, KY is the current track point leader in the Modified division heading into this weekend's Kevin Farmer Memorial event. The event is being held in the late Mr. Farmer's memory, who was a frequent competitor at Barren County in the mid and late 1990's. For more information about Barren County Speedway, visit the track's website at www.barrencountyspeedway.com.

The racing program each evening will consist of a complete program of Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heats, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-mains, and a Lucas Oil A-main, paying $1,500 to win each event. For more information about these and other NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series events, check the world wide web at www.naradirtcar.com.

-------------------------------------------------------
July 17, 2004

For Immediate Release
James Essex NARA/PR

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Results-Saturday Night, July 17, 2004

Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY

RICHMOND, KY--Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN the 2003 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Points Champion picked up one of the biggest wins of his racing career as he won the 17th Annual Paul "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial Race on Saturday Night at the Rihcmond (KY) Raceway. Marlar's win in the Lucas Oil A-Main event was worth $5000 as he became the 10th different O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass winner this year in 14 races. The win was also Marlar's sixth career BoB victory making him the driver with the most career wins in the series' first 59 events contested. Marlar drove the David Marlar, crew chiefed, Wilson's Service Center, PBM Peformance Products, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Huddle House Restaurant, Renegade Race Fuels, Marlar and Sons Auto Dismantling, Todd Truss Company, CarCosmetics.net, WFO Decals, Hoosier Racing Tires, AMS Race Engines sponsored C.J. Rayburn Pontiac Grand Prix. Aaron Hatton of Mt.Sterling, KY finished second in the Porter Tire Center/Draime Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Taking third was 2002 BoB Series Champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Salt Rock, WV in the Carl Grover Motorsports/Engines Inc/Rocket Ford Taurus. Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY placed fourth in the Larry Yantz Racing/Classic Homes/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and rounding out the top five was John Gill of Mitchell, IN in the Jeff and Eddie Harrod/Harrod Farms/Rocket Grand Prix. A standing room only crowd was on hand as 41 cars were present for the event was was delayed nearly an hour by a late afternoon downpour.

Greg Johnson in his return to the Battle of the Bluegrass Series took the lead at the start of the Lucas Oil A-Main with Aaron Hatton, Eddie Carrier, Jr and 8-time Butterball Wooldridge Memorial Winner, Mike Jewell following. A caution after one lap was scored for Tyrel Todd who suffered a flat tir eon the opening lap. He made a quick pit stop and rejoined the field on the rear. When the race resumed it would go green for three more laps with Johnson in front, now followed by Carrier and Mike Marlar, who had started in fifth. A caution for a flat tire for Brad Neat would slow the action as the race for first place was really starting to heat up. With five circuits complete it was Johnson still showing the way, but Marlar had made his early race mark by passing Carrier for second. Marlar then had to erase a three car length deficit that Johnson had built up. But at Richmond you can make up time in a hurry and Marlar did just that quickly closing on Johnson bringing Carrier along with him to make it a three dog fight for the lead. Marlar would get by Johnson on the eighth lap taking over the lead of the race. Johnson and Carrier then would go side by side for several laps in the battle for second place. Marlar was up to a six car length advantage over Johnson and Carrier as they eclipsed the 15 lap mark of the event. Johnson then would dig in too hard in turn four as the car would get sideways loosing control and getting struck by Carrier who was passing by. Johnson would be out of the race.

At this point a very light drizzle would start the fall forcing officials to abandon the double file Delaware restarts in an attempt to speed up the race. When the race resumed again it was Marlar on the point with Carrier in second followed by ninth place starter, Johnny Wheeler and Hatton. On the 17th lap Carrier made a bold move for the lead passing Marlar on the outside to take over the lead. As the only two previous Battle of the Bluegrass champions would show their mettle racing hard and clean with each other going door to door for several circuits in the race to see who would take home the $5000 first place prize. Carrier would lead until the 22nd lap when Marlar would retake the lead from him for good after the spirited duel. About to join them in the race for the lead was Wheeler and Hatton. The two BoB regulars would run the low groove on the race track and start to gain on the two frontrunners. Hatton, the series points leader would get by Wheeler for third on the 35th lap. Hatton was not done yet as he chased down Carrier and overhauled him for second on the 39th lap. As the race entered its last 10 laps of competition Marlar was on cruise control, but lurking ahead was traffic with less than five laps remaining. Hatton would slice Marlar's lead in half as Marlar was fighting to get around three other cars he was attempting to lap, but with two to go Marlar expertly sliced through the traffic and cleared himself room in front of him which took him scott free to the checkers. The 25 year old driver would win his first Battle of the Bluegrass event of 2004 and received the $5000 check for winning one of the most prestiguous races held in the state of Kentucky.

Hatton maintains his series points lead after 14 races in taking the second place money. Third went to Carrier followed Wheeler and John Gill, who finished fifth after starting in 11th.

Completing the top ten were Jimmy Owens, Victor Lee, Jesse James Lay, Bobby Carrier Jr and Tyrel Todd.

In preliminary events Mike Marlar was the Racing Optics fast timer at 14.723 seconds out of the 41 entrants on hand. Crown Spray Power heat race winners were Mike Jewell, Eddie Carrier Jr., Aaron Hatton and Greg Johnson. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main winners were Brad Neat and David Powers.

The upcoming schedule for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series includes a first ever visit this Friday Night, July 23 to the Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, KY and a return trip to the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY this Saturday Night, July 24. Both events will pay $3000 to win.

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #14

Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY

Saturday Night, July 17, 2004

Racing Optics Fast Time: Mike Marlar 14.723

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Mike Jewell, Mike Marlar, Johnny Wheeler, Tyrel Todd

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Eddie Carrier Jr., Tim Hitt, David Freeman, Brad Neat

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Aaron Hatton, Jimmy Owens, John Gill, Steve Cornelius

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Greg Johnson, James Huff, Scott James, David Powers

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: Brad Neat, Tyrel Todd, Scott Hall, Jason Barrett

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: David Powers, Bobby Carrier, Jr., Jesse James Lay, Brian Asbury

Lucas Oil A-Main "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial Race: (50 Laps): Mike Marlar, Aaron Hatton, Eddie Carrier Jr., Johnny Wheeler, John Gill, Jimmy Owens, Victor Lee, Jesse James Lay, Bobby Carrier Jr., Tyrel Todd, Scott Douglas, James Huff, David Powers,, Doug Smith, Scott Hall, Scott James, Mike Jewell, David Freeman, Greg Johnson, Marty Stepp, Brad Neat, Tim Hitt

Race Statistics:

Entries: 41

Lap Leaders: Johnson 1-7, Marlar 8-16, E. Carrier Jr 17-21, Marlar 22-50

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Victor Lee finished 7th (Advanced 12 positions)

BoB Provisional Starters: Victor Lee and Doug Smith

Track Provisionals: Marty Stepp and Scott Douglas

-------------------------------------------------------
July 15, 2004

LEXINGTON, KY--The 17th Annual Paul "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial Race will take place this Saturday Night, July 17 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY. For the first time the event will be sanctioned by the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts. The race named in honor of the former Kentucky dirt track great from Frankfort, KY will pay $5000 to the winner of the Late Model feature race. There will be a complete show for the BoB Late Models with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races and O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains which will take place before the Lucas Oil A-Main "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial Feature Race. It will be the 14th points race of the 2004 racing season for Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body.

Paul "Butterball" Wooldridge is a legendary dirt track racer who passed away on Christmas Day of 1987 at the age of 57. "Butterball" as he was known by everyone raced from 1950 until 1982 accumalating numerous feature wins, track championships and track records in his day. His widow, Betty passed away four years ago and the couple had four sons, named Paul, Terry, Scottie and Steven. The Wooldridge Racing Family continues the tradition in 2004 with Michael Wooldridge piloting the Kentucky National Guard #1 Late Model and T.J. who drives the Harrod Farms #59 Dirt Late Model car.

Butterball Wooldridge had a incredible racing career that included making the very first World 100 in 1971 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH where he finished in fourth place. The year 1971 would be his most sucessful season, a year after hooking up with the famous #59 "Duncan's Delight" the R.L. Duncan Machinery Movers Chevelle out of Lexington, KY and wrenched by Charles and Logan Grider the team would win an amazing 50 feature events during the 1971 season. They followed that up in 1972 by winning 34 times. The Wooldridge name became synonomous with winning starting in 1950 and lasting 32 years. His last car owner was Dale Napper in 1982. But it was Butterball who got the ball rolling driving one of the most famous cars ever out of the state of Kentucky putting it on the map and in racing history as the #59 car would see such driving greats as Floyd Gilbert, Billy Teegarden and David Speer sit behind the wheel of the red machine, but none could equal the 84 wins Butterball had with the team in 1971 and 1972. In the mid 1970's Butterball drove for legendary chassis builder Ray Callahan and Jack Wagoner both from Pekin, IN. Butterball then made famous the #77 ride which he drove to several feature wins, set several track records and won track titles with the car. One of his earlier car numbers from the 60's that he was known by was the "ZZ" ride.

For the 17th time Richmond Raceway will honor one of Kentucky's all-time greats with the running of the Paul "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial Race. In the previous 16 races one driver has dominated the win column. Scottsburg, IN veteran, Mike Jewell has won exactly half of the previous 16 events held. In fact five drivers from the Hoosier State of Indiana have been victorious in the race. Brian Asbury of Mitchell, IN won the very first "Butterball" Memorial in 1988 and that led to wins by Hall of Famers, Jim Curry of Norman, IN and Ray Godsey of Bedford, IN. Kevin Claycomb of Vincennes, IN won the race in 1991. Three racers from the Bluegrass State have won including the late Hall of Famer, Jack Boggs of Grayson, KY, Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY and Delane Browning of East Bernstadt, KY. Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN the 2002 winner is the only driver from outside the borders of Indiana and Kentucky to win the race.

Action will get underway at Richmond Raceway this Saturday Night, July 17 with pit gates opening at 3 pm (EDT) with main grandstand gates at 5 pm (EDT). Practice will take place at 6:30 pm (EDT followed by Late Model Time Trials. For directions to Richmond Raceway please log on to their website at www.richmondraceways.net.

Bluegrass Speedway-Tim Tungate
-------------------------------------------------------
July 13, 2004

BARDSTOWN, KY--Tim Tungate of Campbellsville, KY won his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event on Sunday Afternoon at the Bluegrass Speedway as he captured the 6th Annual "Kentuckiana Klash" for the biggest win of his racing career. The event was delayed one day because of rain on Saturday and then on Sunday was delayed twice by rain showers. The 39 year old driver becomes the ninth different winner in 13 series events in 2004 as he piloted the Logan Parrott Guardian Mortgage, WBM Motorsports, Nuckul's Grocery, The Children's Palace, Shelly's Hot Styles, MDW Transport, J&L Title, Hoosier Racing Tires, AMS Racing Engines, Rocket Chassis Monte Carlo to the win despite crashing into a stalled Dustin Neat just passed the flagstand at the finish. Kevin Claycomb of Vincennes, IN finished second in the Prestige Auto Service/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo with Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN taking third in the Powell Motorsports/Rocket Grand Prix. Finishing in fourth in the 30 lap Lucas Oil A-Main was Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY in the Larry Yantz Racing/Clayton Homes/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo with fifth place going to Joey Daniel of Liberty, KY in the Chubby Baird Gate Company/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. A total of 41 cars were on hand for the event that took two days to finish up because of rain.

Under the bright Kentucky sunshine Tungate and Dustin Neat would start from the front row of the Lucas Oil 30 lapper with Tungate grabbing the lead in turn two on the initial lap. Kevin Claycomb in one of his rare appearances of 2004 jumped into second with Scott James taking third. The race was going along smoothly until rookie Jordan Bland jumped the cushion in turn one and rode the wall for a while bringing out the first caution flag of the race after four laps were scored. Bland would go pitside with damage taking him out of action in his first career BoB start.

When the race resumed it was Tungate on the point as he was in front building his lead over Claycomb and James who fought for second place. Johnny Wheeler was in third at this point with Dustin Neat running in fifth. Another caution for a spin on lap eight would slow Tungate momentarily. The race would see several green flag laps ensue with Tungate still in control of the race and Claycomb along with James trying to catch up to him. Tungate would start to encounter the back of the field just past the halfway mark and that would allow both Claycomb and James to close the margin.

Action on lap 22 would see the leader, Tungate get up close and personal with a car he was trying to lap bringing out another caution flag. Tungate would keep going with the lead he had built up now gone. But the caution allowed for a clear track for Tungate the 1998 and 1999 Bluegrass Speedway Late Model Track Champion who looked poised to pull off his first career Battle of the Bluegrass win. The pair of Hoosier drivers behind him however were not going to make it easy for him in the remaining seven caution free laps of the race. But Tungate's experience of running at Bardstown on a weekly basis would pay off as he would go on to claim the $3000 first place money in a wild and dangerous finish. Dustin Neat had started to slow in the final few laps of the race and dropped to the near the back of the back as Neat took the white flag he got crossed up on the main straight just passed the flagstand. Tungate and everyone else were already headed off of turn four and to the finish line with the checkers waving. As Tungate was focused on getting the checkers first he would make heavy contact with stalled car of Neat's after winning the race. Both drivers were shaken up and checked out. Tungate emerged from his crumpled car waving to the crowd as he just won the biggest race of his career in spectacular fashion. Claycomb would come across the finish line in second followed by James, Wheeler and Joey Daniel.

After the race Tungate was still a little bit shaken by the wreck and his main concern first off was that Dustin Neat was o.k. "Man, I didn't even see him until it was too late, I was so focused on the checkers and I tried to dive to the inside at the last second and struck him, I hope Dustin's alright," said the winner. "I am so glad to finally win a Battle of the Bluegrass race, I want to thank Logan Parrott, Jeff Harrod, my girlfriend and a whole bunch of other people out there who helped make this happen," "The $3000 we won will help pay to repair the damage to the race car at least I hope so," said Tungate who walked to victory lane to accept the trophy for the big win.
Completing the top ten were Tyrel Todd, John Gill, Steve Barnett, Brad Neat and Dennis Selby.

In preliminary events, David Powers was the Racing Optics Quick Timer at 15.754 seconds around the 1/2 mile high banked oval. The four Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Mike Jewell, Joey Daniel, Kevin Claycomb and Dustin Neat. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains went to Victor Lee and Dennis Selby.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Series event will be this Saturday Night, July 17 for the running of the 17th Annual "Butterball" Wooldridge Memorial event at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY paying $5000 to win.

Race Summary
Event #13 of 2004
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models

Racing Optics Time Trials: David Powers 15.754 seconds
Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Mike Jewell, Tim Tungate, Tyrel Todd, David Powers
Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Joey Daniel, Scott James, Steve Barnett, Victor Lee
Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Kevin Claycomb, John Gill, Aaron Hatton, Brian Asbury
Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Dustin Neat, Johnny Wheeler, Brad Neat, Dennis Selby
O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: Victor Lee, Shawn Negangard, Benji Lee, Billy Meredith
O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: Dennis Selby, Brian Asbury, David Webb, Mike Marlar
Lucas Oil A-Main "Kentuckiana Klash" Feature (30 Laps): Tim Tungate, Kevin Claycomb, Scott James, Johnny Wheeler, Joey Daniel, Tyrel Todd, John Gill, Steve Barnett, Brad Neat, Dennis Selby, Aaron Hatton, Victor Lee, Benji Lee, Jeff Watson, Doug Smith, David Powers, Dustin Neat, Billy Meredith, Brian Asbury, David Webb, Shawn Negangard, Spensor Watson, Jordan Bland

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts rolls into the home of the "Dirt Track World Championship Race" the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY for the 6th Annual "Kentuckiana Klash" this Saturday Night, July 10. It will be the 13th point’s race of the 2004 racing season for Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body. There have been eight different winners in the 12 events contested so far this season and the appearance at Bardstown on Saturday will mark the 9th ever at the David and Anita Ferrell promoted 1/2 mile facility. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 30 lap Lucas Oil A-Main "Kentuckiana Klash" paying $3000 to win. Late Model drivers will be using this event as a tuneup for the August 7 $10,000 to win NARA ESPN2 telecast plus more valuable laps around the high banked track for the annual running of the Dirt Track World Championship to be held again at Bardstown in October.

Heading into Bardstown there is a change at the top of the points with Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY the new series points leader after finishing second at 201 Speedway on July 3 after starting 18th. Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY is second in points followed by Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY, Greg Johnson of Burgin, KY and Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY.

Pit gates will open this Saturday at Bluegrass Speedway at 4 PM (EDT), the main grandstand gates opening at 5 PM. There will be a mandatory drivers meeting at 6 PM with hot laps at 6:30 PM followed by time trials at 7 PM. The track phone number on race day is (502) 349-1241 and for directions please log on to Bluegrass Speedway's website address at www.bluegrass-speedway.com.

201 Speedway-Paul Harris
-------------------------------------------------------
Through July 3, 2004

-------------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release:
Saturday Night, July 3, 2004
James Essex/NAPA PR

SITKA, KY--Veteran dirt late model driver, Paul Harris of Prestonsburg, KY broke through on Saturday Night at the 201 Speedway as he claimed his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event. The 48 year old driver thus becomes the eighth different driver in 12 races this season to win a BoB Late Model event as he led the final 16 laps to capture the $3000 to win Lucas Oil A-Main event. Harris behind the wheel of his Miller Brothers Coal. Harris Tricking, Twin Bridge Auto Parts, American Racer Tires, Custom Race Engines, Swartz Race Cars Ford Mustang held off a furious charge from 18th starting and new series points leader, Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY, who finished in second in the Checkered Flag Auto Sales/Draime Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Victor Lee of Stanford, KY was third in the Team Barber Racing/Barber Truck Repair/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. Taking fourth was Rod Evans of St. Albans, WV in the Don White Racing/Technology Services/Rocket Grand Prix. Rounding out the top five was Chuckie May of Allen, KY in the May Block and Concrete/GRT Monte Carlo. A total of 33 cars were on hand for the event before a packed hillside at the Eastern Kentucky track.

The Lucas Oil 40 lap A-Main would see three different leaders with Tyrel Todd grabbing the early lead followed by Victor Lee and Mike Jewell. Shannon Thornsberry would quickly rocket from fifth to third by lap two overhauling Jewell in the process. Thornsberry was not done yet as he moved into second by Lee on the third lap and was already starting to chase down the leader, Todd. Johnny Wheeler was another driver on the move early in the main event as moved his mount into third by the fifth circuit. Up front Todd, Thornsberry and Wheeler were starting to distance themselves from the rest of the field which saw two and three wide racing going on. As the leaders started to enter lapped traffic on the ninth lap Thornsberry and Wheeler closed the gap quickly on Todd. As the trio entered turn four on the 10th lap a lapped car got sideways which forced Todd sideways causing a chain reaction accident involving Todd and second place running Thornsberry, who both came to stop on the race track in turn four. Todd went pitside with suspension damage and Thornsberry continued, this time on the tail. With that out of the way Wheeler was the new leader of the race with Paul Harris now running in second followed by Lee, Chuckie May and Rod Evans. Wheeler and Harris then would put on quite a show for the large gathering of race fans at 201 as they would race hard and clean side by side on many occasions with Wheeler always holding the lead at the start-finish line for scoring purposes. From the 11th lap until the 24th lap the race for the lead continued to be a dandy with Lee. May and Evans all having a ringside seat for the battle.

As the cars were exiting turn four to begin lap 25 a broken suspension part on the back of Wheeler's car forced him to veer off the track and stopping up topside of turn four putting him out of the race. With Wheeler's fine run ending that would put Harris on the point with Lee and Evans running second and third. Lee and Evans would then go to the top of the racing surface and that looked to now be the quickest way around the race track. Harris then would change his line from the bottom to the middle groove because he now had to contend with Aaron Hatton. Hatton who started 18th blazed through the pack using the very bottom groove of the race track around the inside retaining wall. By the 30th lap Hatton was all the way up third passing Evans in the process. Hatton and Lee then went side by side for four laps each alternating the spot at the start-finish line. Hatton would finally get past Lee on lap 36 and now had four laps to go to catch Harris. Harris however would thwart off all remaining challenges from Hatton and go on to pick up his first ever O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass win. Hatton's drive earned him the PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the race in passing 15 cars on his way to a second place finish which allowed him to take over the points lead in the series after 12 races. Lee's consistent and high finishes continue as he came home in third. Evans would finish fourth with Chuckie May getting back around Brandon Kinzer on the final lap to claim fifth.

Completing the top ten were David Smith, Brandon Kinzer, Brad Neat, David Powers and Dennis Selby. Shannon Thornsberry was the Racing Optics fast qualifier for the 33 entrants on hand with a quick lap of 14.143 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Johnny Wheeler, Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee and Mike Jewell. David Powers and David Smith won the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass event will be this Saturday Nigth, July 10 at the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Johnny Wheeler, Shannon Thornsberry, Rod Evans, Brandon Kinzer

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Victor Lee, Chuckie May, Chris Combs, Michael England

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Mike Jewell, Chris Wilson, Dennis Selby, Brett Foster

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: David Powers, Brandon Kinzer, Doug Smith, Ralph Francis

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: David Smith, Brett Foster, Aaron Hatton, Michael England

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Paul Harris, Aaron Hatton, Victor Lee, Rod Evans, Chuckie May, David Smith, Brandon Kinzer, Brad Neat, David Powers, Dennis Selby, Spensor Watson, Chris Combs, Doug Smith, Brett Foster, Chris Wilson, Shannon Thornsberry, Johnny Wheeler, Mike Jewell, Michael England, Michael Howard, Steve Cornelius, Tyrel Todd, Ralph Francis, Robert Fletcher
-------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 2004

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts heads to the 201 Speedway in Sitka, KY this Saturday Night, July 3 for the series' 12th point’s race of the 2004 season. It will be the fifth ever appearance at the Mike Vaughn promoted facility located near Paintsville, KY. In the previous four shows at the track there have been four different winners with 2002 Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Salt Rock, WV, 2003 BoB Champion, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN, Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY and Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY all ending up winning at 201 in previous appearances. With a points battle that looks like it will go down to the end, valuable points are looking to be earned this Saturday Night at 201. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and 40 Lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series rules and procedures will be place for the Late Models.

201 Speedway is located five and a half miles north of U.S. Highway 23 on State Road 201. The track phone on race day is (606) 265-3201. For more information on the track please log on to their website at www.201speedway.net.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Event #12 of 2004
Saturday Night, July 3, 2004
201 Speedway-Sitka, KY

Tire Rules:
Hoosier LM20, D20, D21, LM40, D55
American Racer SD44, MD56
Goodyear X300, X400

For more information please call the NARA office at (859) 271-4501, www.naradirtcar.com or www.201speedway.net.
-------------------------------------------------------
June 28, 2004
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Saturday Night, June 26, 2004
Soggy Bottom Speedway-Morgantown, KY
James Essex – NARA PR

MORGANTOWN, KY--In one of the most competitive O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts events of the 2004 campaign Victor Lee of Stanford, KY emerged as a first time winner as the 24 year old racer scored his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series win and the biggest of his racing career worth $3000. Lee becomes the seventh different winner this year on the series tour which is in its third year of sanctioning dirt late model events. Lee was the third different race leader in the 40 lap Lucas Oil A-Main as he drove the Team Barber Racing, Barber Truck Repair, Zig Zag Tattoos, Quick Stop, American Racer Tires, Pro Power Engines, C.J. Rayburn Pontiac Grand Prix to victory circle. Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY was second in the Hatton Racing/Draime Race Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Finishing in third was Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN behind the wheel of the Morgan Foods/Cornett Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Taking fourth was Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY in the Clayton Homes/Cornett Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and rounding out the top five was series newcomer Brian Maynard of Benton, KY in the Mike Lowery Racing/Coors Light/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Lee becomes the third different winner in three appearances at Soggy Bottom for the series.

At the start of the Lucas Oil A-Main it was outside polesitter Steve Cornelius grabbing the lead with Aaron Hatton going to second followed by Racing Optics fast timer, Brian Maynard. Cornelius who had never led a O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series event in his career would lead the first nine circuits of the race with constant pressure coming from Hatton. As Cornelius and Hatton would go door to door on several occasions in the early going, the race for third was getting cranked up with Maynard, Johnny Wheeler and Mike Jewell sometimes going three wide for position. Hatton would pull ahead of Cornelius for the lead on the 10th lap after several heart thumping laps dueling it out around the ultra fast 3/8ths mile dirt track. At this point Victor Lee would start getting his act together as he would enter the top five past Jewell on the 13th lap. Wheeler would displace Maynard from third two laps previous to that as he started to head to the front. Hatton and Cornelius would start to enter lapped traffic by the 18th lap. Cornelius would stay close to Hatton approaching traffic in his attempt to retake the lead. At the halfway mark of the race the lineup stood with Hatton in front followed by Cornelius, now Lee in third with Wheeler and Jewell in the top five. As Hatton would go by another car putting him a lap down Cornelius was not fortunate because on the 24th lap while running second Cornelius would slide into turn three too close to a car he was trying to lap and his race car turned around on him causing him to stop on the race track bringing out the only caution of the race. Cornelius was deemed the person who brought out the caution and he would have to restart on the tail end of the lead lap cars.

With double file restarts in order behind the race leader Hatton, it would be Lee who would take full advantage of the restart rocketing to second and then on the 28th circuit he would motor around the outside of Hatton to take over the lead of the race. Lee would then pull away from Hatton as the race for third would get interesting once again. Jewell would now race into third in front of Wheeler and Maynard with Tyrel Todd advancing from his 13 starting spot up to sixth at this point of the race. In the remaining 10 laps of the race it was all Lee as he would build his advantage over Hatton, who was suffering the effects of a left front ball joint breaking. But Lee would not be slowed in the closing laps as he would go on to post the biggest win of his racing career. Hatton would finish second followed by Jewell, Wheeler and Maynard.

"I just want to thank all of family, crew, sponsors and fans for making this dream come true, we have been close a couple of times to win a O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series race and it feels good to finally break through," said the winning driver afterwards. Lee who finished second in the Rookie points for the series in 2002, almost won the final event of 2002 at Lake Cumberland Speedway in Burnside, KY, but Timmy Yeager passed him coming off of turn four to the checker. "The car worked real well in the last half of the race, the double file restart worked out really good, because I was able to get a good run on Aaron because he stayed low and I decided my car worked better up topside, so I was able to drive around him to take the lead,"

Rounding out the top ten drivers in the finishing order was: Tyrel Todd, Shawn Negangard, Randle Sweeney, Dennis Selby and Steve Cornelius.

In preliminary events before the large audience of hand Brian Maynard in his first appearance with the series took the Racing Optics Fast Time with a lap of 15.053 seconds. The three Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Maynard, Hatton and Cornelius.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series event will be this Saturday Night, July 3 at the 201 Speedway in Sitka, KY paying $3000 to win.

Crown Spray Power First Heat: Brian Maynard, Mike Jewell, Dennis Selby, Shawn Negangard

Crown Spray Power Second Heat: Aaron Hatton, Victor Lee, Randle Sweeney, Michael England

Crown Spray Power Third Heat: Steve Cornelius, Johnny Wheeler, Timmy York, Spensor Watson

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Victor Lee, Aaron Hatton, Mike Jewell, Johnny Wheeler, Brian Maynard, Tyrel Todd, Shawn Negangard, Randle Sweeney, Dennis Selby, Steve Cornelius, Doug Smith, Michael England, Dick Phillips, Timmy York, Spensor Watson, Steven Ashby, David Gentry (DNS)

-------------------------------------------------------
June 23, 2004
LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sports Shirts is back in action this coming Saturday Night, June 26 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main and Lucas Oil A-Main which will pay $3000 to win. It will be the third ever appearance at the Mack and Lesa Gabbard promoted facility. The 3/8ths mile semi-banked dirt track has seen Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY and Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY take previous O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass series wins at the uniquely designed track. It will be the first of two scheduled O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models events at the track this season with the next one being on July 24.

Soggy Bottom Speedway is located on State Road 70, two and a half miles west of exit 27 at the Natcher Parkway. For race day information please call the track office at (270) 526-0600 or log on to their website at www.soggybottomspeedway.net. For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series please visit their website at www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model icon.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Saturday Night, June 26, 2004

James Essex/NARA PR
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Saturday Night, June 19, 2004
Barren County Speedway-Glasgow, KY

GLASGOW, KY-Before one of the largest crowds in several years at the Barren County Speedway, Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY took the lead from Terry English with five laps to go and then went on to capture the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sports Shirts "Wayne Coakley Memorial Race" on Saturday Night. It was Todd's third series win of the season and his second in a row as the 22 year old driver took the Lucas Oil A-Main event behind the wheel of the Todd Family Motorsports, Pulaski Steel and Supply, Todd Truss Company, Gerald’s Auto Parts, Alexander Recycling Inc, Valley View Car Wash, WFO Decals, American Racer Tires, Mike Bullock Racing Engines, MasterSbilt Monte Carlo #14. English of Benton, KY would have his best career BoB finish taking second in the AAA Fence/Pro Power Engines/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo.. Finishing in third was Aaron Hatton of Mt Sterling, KY in the Hatton Racing/Porter Tire Center/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Taking fourth place was point’s leader Greg Johnson in the Double D Motorsports/R&P Industrial Chimney/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix with fifth going to Victor Lee of Stanford, KY driving the Anthony Ferguson Racing/Three Rivers Material Inc/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. In a special post race note winner Tyrel Todd presented the widow of the late Wayne Coakley, Donna Coakley, the winning trophy.

Terry English would get to the front quickly as on the very first lap of the 40 lap main event he darted from his third starting spot to grab the lead from the get go. Greg Johnson would fall in second ahead of Tyrel Todd and Victor Lee. English would start to open up some breathing distance between himself and Johnson as Todd was starting to put the heat on Johnson for the runner-up spot. English started moving into lapped traffic by the ninth circuit with Johnson, Todd and Lee starting to pick up the pace and closing down the advantage that English had built up. Todd would finally get the chance he was waiting for as he slipped by Johnson for second on the 19th lap. As the leaders went halfway (20 laps) English was still in front with Todd running in second followed by Johnson, Aaron Hatton and Lee with John Gill coming up from his 13th starting spot to be just outside the top five as he was now running in sixth place.

Just past the halfway point of the race the first caution came out for a three car wreck in turn four. On the restart English would be on the point with a double file restarting behind him. Johnson got back into second with Todd falling back a spot to third. Todd then would fight back around Johnson passing him again for second on the 22nd lap. With the great duel for second happening between Todd and Johnson they were maintaining contact with English keeping him in their sights as they diced it out for second place. When Todd for the last time got by Johnson he then set his sights on English. As English again was approaching some lapped cars Todd was gaining on him lap after lap. Todd finally was able to get right behind English as the two then would go side by side swapping the lead back and forth for several circuits as the dived in and out of traffic. The two drivers were putting on quite a show for the large crowd of fans on hand as Todd pulled in front of English to take over the lead with five laps remaining. A period of cautions with three to go kept Todd from getting away from English on the restarts, but the final restart was the ticket for Todd as he would go on to win his third Battle of the Bluegrass event of 2004. English in only his second career BoB start would take second followed by Hatton, Johnson and Lee.

Completing the top ten was Tim Tungate, John Gill, Doug Smith, Steve Cornelius and Johnny Wheeler.

In preliminary events English was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines fast timer with a lap of 13.88 seconds around the 3/8ths mile dirt track. English also earned a $50 bonus courtesy of Speedecals of Campbellsville, KY for setting quick time for the night. Crown Spray Power Heat race winners were English, Johnson and Todd.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Event will be this Saturday Night, June 26 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY paying $3000 to win.

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #10

Barren County Speedway-Glasgow, KY

Saturday Night, June 19, 2004

Racing Optics/Russell Baker Race Engines Fast Time: Terry English 13.88

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Terry English, Aaron Hatton, Johnny Wheeler, Brad Neat

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Greg Johnson, Tim Tungate, Doug Smith, Michael England

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee, Timmy York, Jeff Watson

Wayne Coakley Memorial/Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Tyrel Todd, Terry English, Aaron Hatton, Greg Johnson, Victor Lee, Tim Tungate, John Gill, Doug Smith, Steve Cornelius, Johnny Wheeler, Dustin Neat, Michael England, Marty Stepp, Spensor Watson, Troy Gay, Dean Morgan, Brad Neat, Dennis Selby, Billy Dever, Bobby Wolter Jr., Timmy York, Jeff Watson, Michael Luna, Chuck Proctor (DNS)

Race Statistics:

Entries: 24

Lap Leaders: English 1-35 Todd 36-40

Cautions: 4

Red Flags: 0

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Steve Cornelius (advanced 7 positions)

LEXINGTON, KY--The 10th points race of the 2004 racing season for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sports Shirts will take place this Saturday Night, June 19 at the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY for the running of the Wayne Coakley Memorial Race. The event will carry the standard $3000 to win O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series purse. There will be a complete show for the Late Models as "Thunder in the Valley" returns to Glasgow with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and Lucas Oil A-Main going 40 laps.

Wayne Coakley was one of the top drivers in the state of Kentucky for many years racing at tracks such as Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, KY, Windy Hollow Raceway Park in Owensboro, KY, Central Park Raceway in McHenry, KY, the Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN and the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY. He won several track titles during his racing career which including driving for car owners Willie and Della Sellars of Mayfield, KY and Richard Hill out of Owensboro, KY he participated in the very first UMP sanctioned event at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, IN in April of 1984. Wayne was from Sacramento, KY and was 46 years old when he was fatally injured in a highway accident on his way home from a racing event at Central Park Raceway on September 24, 1989. Another vehicle crossed the center line and struck Wayne's vehicle head on.

Barren County Speedway will host the Wayne Coakley Memorial Race for the second time with John Gill of Mitchell, IN winning back in 1991.

Barren County Speedway is located on Highway 68/80 in Glasgow, KY. The track phone number for more information is (270) 678-1100. Barren County Speedway also has newly designed website location at www.barrencountyspeedway.com.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Saturday Night, June 19, 2004

Barren County Speedway-Glasgow, KY

Wayne Coakley Memorial Race

Lucas Oil A-Main Payoff

1. $3000.00

2. 1500.00

3. 1000.00

4. 800.00

5. 750.00

6. 700.00

7. 650.00

8. 600.00

9. 550.00

10. 500.00

11. 450.00

12. 400.00

13. 350.00

14. 350.00

15. 325.00

16. 325.00

17. 300.00

18. 300.00

19. 300.00

20. 300.00

21. 250.00

22. 250.00

O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Tire Rule in Effect:

Hoosier LM20, D20, D21, LM40, D55 Compounds

American Racer SD44, MD56 Compounds

Goodyear X300/X400 Compounds

For more information please call the NARA office at (859) 271-4501

or Barren County Speedway at (270)678-1100

-------------------------------------------------------
June 15, 2004
LEXINGTON, KY--One of the fastest growing modified sanctioning bodies, the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series gets back into racing action this Saturday Night, June 19 as the series runs its sixth race of its inaugural season with a first ever visit to the "Action Track" the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY. The $1500 to win Lucas Oil A-Main event will top off the night for the BoB modifieds with a complete program of Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat races and the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains all setting the stage for the main event.

In the first five events of the 2004 season Kentucky's Premier Open Wheel Modified Sanctioning Body as seen four different event winners with some outstanding racing to go with healthy car counts. Jimmy Payne of Glasgow, KY is the only driver to win more than one NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified event this season winning at Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY and the most recent event at the 201 Speedway in Sitka, KY. Other drivers winning this year on the touring series include Brent Londeree of Columbus, IN at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY, the 2003 UMP Modified Champion, Ricky Arms of Moss, TN who won at the Clinton County Speedway in Alpha, KY and Kelly Warren of Columbia, KY who was victorious at the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY.

Pit gates will open at 3 pm at Richmond this coming Saturday. Richmond Raceway is located 1 and half miles north on Greens Crossing Road off of State Road 52. For more information you can call the track phone at (859) 623-9408 or visit their website at www.richmondraceways.net for further directions to the track. For questions concerning the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series please contact NARA President,. Spencer Wilson at (859) 271-4501. For information on the series regarding rules, payoff, etc please visit the series' website at www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Modified icon.

-------------------------------------------------------
June 15, 2004
James Essex/NARA PR
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Friday Night, June 11, 2004
Clinton County Speedway-Alpha, KY
Tyrel Todd Takes Clinton County O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Win

ALPHA, KY--Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY won his second O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sports Shirts event of the 2004 season on Friday Night at the Clinton County Speedway leading all 40 laps to win the Lucas Oil A-Main worth $3000. The 22 year old driver piloted the Todd Family Motorsports, Pulaski Steel and Supply, Todd Truss Company, Gerald's Auto Parts, Alexander Recycling Inc., Valley View Car Wash, WFO Decals, American Racer Tires; Mike Bullock Race Engines sponsored MasterSbilt Monte Carlo to his second career BoB win leading a MasterSbilt Race Cars sweep of the top four positions. Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN finished second in the Southern Indiana Rock Drilling/Cornett Engines/MasterSbilt Grand Prix with third place at the finish to Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY in the Neat's Service Center/Cornett Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Finishing up in fourth was Bobby Carrier Jr. of Harrodsburg, KY in the R&P Industrial Chimney/Bullock Race Engine/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo and completing the top five was Michael Luna of Sparta, TN in the Highway 70 Market/Vic Hill Race Engines/Rocket Monte Carlo.

Todd would earn the outside of the front row by drawing the number two spot for the three heat race winners. Todd quickly jumped to the lead with Michael Luna running in second followed by Shannon Thornsberry, Bobby Carrier Jr. and Mike Jewell. Luna would immediately start to hound Todd for the top spot as the laps were clicking off at a rapid pace. The pair of young drivers would be quick all the way around the race track with two wide battles going on behind them. On the fifth lap the first caution of the race came out for last week's Clinton County winner, Tim Tim Tungate who spun around in turn two and stopped after contact with another car. On the restart Thornsberry would go to the top side of the race track and run alongside of Luna for a couple of circuits until he was able to pass him for second in the 12th lap. Meanwhile Jewell had passed Carrier for fourth and was closing on on Thornsberry and Luna. Up front it was Todd rolling along and after 15 laps were scored he would have built up an almost seven car length lead iver the field. A stalled Joe Patrick would bring out the next caution on te 16th lap wiping out Todd's lead. When the race went green again Thornsberry would suddenly slow on the backstretch allowing several cars to get by him.

Luna would then climb bakc in second followed by Jewell, Carrier and Victor Lee. Lee would pass Carrier for fourth and then start to pressure Jewell for third. On lap 26 Lee would get into turn three too hot and climb the side of Jewell's car after hitting the berm on the inside of the track. The result would be that Jewell would get his third spot back and Lee would have to restart on the tail. A car on the move was now Brad Neat. The eighth place start would take the outside route in steadily moving up to challenge the top five drivers. Neat would claim fourth from carrier on the 28th circuit with carrier falling to fifth. With ten laps to go Todd had his car working almost perfectly and appeared to be on his way to an unchallenged victory. Luna and Jewell would duel it out for second in the final five laps with Jewell getting by the Clinton County regular to take second spot. A caution flag with three laps to go is what Todd did not want to see and it came out for a spin on the track, because on the restart Jewell would be right behind Todd. With the green flag unfurled again Jewell would try every avenue to pass Todd, but Todd held a steady line and did not chop off Jewell at any time as the two raced to the checkered flag as Jewell could not muster enough speed to overtake Todd as Todd would flash across the finish line the victor in BoB competition for the second time this year. Jewell settled for second with Neat coming home in third. Carrier would claim fourth with Luna rounding out the top five in his best career Battle of the Bluegrass effort.
Completing the top ten was Johnny Wheeler, Aaron Hatton, Jeff Watson, Victor Lee and Doug Smith.

In preliminary events Lee was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Engines fast qualifier at 13.019 seconds. Lee also earned an additional $150 bonus from Eric Selby of Albany Auto Color who presented Lee a check for his fast time honor. The Crown Spray Power heat race winners were Michael Luna, Tyrel Todd and Shannon Thornsberry.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass event will be this Saturday Night, June 19 at the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, Ky for the running of the Wayne Coakley Memorial Race paying $3000 to win.

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Michael Luna, Bobby Carrier Jr., Victor Lee, Jeff Watson

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Shannon Thornsberry, Mike Jewell, Johnny Wheeler, Joe Patrick

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Tyrel Todd, Mike Jewell, Brad Neat,, Bobby Carrier Jr., Michael Luna, Johnny Wheeler, Aaron Hatton, Jeff Watson, Victor Lee, Doug Smith, Steve Cornelius, Michael England, Dennis Selby, Anthony Ferguson, Spensor Watson, Shannon Thornsberry, Joe Patrick, Tim Tungate, Lloyd Owens, Steven Ashby

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Brad Neat (started 8th and finish in third)
-------------------------------------------------------
June 10, 2004

Payne Becomes First Repeat Winner in NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Action at 201 Speedway

Sitka, KY-June 5, 2004- Jimmy Payne of Glasgow, KY became the first repeat winner in NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series action as he captured the $1,500 Lucas Oil A-Main at 201 Speedway in Sitka, KY as the first year group made its first ever appearance at the unique Eastern Kentucky facility located just minutes outside of the Paintsville area.

Rob Stambaugh and Payne would bring the field to green to start the Lucas Oil A-Main, with the lead row going side by side most of the first lap, with Payne powering to the point off of turn four. Stambaugh would continue to work beside Payne if an effort to regain the top spot, but Payne's mount appeared to better off of the corners. By lap 8, the front five of Payne, Stambaugh, Leonard Pierce, Clint Shutts and Marty Meade were beginning to pull away from the rest of the field.

Meanwhile, drivers put on a show back in the pack with some two and often three wide racing off the turns, looking to advance a position in the 22 car field.

On lap 13, the leaders began to approach slower traffic. The lapped traffic would provide an opening for Stambaugh in the turns one and two, and after some contact between the front two, Stambaugh would be the new leader down the backstretch while still in lap traffic. Stambaugh's time at the point would be short-lived however, as on the next lap, a slower entry spun in the center of the turns one and two and race leader Stambaugh had no place to go and contacted the spun car and suffered damage including a flat which would put the Buckeye state racer in the pits for repairs, but would be able to return.

On the re-start, Payne held onto the point in front of a solid race, which often went three wide off the corners between defending 201 Speedway Modified track champion Clint Shutts, Leonard Pierce, and Ricky Arms. When the checkered flag fell, it would be Jimmy Payne taking the win in the Max Trax Race Cars; Barren River Pest Control sponsored #68 Max Trax Race Cars entry. Leonard Pierce would finish second, with Ricky Arms taking third. Series point’s leader Kelly Warren fought his way from a thirteenth starting spot to finish fourth, with Clint Shutts taking fifth. David Adams, Russell Childress, Mike Osbourne, Sr., Chris Click, and Brandon Green completed the top ten.

SUMMARY-201 Speedway-Sitka, KY-June 5, 2004

NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds (35 Entries/4 States)

Racing Optics Fast Qualifier- Tim Moore – 15.220

Crown Spray Power 1st Heat- Jimmy Payne, Rick Gumm, Anthony Reams, David McWilliams
Crown Spray Power 2nd Heat- Rob Stambaugh, Jason Ball, Marty Meade, Kelly Warren
Crown Spray Power 3rd Heat- Clint Shutts, Walt Mayabb, Ricky Arms, Russell Childress
Crown Spray Power 4th Heat- Leonard Pierce, Chris Click, David Adams, Mike Osborne Sr.
O'Reilly Auto Parts 1st B Main- Kelly Warren, Bill Friend, Cline, Chris Riehle, Keith Denny, David McWilliams, Tim Moore
O'Reilly Auto Parts 2nd B Main- Mike Osborne Sr., Russell Childress, Don Adams, B.J. Osborne, Joe Cox..
Lucas Oil A Main- Jimmy Payne, Leonard Pierce, Ricky Arms, Kelly Warren, Clint Shutts, David Adams, Russell Childress, Mike Osborne, Sr., Chris Click, Brandon Green, Don Adams, Walt Mayabb, Jason Ball, Rob Stambaugh, Marty Meade, Keith Denny, Tim Moore, Rick Gumm, Anthony Reams, Sammy Brown, Bill Friend, Cline

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will be back in action this Friday, June 11 and Saturday June 12 as its 2004 race schedule moves forward.

On Friday Night June 11th, it will be the third ever visit to the Clinton County Speedway in Alpha, KY for a full O’Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series program. In the previous two visits to the Tommy Craig and Hack Owens promoted facility Jesse James Lay of Walton, KY and Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY have left with victories. The O’Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCars will have a full show of Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races and the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains before the running of the 40 lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. Additionally, Eric Selby of Albany Auto Color located in Albany, KY will be posting an additional $150 for Fast Time. Clinton County Speedway is located 12 miles west of Monticello, KY on North Pleasant Road east of U.S. Highway 90. The track phone on race day is (606) 387-3308.

On Saturday Night June 12, the O’Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series heads to the Bluegrass Speedway "The Home of the Dirt Track World Championship" in Bardstown, KY for the Third Annual June Jam. The previous two "June Jam" winners were Eddie Carrier Jr of Salt Rock, WV in 2002 and Darrell Lanigan of Union, KY in 2003. There will be a complete program for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Time Trials, followed by the Crown Spray Power Heat Races, the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the $3000 to win Lucas Oil A-Main Event. Bluegrass Speedway is located on U.S. Highway 31E at exit 21 at the Martha Layne Collins (Bluegrass Parkway). The track phone on race day is (502) 349-1241. The track's website for directions is www.bluegrass-speedway.com.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts

For Immediate Release:

James Essex/NARA PR

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts

Results From: Saturday Night, June 5, 2004

Florence Speedway-Union, KY

Mike Jewell Wins 18th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Race at Florence Speedway

UNION, KY--Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN took the lead after a lap 39 restart passing race leader, Darrell Lanigan and then he went on to capture the 18th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Race on Saturday Night at the Florence Speedway. The Lucas Oil A-Main event was sanctioned by the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and drew 51 entries. It was Jewell's first win of the season on the series tour and his first Ralph Latham Memorial win which was worth $5000 to the victor. The 45 year old driver in his 25th year of racing took the Don Powell crew chiefed, Southern Indiana Rock Drilling, Morgan Foods, MPC Motorsports, LaFountain's Auto Body, Stephens Oil Company, Shelton Angus Farms, Re/Max Hometown Professionals, Scott County Tire, Hoosier Racing Tires, Cornett Thunder Racing Engines, MasterSbilt Pontiac Grand Prix. Darrell Lanigan of Union, KY finished second in his Lanigan Autosports/Gottarace.com/Rocket Ford Taurus. Third place at the finish was 16th starting Tim Hitt of Weston, WV in the Tim Logan/Morehead Auto Parts/GRT by Tim Logan. Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN finished fourth in his Powell Motorsports/Welsh Excavation/Rocket Monte Carlo with fifth place going to current O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass point’s leader, Greg Johnson of Burgin, KY in the Double D Motorsports/R&P Industrial Chimney/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. After the race Jewell gave his winning trophy to the Latham family as a momento.

The 50 lap Ralph Latham Memorial Lucas Oil A-main would see three different leaders during the race with John Gill taking the lead at the start followed by Darrell Lanigan, Mike Jewell, Greg Johnson and Brad Neat. Scott James would get into the top five by the third circuit passing Neat for position. Up front Gill would begin to put distance between himself and Lanigan. But as soon as it appeared that Gill would take off and hide from the field Lanigan and Jewell went to the very top side of the 1/2 mile 20 degree banked turns running up against the outside retaining wall as they would start to close down on Gill in the race for the lead. Lanigan would erase a six car length distance between himself and Gill and cut it to two lengths by the eighth circuit. Jewell made it three cars nose to tail chasing all around the track within inches of the concrete wall. Lanigan would make a move for the lead on Gill on the 14th lap and would get by to become the new leader of the race. Before the next lap would be scored a caution flew for debris on the backstretch. At this point sixth place running Brad Neat would pull off the track and called it a night. With 14 laps in the books the lineup would be Lanigan, Gill, Jewell, Johnson and James. With double file restarts in effect on the restarts during the A-main event an overanxious driver would bump into another one coming off of turn number two on the restart with a 10 car melee following. The cars of Jerry Rice and Tyrel Todd would be done for the night. During the red flag that came about because of the blocked track some excitement between the crews of Mike Marlar and Timmy Yeager would take place in the infield with the result both cars being disqualified for the remainder of the race. With everything back in order the race would again become important with a clean restart the next time. Lanigan was on the point, but Johnson took full advantage of the double file restart to go from fourth to second in a flash. Johnson then saw Jewell recover and pass him back on the 20th lap as the race for the point was starting to heat up again. Lanigan would set sail widening his lead over Jewell and Johnson at this point of the race.

As the halfway mark of the race (25 laps) went by Lanigan was still comfortably in front of Jewell and now James was up to third. As Lanigan was approaching some heavy traffic Jewell and James starting to hookup together and close the distance down on Lanigan. Lanigan would split two lapped cars giving him some more breathing room after a 10 car length lead disappeared to three. But Jewell and James would have some difficulty getting by the two cars that Lanigan had gone by. When Jewell finally cleared them he was quickly able to track down Lanigan closing right on the rear of the black number 29. With 15 to go Lanigan was having to fight off Jewell for the lead, Jewell made a quick jab heading into turn two on the 36th lap briefly taking the lead from Lanigan as the large excited crowd watched. Lanigan though got back by Jewell for the lead heading into turn number three. A caution for a spin after 39 laps were scored would then set up a shootout with 11 to go. With Lanigan out front by himself on the double file restart behind him the green came back out and it got going in a hurry. Jewell would shoot to the low side on one and slide up the slide coming off of turn two right in front Lanigan and take the lead. James and 16th starting Tim Hitt would then race side by side for third and the waning laps. Jewell would put distance between himself and Lanigan and take it all the way to checkers for the victory. Lanigan would finish in second followed by Hitt, James and Johnson.

"First off I want to thank the Good Lord for a safe race," said the happy winner afterwards. "I would like to thank all my family, my crew, and my sponsors for making this happen," said Jewell in victory lane just moments before in a nice gesture he presented the Ralph Latham family the winning trophy he was to receive." "I never got the chance to race against Ralph Latham, but I know he was one of the best of his time and I am glad to see most of his family here tonight."

Completing the top ten were Jesse James Lay, Freddy Smith, Rick Corbin, R.J. Conley and John Gill.

In preliminary events Mike Marlar was the Racing Optics fast qualifier at 17.757 seconds among the 51 entrants on hand. The Crown Spray Power Heat race winners were Brad Neat, Darrell Lanigan, Mike Jewell and John Gill. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains were taken by Rick Corbin and Ted Nobbe.

Coming up next for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will be at the Clinton County Speedway in Alpha, KY this Friday Night, June 11 and a visit to the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY on Saturday Night, June 12. Both events will pay $3000 to win.

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #8 of 2004

Florence Speedway-Union, KY

Saturday Night, June 5, 2004

Racing Optics Time Trials: Mike Marlar 17.757 seconds

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Brad Neat, Greg Johnson, Mike Marlar, R.J. Conley

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Darrell Lanigan, Tony Traficant, Timmy Yeager, Mike Balzano

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Mike Jewell, Scott James, Jesse James Lay, Steve Landrum

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: John Gill, Bryan Barber, Jerry Rice, Tim Hitt

O'Reilly Auto Parts 1st B-Main: Rick Corbin, Tyrel Todd, Roger Williams, John Holt

O'Reilly Auto Parts 2nd B-Main: Ted Nobbe, Freddy Smith, Victor Lee, Audie McWilliams

Lucas Oil/Ralph Latham Memorial A-Main (50 Laps): Mike Jewell, Darrell Lanigan, Tim Hitt, Scott James, Greg Johnson, Jesse James Lay, Freddy Smith, Rick Corbin, R.J. Conley, John Gill, Mike Balzano, Ted Nobbe, Tony Traficant, Roger Williams, Aaron Hatton, Bill Blair Jr., Johnny Wheeler, Victor Lee, Bryan Barber, Steve Landrum, Jerry Rice, Tyrel Todd, Mike Marlar, Timmy Yeager, Brad Neat

Race Statistics:

Entries: 51

Cautions: 3

Red Flags: 1

Race Leaders: Gill1-13, Lanigan 14-39, Jewell 40-50

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Provisionals: Aaron Hatton and Johnny Wheeler

Florence Speedway Provisional: Bill Blair Jr

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Freddy Smith started 20th and finished in seventh

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series sanctioned event scheduled for Friday Night, June 4, 2004 at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY was cancelled by NARA President, Spencer Wilson.

Wilson approached track promoter Jerry Denson shortly before the scheduled 6:30 PM drivers meeting was to take place to inquire about several insinuations that had been made to drivers from Mr. Denson about his intentions. Wilson and another NARA official was told by Denson that he would not know if the track would be able to pay the full purse until after time trials took place. Mr. Denson stated that he would like to run for half the payoff that was advertised, Wilson declined to do that and therefore pulled the sanction of the race which was to have been the 5^th Annual Hugh "Junebug" Rowland Memorial Race. Drivers were then brought together and informed of the situation, it was explained that they could stay and race an unsanctioned $1500 to win show or receive a refund of their admissions and entry fees, but the event would not be sanctioned by the series. A total of 34 cars were on hand, many decided not to race because of the reduced payoff and/or track conditions and loaded their race cars up.

"We as a series apologize to those drivers and fans that drove to Ponderosa Speedway to support us," said Wilson. "But we were left with no alternative at the final moment other than to cancel the sanction of the race after Mr. Denson informed me he might not be able to pay the entire payoff." "In the last year we have witnessed two dirt late model racing series put into this predicament and I was determined we were not going to run for less money than our guaranteed purse specifies." said Wilson, who oversees the series which is in its third year of operation.

The series will resume its 2004 racing schedule on Saturday Night, June 5 with the 18th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Race at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY. The race will pay $5000 to win. For more information please log on to www.florencespeedway.com or www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model icon.

WOODSTOCK, GA - Dixie Speedway officials have announced a new "Fan Friendly" format which includes the NARA DirtCar Series for the 15th Annual Dixie Shootout Weekend on October 8-9. This year's race will feature two separate shows with two national dirt late model sanctioning bodies, and a possible $50,000-to-win in prize money and bonuses.

The Stacker 2 Xtreme DirtCar Series will take to the 3/8-mile clay oval on October 8 for a $10,000-to-win show in front of the SPEED Channel cameras for the first segment of the Shootout. They'll be followed in the second segment by the NARA DirtCar Series (NARA) on October 9 for the $10,000-to-win Shootout presented by Coca-Cola. The NARA DirtCar event will be taped by ESPN2.

"This weekend is all about the fans, and we wanted to give them an opportunity to see all of the drivers, no matter who, or what they are affiliated with," Dixie Speedway General Manager Mike Swims said. "We'll have two complete nights of racing, two different sanctioning bodies, and two national television networks here."

Along with the two $10,000-to-win $700-to-start races, the Swims Family is also putting up an additional $30,000 in bonus money. The highest finishing driver in the NARA race on October 9 that also ran in the Xtreme race on October 8 will receive a $10,000 bonus.

If a driver can win both races, there will be another $10,000 bonus awarded. If that driver is a former Shootout winner, the Swims Family will add another $10,000 to the bonus. Former Shootout winners still active include defending champion Don O'Neal, along with Dale McDowell, Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace, and Bill Frye.

If a former Shootout champion can sweep the weekend, and win both nights, the prize money and bonuses would add up to a $50,000 payday.

Swims explained that the "Fan Friendly" format will also feature a no-time trial format for the October 9 NARA DirtCar event. Drivers will draw for a starting position in their respective heat races, and have to race their way into the starting field of the main event.

"The no time trial format on October 9 is a must see for race fans," Swims said. "The driver will have to get up on the wheel and race their way into the show. Not only will the big money be up for grabs, but there should also be some drama in the point battles for both series. Xtreme has the most lucrative point fund in dirt late model racing today, and these guys will be battling harder than ever, as it will be their last chance for points before heading to the National Finals the following weekend in Knoxville, IA."

Swims said past Shootout ticket holders will be receiving their renewal forms in the mail during the next couple of weeks. Advance two-day reserved seats will go on sale to everyone else beginning July 1 starting at $50 each. Two-day advance general admission tickets will also be available for $45 each. Single day general admission tickets at the gate are $25 each.

For more information call (770) 926-5315, or E-mail [email protected]. Additional information will be available in the near future on the Dixie Speedway web site at www.dixiespeedway.com

-------------------------------------------------------
May 31, 2004
upcoming....

James Essex/NARA Pr
For Immediate Release:

LEXINGTON, KY-- Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY will be the site for this Friday Night's visit by the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts with the running of the Fifth Annual Hugh "Junebug" Rowland Memorial Race at the Jerry and Mary Denson promoted facility.

There will be a complete show for the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCars with Racing Optics Time Trials, the Crown Spray Power Heat Races, the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win.

"Junebug" as everyone called him was the "racers friend" for many years as he was in the racing parts business, helping many drivers with parts, supplies, tires, fuel, race cars or whatever they needed to get started or to the next race. The race at Ponderosa this Friday will honor the memory of "Junebug" for his years of contributions to the sport of racing. The previous "Junebug" Rowland Memorial winners at Ponderosa include, Dustin Neat, Jay Mobley, Don O'Neal and last year's winner, Mike Marlar, the 2003 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion.

It will be the eighth point’s race of the 2004 season for Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body. With seven events already in the books this year it is almost a sure bet that the there will be a third different points champion in the three years the series has raced. Currently Greg Johnson holds the top spot in the points followed in the top five by Aaron Hatton, Tyrel Todd, Johnny Wheeler and Brad Neat. The second five in points are Doug Smith, Steve Cornelius, Spensor Watson, Dennis Selby and Joey Kramer. Hatton, Todd and Wheeler are bidding to become the first three drivers to finish in the top ten of the points each year since the series started in 2002.

Activities will get underway with the pits opening at 3 pm (EDT) with a drivers meeting at 6:15 PM and hot laps to follow at approximately 6:30 pm. Ponderosa Speedway is located in Junction City, KY. For directions please log on to their newly redesigned website at www.ponderosaspeedway.com. The track phone number on race day is (859) 854-6808.

-------------------------------------------------------
May 31, 2004
upcoming....

James Essex/NARA PR
For Immediate Release:

UNION, KY-- Florence Speedway is Union, KY will host the 18th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial Race this Saturday Night, June 5. For the second year in a row the event will be sanctioned by the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts. The 50 lap feature event will pay $5000 to win and $300 to start. Also on the race program at Florence will be the Open Wheel Modifieds and Super Dirt Stocks. Admission will be $15 for adults with children ages 6-11 getting in for $2. Pit admission will be $25.

Ralph Latham was a three-decade Cincinnati area racing star that passed away in August of 1986 from cancer. Ralph's truly outstanding racing career and life has been honored now at Florence Speedway since the first running of the event in his memory was held in 1987 when local driver, Bobby Carnes was the winner and last year it was Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN coming home the victor for the first time in the Memorial event. During his career Ralph Latham won track championships at Northern Kentucky Speedway (now named Florence Speedway), Tri-County Speedway in West Chester, OH and Glen Este Speedway in Glen Este, OH. He also competed regularly with ARCA and USAC during his career. One of his most memorable wins came at Daytona in 1967 when he won the ARCA event during Speedweeks driving for Porter Lanigan. Ralph passed five time ARCA champion, Iggy Katona on the final lap for the win.

The year 1969 would see Ralph team with veteran car owner, Morgan Chandler in the famous Ruth Motors entry as they would win 15 of 18 features that year at Northern Kentucky Speedway and Clay City (KY) Raceway. But 1970 would be the year that would be the most successful for Ralph as he posted a remarkable 43 late model feature wins during that season. He would sweep all the big races and the points championship at the Tri-County Speedway and he would also capture the late model track championship at the Clark County (OH) Fairgrounds in Springfield, OH. In 1971, Ralph made the first ever World 100 contested at Eldora (OH) Speedway where he would finish 14th.

From 1972 until 1975 he campaigned with the United States Auto Club (USAC) and grew to love the one mile dirt tracks they participated on. Ralph ran with some of the all-time greats in auto racing including, A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Al and Bobby Unser, Parnelli Jones, Don White, Jack Bowsher and Butch Hartman just to name a few. Ralph then returned to the local racing scene with Morgan Chandler in the mid 70's but his career was basically cut short by an accident at a race track in Kentucky where he suffered a broken tailbone, putting him on the sidelines.

Ralph then took up another hobby, mini marathons which he participated in until his cancer was first discovered in 1985. At that time Ralph was scheduled to return to oval track racing with ASA at the Queen City Speedway which was formally know as Tri-County Speedway and where the track was now pavement instead of the dirt where Ralph had so successfully run on. Those plans were put on hold as Ralph underwent treatment for the cancer, but he lost his battle with the disease in August of 1986 at the age of 54. During his racing career Ralph won more than 200 feature races.

Florence Speedway will again honor Ralph Latham with this Memorial race tribute this Saturday Night, June 5. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Models with Racing Optics Times Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 50 Lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $5000 to win. Pit gates will open at 4 PM (EDT), grandstand gates open at 5 PM with qualifying at 6:30 PM. Florence Speedway is located on U.S Route 42, nine miles west of exit 180 off of I-75. The track phone number on race day is (859) 485-7591. For more information on the track please visit the track's website at www.florencespeedway.com. For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series please log on to www.naradirtcar.com or call the NARA office at (859) 271-4501.

Florence Speedway
Union, KY

18th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial

Saturday Night, June 5, 2004

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Feature Event Payoff:

1. $5000.00

2. 3000.00

3. 2000.00

4. 1500.00

5. 1000.00

6. 800.00

7. 750.00

8. 700.00

9. 650.00

10. 600.00

11. 550.00

12. 500.00

13. 450.00

14. 450.00

15. 400.00

16. 400.00

17. 350.00

18. 350.00

19. 300.00

20. 300.00

21. 300.00

22. 300.00

Previous Ralph Latham Memorial Winners

1987--Bobby Carnes

1988--Bob Pierce

1989--John Gill

1990--Jack Boggs

1991--Scott Bloomquist

1992--Jack Boggs

1993--Jack Boggs

1994--Billy Moyer

1995--Donnie Moran

1996--Billy Moyer

1997--Steve Francis

1998--Bart Hartman

1999--Wendell Wallace

2000--Darrell Lanigan

2001--R.J. Conley

2002--Steve Francis

2003--Scott James

TO: All Press and Media Outlets
FROM: Michael Despain
RE: Barren County Speedway-Glasgow, KY: Race Story/Results for May 30, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren Walks to $600 at Barren County Speedway

Glasgow, KY-May 30- The Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY would present its first Sunday night regular program with some fine racing action that saw Kelly Warren, Bradley Matthews, Johnny Threet, and Jimmy Lyon take feature race wins.

Kelly Warren of Columbia, KY would take the win in the 25 lap NARA Modified feature event that paid $600 to win after leading the entire distance in the Race Kentucky Motorsports, B and B Motorsports, AR Coating, Horsephotos.com, Frankland Rear Ends, PBM Performance Products #0 Bandit Race Cars, Dale Meers Race Engines, American Race Tires sponsored entry. Butch Shay would start 17th and roll to the runner-up spot, with rookie driver Robbie Sanders finishing third. Richard Harlow and Duke Wright completed the top five. David McWilliams would start 16th and finish sixth, with Chris Riehle seventh. Stacey York and Allan Matthews would have flat tires and recover to go eighth and ninth, with Mike Petrey rounding out the top ten. Heat race wins went to Warren, Wright, and Matthews, while McWilliams won the B-main.

Bradley Matthews of Smith's Grove, KY would dominate the 12 lap Chevette feature event in his Matthews Oil, Well Service, Scot Markets, Wilhite Speed and Performance #3 entry. Trailing the winner at the finish were Chris Jennings, Shon Rouse, Jeremy Creek, and Mark McFall. Matthews also scored the heat race win as well.

Veteran Johnny Threet of Scottsville, KY took top honors in the 15 lap Pro Street feature event in his Sam Carter Construction, Red Barn Farms, The Game Room #31 mount. Only six of the eleven scheduled starters would take the green flag in this event, with Larry Greer, Jeff Centers, Daryl Butler, John Combs, and Tyler Young filling out the remainder of the finishing order. Threet and Butler were the heat race winners.

Jimmy Lyon of Glasgow, KY lead the entire way in claiming the 15 lap Pure Street feature event in the Pedigo's Drive Inn, Hudspeth Lettering, Lyon's Towing, Hillbilly Racing Technology, Auto Glass Express, Houchens Racing, D and G Racing, Sherfey's Shell #21 entry. Bryant Wilson would finish second, with David York, Thomas Sutton, and Dan Ryan completing the top five. Lyon also won the heat.

SUMMARY-Barren County Speedway-Glasgow, KY-May 30, 2004

NARA Modifieds (23 entries)
1st Heat- Kelly Warren, Freddy Garmon, Dennis Barton, William Sanders
2nd Heat- Duke Wright, Robbie Sanders, Josh Belcher, Jordan Matthews
3rd Heat- Allan Matthews, Stacey York, Bill Geiger, Chris Riehle
Consy- David McWilliams, Butch Shay, Ricky Huff, Ron Meador, Justin Ratliff
Feature- Warren, Shay, Robbie Sanders, Richard Harlow, Wright, McWilliams, Riehle, York, Allan Matthews, Mike Petrey, Geiger, William Sanders, Barton, Garmon, Jordan Matthews, Belcher, Ashley Coffey, Huff

Chevettes (5 entries)
Heat- Bradley Matthews, Jeremy Creek, Mark McFall, Shon Rouse
Feature- Matthews, Chris Jennings, Rouse, Creek, McFall

Pro Street (11 entries)
1st Heat- Johnny Threet, Larry Greer, Tyler Young, Daniel Bledsoe
2nd Heat- Daryl Butler, Jeff Centers, John Combs, Timmy Madden
Feature- Threet, Greer, Centers, Butler, Combs, Young

Pure Street (9 entries)
Heat- Jimmy Lyon, Bear Ballard, Dan Ryan, Bryant Wilson
Feature- Lyon, Wilson, David York, Thomas Sutton, Ryan, Ballard, Nathan Wells, Kenny Bush

TO: All Press and Media Outlets
FROM: Michael Despain-Bluegrass Speedway Media Contact
RE: Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY: May 29 Race Story/Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Warren Wins NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified 4th Annual Mod Squad Bash

Bardstown, KY-May 29- Kelly Warren of Columbia, KY scored his first ever NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series win in the 4th Annual Mod Squad Bash at Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY on Saturday night.

Ricky Arms and Jerry Rutherford would bring the field to the green flag in the 30 lap Lucas Oil A-Main, with taking the initial lead with Rutherford, Josh Lucas, Kelly Warren, and Joey Kramer in tow. Dion Benningfield would pressure Kramer in the early going as Lucas would go second and put the heat on Arms for the lead. Caution would wave on lap 5 as Joe Mattingly and Mike Watson spun in turn three. Arms would then see his night go awry as his mount developed motor problems and field restarted, with Arms being done for the night. This would hand the lead to Lucas, with Warren in pursuit at this point. Warren would pressure Lucas for the lead and take the top spot on lap 9. The action would heat for second as Lucas and Rutherford would mix it as Kramer and Benningfield would join the fray as well. Warren was beginning to stretch his lead when the next caution would wave on lap 19 for Chris Reihle spinning in turn three. The double restarts would see Lucas and Kramer pressure Warren, only to have the caution wave for a slowed Mattingly on the backchute. The restart would again be interesting as Kramer dived beneath Warren and throwed a slidejob for the lead in turn two, only to see Warren work back beneath him in turn three. The final caution would wave with just two laps remaining when Anthony Reams went airborne on the frontchute and spin around. The final restart would see the lead trio go three wide for the lead off of turn two and down the backchute and still be three wide off of turn four coming to the white flag. Warren would nose out in front down in turn one and hang on to take the win aboard his Race Kentucky Motorsports, B and B Motorsports, Horsephotos.com, Frankland Rear Ends, PBM Performance Products, #0 Bandit Race Cars, Dale Meers Racing Engines powered, American Race Tires shod mount. Lucas would take second at the line over Kramer, with Benningfield and Don Adams completing the top five. Butch Shay, Jason Wheatley, Jerry Rutherford, Brandon Green, and Steve Pyles completed the top ten. Forty-three Modifieds were on hand, with Jason Wheatley the Racing Optics fast qualifier with an 18.032 second lap. The Crown Spray Power heats were scored by Warren, Arms, Lucas, and Rutherford. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B Mains were won by Mattingly and Reihle. Series provisionals went to Leonard Pierce and Russell Childress, with track provisionals going to Wes Howard and Eddie Hasty.

SUMMARY-Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-May 29, 2004

NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds (43 entries)
Racing Optics Fast Qualifier- Jason Wheatley 18.032
Crown Spray Power 1st Heat- Kelly Warren, Dion Benningfield, Brandon Green, Robbie Gullion
Crown Spray Power 2nd Heat- Ricky Arms, Joey Kramer, Adam Gootee, Joe Mattingly
Crown Spray Power 3rd Heat- Josh Lucas, Joey Jones, Steve Pyles, Anthony Reams
Crown Spray Power 4th Heat- Jerry Rutherford, Butch Shay, Joe Gray, Mike Watson
O'Reilly Auto Parts 1st B Main- Mattingly, Wheatley, Don Adams, Gullion, Freddy Garmon
O'Reilly Auto Parts 2nd B Main- Chris Reihle, Reams, Watson, Rick Gumm, David McWilliams
Series Provisionals- Leonard Pierce, Russell Childress
Track Provisionals- Wes Howard, Eddie Hasty
Lucas Oil A Main (4th Annual Mod Squad Bash)- Warren, Lucas, Kramer, Benningfield, Adams, Shay, Wheatley, Rutherford, Green, Pyles, Reihle, Jones, Hasty, Reams, Pierce, Watson, Childress, Howard, Gootee, Mattingly, Gray, Arms
-------------------------------------------------------
May 31, 2004

TO: All Press and Media Outlets
FROM: Michael Despain
RE: NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series: Clinton County Speedway-Albany, KY- May 28, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arms Answers the Phone in NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Mod Action at Clinton Co.

Albany, KY-May 28- The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series would make stop number three of its inaugural 2004 tour at Clinton County Speedway in Albany, KY and the defending track champion and 2003 UMP Modified national champion Ricky Arms of Moss, TN would lead all 40 laps of the Lucas Oil A-Main and take the $1,500 payday at the Tommy Craig and Hack Owens promoted 3/10 mile facility.

Hank Bradley and Arms would bring the field to the green flag, with Arms taking the top spot, followed by Bradley, Allan Matthews, Leonard Pierce, and Terry Edwards. Caution would wave on lap 2 as last's weeks winner at Soggy Bottom, Jimmy Payne, would slow in turn one with a broken spindle. Racing action would now resume with a long run of green flag laps, as Arms continued to hold the top spot. Pierce would work his way to second, with Matthews and Bradley mixing it up for third. Edwards, Keith Denny, and Anthony Reams would go back and forth for the fifth spot, while 19th starting Kelly Warren was mounting a charge to the front, already in the top ten by lap 15. As the leaders were set to enter heavy slower traffic, the caution would wave for a large piece of debris on the backchute, slowing the pace. One lap after the restart, Rick Gumm would slow the pace with a spin in turn two. This restart would see Arms and Pierce scoot away, while Warren was attempting to move into the top five. With a five way battle going on for eighth, Edwards and Brandon Green would tangle in turn three with 25 laps officially scored, with Edwards night being finished. The field would go green for another five laps until Gumm slowed in turn one and would take his mount pitside. Brandon Green would be responsible for the final caution with eight circuits remaining as his mount broke the driveshaft. The final eight laps would see Arms and Pierce drive away from the pack, with Arms taking the checkered flag in his Honest Abe Log Homes, Crowe's Auto Sales, Arms Body Shop, Simpson Race Products, Bilstein Shocks, Real Racing Wheels #4 Lightning Chassis, Scott Pass Competition Engines powered, Hoosier Tire shod mount. Pierce would go second, with Bradley third. Warren would start 19th and finish fourth, while Reams would complete the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Matthews, 15th starting Skimp Henry, Denny, Russell Childress, and Jerry Rutherford.

Thirty five entries were signed in for the event, with Kelly Warren scoring the Racing Optics fast time award with a lap of 13.37 seconds. Crown Spray Power heat race wins were captured by Matthews, Arms, Pierce, and Bradley. The pair of O'Reilly Auto Parts B Mains were taken by Gumm and Rutherford. Warren and David McWilliams were the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series provisional starters.

SUMMARY-Clinton County Speedway-Albany, KY-May 28, 2004

NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series (35 entries)
Racing Optics Fast Time- Kelly Warren 13.37
Crown Spray Power 1st Heat- Allen Matthews, Keith Denny, Robbie Gullion, Rick Gumm
Crown Spray Power 2nd Heat- Ricky Arms, Terry Edwards, Brandon Green, Skimp Henry
Crown Spray Power 3rd Heat- Leonard Pierce, Anthony Reams, Jimmy Payne, Jerry Rutherford
Crown Spray Power 4th Heat- Hank Bradley, Don Adams, Russell Childress, Mark Walters
O'Reilly Auto Parts 1st B Main- Gumm, Henry, Kevin Douglas, Russ Gabbert, Mike Petrey
O'Reilly Auto Parts 2nd B Main- Rutherford, Walters, Bill Friend, David McWilliams, Dennis Barton
Series Provisionals- Kelly Warren, McWilliams
Lucas Oil A Main- Arms, Pierce, Bradley, Warren, Reams, Matthews, Henry, Denny, Childress, Rutherford, Adams, Gullion, Douglas, McWilliams, Green, Gumm, Friend, Edwards, Walters, Payne
-------------------------------------------------------
May 24, 2004

For Immediate Release:

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Press Release

James Essex/NARA PR

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Jeff Smith Takes First Career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Event at Tennessee Motor Speedway

BAXTER, TN--Jeff Smith of Kings Mountain, NC became the fourth driver this year to win his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event as he passed race leader, Greg Johnson for good on the 24th lap and then went on to take the Lucas Oil 40 lap A-main event at the Tennessee Motor Speedway. It was the series first ever appearance at 4/10ths mile oval and Smith's first race with the three year old series as the 37 year old son of legendary National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer, Freddy Smith went back home to the Tar Heel State with the $3000 first place prize. Smith drove his Starrette Trucking, M&S Concrete, J&N Auto Sales, J&J Race Cars, Banks Brokerage, Tires Plus, American Race Tires sponsored Gaerte Engines powered Rocket Chassis #70 to win over a strong field of participants. Finishing second after starting in ninth was Chuck Proctor of Charlotte, TN in his Barry Sesler Construction/MasterSbilt Grand Prix for his best career BoB finish. Third place went to series regular Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY in the Hatton Racing/Jerry Hatton Used Cars/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Taking fourth was another career best series finish for rookie Michael England of Glasgow, KY driving the Young's Oil Corporation/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Rounding out the top five was Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY in the Todd Family Motorsports/Todd Truss Company/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. A total of 30 cars were on hand for the event with four drivers breaking the previous track record in time trials.

After four exciting Crown Spray Power Heat Races and two O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains the time came for the Lucas Oil 40 lap main event with Tyrel Todd and current series point’s leader, Greg Johnson on the front row for the start. Johnson would pounce on the opportunity to take the lead at the start of the race with Jeff Smith, who started third running right behind him. A wreck on the opening lap necessitated a red flag for Dennis Selby and Jay Mobley as both drivers checked out o.k., but their race cars were severely damaged as they were done for the night. When the race resumed it was Johnson on the point with Smith, Todd, defending series champion, Mike Marlar and Brad Neat running in the top five. Change for positions started occurring on the fifth circuit with Marlar getting by Todd for third and Chuck Proctor, who started ninth already making his presence known as he was up to fifth and a lap later he passed Todd for fourth. The cars were at an exhausting pace around the ultra quick high bank track as an early afternoon thunderstorm made the conditions extremely tacky. By lap 15 Smith was up to the task of challenging Johnson for the lead of the race. Smith would pull alongside of Johnson coming out of turn number two on several occasions only to see Johnson keep the lead at the flagstand for the scored lap. Johnson and Smith would put on a great battle for the lead dueling it out within inches of each other as both drivers were giving each other plenty of room. On the scored lap 19 Smith was shown as the leader, but when they came back around the next time it was Johnson back in front as the hotly contested battle had the large crowd on their feet as the two cars went door to door. In traffic on the 24th lap was Johnson's downfall as he got trapped behind another car and that would allow Smith to take over the lead for good.

But Proctor would try and make a final charge on Smith as many thought this race was now over with Smith in front. Proctor got by Johnson for second on lap 25 and then he too had to deal with some lapped cars between himself and catching Smith. But Proctor would make a good run for it closing the gap quickly on Smith and a lead that had been up to five car lengths shrunk to two within a matter of a few laps. With five laps to go a yellow for sixth place running, Johnny Wheeler who broke a rear end in turn tow brought out another caution flag to bunch the field up. A five lap shootout would ensue with Smith, Proctor, Johnson, Aaron Hatton and Michael England all involved settling the outcome. But Johnson's hope ended with four laps to go as his right rear tire went down causing him to spin in turn four bringing out the final caution of the race. Now it would be a four lap race to the finish with Smith holding off Proctor to take his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass event in his very first start with the series. After the race an elated Smith said "That was quite a race we had out there between me and Johnson," "I like racing that way, we gave each other room and we just happened to get out front and held on," said the personable Smith who became the fourth driver this year joining Steve Francis, Greg Johnson and Tyrel Todd to win his first career BoB race. "We like this track, we've been here a few times and always run well here, it feels good to come away with the win tonight because this is a pretty tough series to win on."

Proctor finished in second followed by Hatton, who came from the 11th starting slot. England was the big mover of the race as the driver in his first full season of dirt late model racing started 19th and came up to finish fourth a career best with the series. Todd rebounded from a flat tire and having to go the tail after pitting as he wound up in fifth.

Completing the top ten were Perry Delaney, Junior Brown, Greg Johnson, Arville Pittman and Jeff Walker.

In Racing Optics Time Trials four drivers broke Wendall Wallace's track record of 15.372 seconds with Greg Johnson now the new track record holder at Tennessee Motor Speedway with a 15.139 seconds clocking. The Crown Spray Power Heat Race winners were Johnson, Smith, Mike Marlar and Todd. Perry Delaney and Spensor Watson won the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains.

The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will have Memorial Weekend off with the next races set for Friday, June 4 at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY for the "Pete Abell Memorial Race" and Saturday, June 5 at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY for the "Ralph Latham Memorial Race."

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #7

Tennessee Motor Speedway

Baxter, TN

Saturday Night, May 22, 2004

Racing Optics/Russell Baker Racing Engines Time Trials; Greg Johnson 15.139 NTR

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Greg Johnson, Mike Luna, Chuck Proctor, Jay Mobley

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Jeff Smith, Johnny Wheeler, Scott Randolph, Perry Delaney

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: Mike Marlar, Brad Neat, Aaron Hatton, Jeff Walker

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Tyrel Todd, Randy Weaver, Steve Cornelius, Spensor Watson

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: Perry Delaney, Jay Mobley, Arville Pittman, Michael England

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: Spensor Watson, Victor Lee, Jeff Walker, Doug Smith

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Jeff Smith, Chuck Proctor, Aaron Hatton, Michael England, Tyrel Todd, Perry Delaney, Junior Brown, Greg Johnson, Arville Pittman, Jeff Walker, Spensor Watson, Doug Smith, Mike Marlar, Johnny Wheeler, Brad Neat, Randy Weaver, Mike Luna, Victor Lee, Scott Randolph, Steve Cornelius, Jay Mobley, Dennis Selby

Race Statistics:

Entries: 30

Race Leaders: Johnson 1-18 Smith 19 Johnson 20-23 Smith 24-40

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Michael England advanced 15 positions (started 19th and finished fourth)

For Immediate Release:
James Essex/NARA PR

Greg Johnson Wins Third O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Event of the Season

Friday Night, May 21, 2004

GLASGOW, KY--Current O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series points leader, Greg Johnson made it three wins in six starts this season as the Indiana native took the $3000 to win Lucas Oil "Barren River 40" on Friday Night at the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY. It was the first Late Model event of the season at the track which is now under the new management team of Spencer Wilson, Tony and Debbie Rose and Josh King. With a great crowd on hand, Johnson led all 40 laps in taking the win in the Danny Ray and Diane Preston owned, R&P Industrial Chimney, American Scaffolding, Cox Properties, First Financial Mortgage Corporation, Heritage Closing Agency, Curtis Graphics, Hoosier Racing Tires, Dyer's Top Rods, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Dairy Queen of Harrodsburg, Koni Shocks, Pro Power Engines sponsored C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Trailing Johnson was Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN driving the Southern Indiana Rock Drilling/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Third place was defending O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass champion, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN in the Marlar and Sons Auto/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix. Fourth place was 11th starting Terry English from Benton, KY in the AAA Fence/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and completing the top five was John Gill of Mitchell, IN in the Jeff and Eddie Harrod/Central Painting/Rocket Grand Prix. A total of 29 cars were on hand for the event.

Johnson would grab the point at the start of the Lucas Oil 40 lapper with Bryan Barber going to second followed by John Gill and Victor Lee. Mike Marlar who started seventh was on the move in the early portion of the race as he was up to fifth by the second lap. Marlar then went to fourth around Lee on the third circuit. Up front Johnson was starting to pull away from the field with Barber running second just ahead of Gill, who was debuting a new ride for the Harrod Racing Team. Gill would then really put the heat on Barber as Barber was hanging on to second place. Marlar then made his move to third in front of Gill passing the veteran driver. So at this point it was Johnson still in front followed by Barber, Marlar, Gill and Lee. Lapped traffic started to come into play by the 11th circuit with cars running two and three wide easily all over the immaculately prepared race track. With 15 laps scored Johnson still showed the way with Barber still running a solid second until lap 17 when Marlar overhauled him taking the spot away from Barber. Marlar then would start to track down Johnson, who had built a comfortable lead over the field. Marlar was catching Johnson and had made a pass for the lead when the caution flag came out on the 26th lap as Johnson was having trouble negotiating traffic. Marlar's pass was negated with the caution flag and he had to go back to second place on the restart.

Withe the double file restarts in effect on every restart in the main event Marlar would get a run on Johnson a couple of times after lap 27 pulling even with him on a couple of occasions, but never was able to fully pass him. A driver who started to become a real player in the race was Mike Jewell. Jewell started in eighth place was up to third on the restart after the lap 26th spin by another driver. Jewell then raced Marlar hard grabbing second from Marlar on the 28th lap. Marlar returned the favor two laps later by re-taking second from Jewell. While the torrid duel for second was going on Johnson was quietly building his lead back up over the pack. A final caution for Barber would with three laps to go would set up a dash to the finish with Johnson, Jewell, Marlar, Gill and now Terry English all having a shot of stealing the win from Johnson, who had led all the way to this point. Enlish had methodically worked his way to fourth after starting in the 11th slot. With the green from chief starter Noel Hargis the race to the finish would see Johnson hold off the challenges of both Jewell and Marlar to take his third O'Reilly NARA Battle fo the Bluegrass win in six starts this season. Jewell would finish second followed by Marlar. English would pass Gill with two laps remaining to place fourth in his first ever start with the series.

Completing the top ten were Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee, Johnny Wheeler, Randle Sweeney and Joey Kramer.

Greg Johnson was the Racing Optics/Russell Baker Race Engines Fast timer at 13.27 seconds. The Crown Spray Power Heat winners were Johnson, Joey Kramer, John Gill and Bryan Barber. Aaron Hatton and Michael England won the O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains.

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #6

Barren County Speedway

Glasgow, KY

Friday Night, May 21, 2004

Racing Optics/Russell Baker Race Engines Fast Time: Greg Johnson 13.27

Crown Spray Power Heat #1: Greg Johnson, Victor Lee, Randle Sweeney, Aaron Hatton

Crown Spray Power Heat #2: Joey Kramer, Jay Brinkley, Scott James, Dustin Neat

Crown Spray Power Heat #3: John Gill, Mike Marlar, Terry English, Carnell Parker III

Crown Spray Power Heat #4: Bryan Barber, Mike Jewell, Tyrel Todd, Michael England

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1: Aaron Hatton, Johnny Wheeler, Dustin Neat, Steve Cornelius

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2: Michael England, Carnell Parker III, Spensor Watson, Doug Smith

Lucas Oil "Barren River 40": Greg Johnson, Mike Jewell, Mike Marlar, Terry English, John Gill, Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee, Johnny Wheeler, Randle Sweeney, Joey Kramer,. Michael England, Aaron Hatton, Jay Brinkley, Doug Smith, Dennis Selby, Michael Wooldridge, Spensor Watson, Scott James, Bryan Barber, Carnell Parker III, Dustin Neat, Steve Cornelius

Race Statistics

Entries: 29

Race Leaders: Johnson 1-40

Caution Flags: 3

Red Flags: 0

O'Reilly NARA BoB Provisionals: Dennis Selby and Michael Wooldridge

Payne Takes NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Win at Soggy Bottom Speedway

(Morgantown, KY) The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series made its first ever visit to Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY this past Saturday night and Jimmy Payne of Glasgow, KY came away victorious in the Lucas Oil Products A-Main feature event.

Russell Childress and Payne would bring the field to the green flag, with Childress taking an early lead, followed by Payne and defending UMP Modified national champion Ricky Arms. Childress would see his lead short lived as Arms would scoot past Payne for the runner-up and bring the pain to Childress to take the top spot on lap 8. Arms would pull away from Childress to a five car length lead, only to see his charge slowed for a multi-car accident in turn two involving four entries. Meanwhile, Jimmy Westerfield, who started 22^nd as a track provisional, was on a mission to make it to the front and would be into the top ten as the field saw the halfway signal on lap 20. The leader would see his night go sour as Arms would clip the backstretch guardrail on lap 25, bringing out the final caution of the event. Payne, who had regained second earlier from Childress, would now be on the point and would lead the rest of the way and gain the $1,500 payday aboard his MaxTrax Race Cars sponsored #68 mount, which was shod with Hoosier Tires. Trailing the second generation young gun at the finish was Westerfield, who charged from the 22^nd position. Childress would hang on for third, while Leonard Pierce and Kelly Warren completed the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Kevin Burt, John DeMoss, Ricky Arms, who had a flat tire when his contacted the guardrail and later returned, Mark Rowe, and Brandon Green.

Thirty-five entries were on hand for the event with the Racing Optics Fast Time award going to Arms.

The four Crown Spray Power heats were Arms, Payne, Childress, and Burt. The two O’Reilly Auto Parts B-Main were scored by John DeMoss and Shelby Miles. NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Series Provisionals went to Chris Riehle and Hank Bradley. Track Provisionals went to Brandon Wilson and Jimmy Westerfield.

Crown Spray Power 2^nd Heat- Jimmy Payne, Leonard Pierce, Eddie O’Neal, John DeMoss

Crown Spray Power 3^rd Heat- Russell Childress, Alan Gates, Rick Gumm, Mark Rowe

Crown Spray Power 4^th Heat- Kevin Burt, Josh Belcher, Kelly Warren, Terry Edwards

O’Reilly Auto Parts 1^st B Main- John DeMoss, Robbie Gullion, Jerry Rutherford

Lucas Oil Products A Main- Payne, Westerfield, Childress, Pierce, Warren, Burt, DeMoss, Arms, Rowe, Green, Bradley, O’Neal, Gullion, Rutherford, Falloway, Riehle, Denny, Miles, Gates, Belcher, Gumm, Wilson

-------------------------------------------------------
May 20, 2004

For Immediate Release:

By James Essex/NARA PR

LEXINGTON, KY--The O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts will resume its 2004 racing schedule after last Saturday's rainout at Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY. The Soggy Bottom Speedway O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar event has been rescheduled for June 26, while the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified event that was scheduled for last Saturday will be held this Saturday night May 22.

This O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series gets back into action with two nights of racing excitement.

On Friday Night, May 21 the series makes its first appearance of the 2004 season at the Barren County Speedway in Glasgow, KY. It will be the sixth ever appearance at the 3/8ths mile high banked dirt oval since 2002 when the series ran its first ever event at Glasgow. The race will be the first for the new management team of Barren County Speedway, which includes the team of NARA President, Spencer Wilson, Tony and Debbie Rose and Josh King.

In the first five visits to the track, there have been five different winners in BoB competition with Timmy Yeager of Harrodsburg, KY, Steve Hillard of Sadorus, IL, Scott James from Lawrenceburg, IN, Mike Hawley of Paint Lick, KY and Darrell Lanigan of Union, KY taking the wins. A lot of work has already been done to the facility since it was purchased last week from previous owner, Billy McCoy. An almost redoing of the entire facility is in the process, including returning the name of the track to its original name, the Barren County Speedway. The cleaning up of the facility includes new paint on the grandstand bleachers, concession stand, restroom maintenance, additional speakers and lighting is also in the works to greet the fans and competitors this Friday Night. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics/Russell Baker Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 40 lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. Barren County Speedway is located 3.3 miles west of Highway 31E on U.S. Highway 68. The track phone number will remain the same at (270) 678-1100. The new website address is www.barrencountyspeedway.com.

On Saturday Night, May 22 the series makes its first ever appearance of 2004 in the Volunteer state of Tennessee as the as the BoB Boys travel from Glasgow, KY across the state line to the Tennessee Motor Speedway in Baxter, TN. The seventh points race of the season for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will feature a complete show for the BoB Late Models with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 40 Lap Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. Tennessee Motor Speedway is a 3/8ths mile semi banked clay oval. Directions to the track are to take Exit 280 at the Baxter-Gainesboro exit off of I-40. Drive south and take the first road on the left (Ditty Road). It is located six miles west of Cookeville, TN The Track phone number on race day (931) 858-3311. The website for further information is www.tennmotorspeedway.com.

For more information on the rules and procedures please contact the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass office at (859) 271-4501 or visit our website at www.naradirtcar.com

Upcoming Events

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Friday Night, May 21

Barren County Speedway

Glasgow, KY

Track: (270) 678-1100

$3000 to Win!

Saturday Night, May 22

Tennessee Motor Speedway

Baxter, TN

Track: (931) 858-3311

$3000 to Win!

Event Payoff Each Night:

1. $3000.00

2. 1500.00

3. 1000.00

4. 800.00

5. 750.00

6. 700.00

7. 650.00

8. 600.00

9. 550.00

10. 500.00

11. 450.00

12. 400.00

13. 350.00

14. 350.00

15. 325.00

16. 325.00

17. 300.00

18. 300.00

19. 300.00

20. 250.00

21. 250.00

22. 250.00

Series Tire Rules:

Hoosier LM20, D20, D21, LM40, D55

American Racer SD44, MD56

Goodyear X300, X400

GLASGOW, KY--A new management team will be in charge of the race program at the McCoy Motor Speedway in Glasgow, KY starting on Friday Night, May 21 as the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series will make their first appearance of the season at the track.

The promotional team of NARA President Spencer Wilson, Tony & Debbie Rose and Josh King has announced that they will be taking over the track reigns immediately. An agreement was reached with track owner, Billy McCoy of Glasgow last week to take over the operation of the 32 year old 3/8 mile track. The track which first opened in 1972 will return back to its original name, the Barren County Speedway.

The May 21st O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts event will be the first program the new management team will promote. It has also been announced that the longest, continuously ran dirt late model race in the state of Kentucky, the "Kentucky Klassic" will be held on Friday Night, August 27 and be sanctioned by the North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series. The race was first run in 1982, which is one year before the second longest race in the Bluegrass State began, the North/South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, KY.

The new management has been busy since taking over the track with several improvements to the facility planned. The new management hopes to have several more updates to the track and facility by the May 21st race. Another press release in the coming days will highlight more of the work that has and will be done along with more information regarding the May 21st race.

Information on Barren County Speedway can be found at www.barrencountyspeedway.com or by calling the speedway office at 270-678-1100. The website is currently under construction and will be updated as more information becomes available.

LEXINGTON, KY--After a successful start for the new NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series last weekend at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY the modified drivers get right back to work with back to back nights of racing this coming weekend. On Friday Night, May 14 the series heads to the Clinton County Speedway in Alpha, KY for a $1500 to win program. On Saturday Night the Modifieds will also be in action at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY also paying $1500 to win. At Soggy Bottom joining the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds will be the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts.

There will be a complete show each night for the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modifieds with Racing Optics Time Trials followed by Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the Lucas Oil A-Main paying $1500 to win and $125 to start.

Clinton County Speedway is located in Alpha, KY. Take State Road 90 going west of the Wayne Co line when you see the signs to the race track take North Pleasant Ridge Road. The track is located approximately 12 miles west of Monticello, KY. The track phone on race day is (606) 387-3308.

Soggy Bottom Speedway is located in Morgantown, KY. Take the Western Kentucky Parkway to the Natcher Parkway at exit 27, then two and half miles west on State Road 70 will be the race track. The track phone number on race day is (270) 526-0600. For more detailed information on directions please visit their website at www.soggybottomspeedway.net. Pit gates will open at 2 PM both days.

For more information on the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified series please log on to www.naradirtcar.com or call the office at (859) 271-4501.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCars in Action at Soggy Bottom Speedway Saturday May 15

LEXINGTON, KY--The sixth point’s race of the 2004 racing season for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts is set to take place this Saturday Night, May 15 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY. It will be the third ever appearance for Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model Sanctioning Body at the Mack and Lesa Gabbard promoted facility which opened in 1989. In the two previous BoB visits Johnny Wheeler and Aaron Hatton have come home the winners. Also on the race card for the first time at Soggy Bottom will be the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Modified Series.

There will be a complete race program for the BoB drivers with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains and the 40 Lap Lucas Oil A-Main. The Late Model feature will pay $3000 to win and the Modified feature will pay $1500 to win. Pit gates will open at 2 pm CST with General Admission tickets priced at $15 for the grandstands and $30 for the pits.

Soggy Bottom Speedway is located in Morgantown, KY. Take the Western Kentucky Parkway to exit 27 at the Natcher Parkway, then go two and a half miles south on state road 70. The track phone number on race day is (270) 526-0600. For further information about directions please log on to the track's website at www.soggybottomspeedway.net.

For more information on rules please contact the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass office at (859) 271-4501 or www.naradirtcar.com/indexblm.html.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts

Saturday Night, May 8, 2004

NARA PR/James Essex

RICHMOND, KY--Greg Johnson the current O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series points leader after five events picked up his second win of the season with the series in dramatic fashion as he held off a late race charge from Mike Jewell to win the $3000 Lucas Oil A-Main on Saturday Night at the Richmond Raceway. Johnson beat Jewell to the finish line by less than half a car length to take the win before a standing room only crowd of spectators. Johnson driving the Double D Motorsports #19 sponsored by R&P Industrial Chimney, American Scaffolding, First Financial Mortgage Corporation, Heritage Closing Agency, Cox Properties, Curtis Graphics, Hoosier Racing Tires, Dyer's Top Rods, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Koni Shocks and Pro Power Engines took his C.J. Rayburn Pontiac Grand Prix to the winners circle ahead of Jewell driving the Southern Indiana Rock Drilling/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Finish third was 19th starting Johnny Wheeler in the Larry Yantz Racing/Clayton Homes/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Fourth was Aaron Hatton in the Hatton Racing/Jerry Hatton Used Cars and Mobile Home Rentals/MasterSbilt Grand Prix and fifth was Brad Neat in the Greg Neat/Neat's Service Center/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. A total of 33 cars were on hand for the 50th O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirt event over the past three seasons.

Two-time Battle of the Bluegrass series point’s runner-up, Timmy Yeager would take the lead at the start of the 40 lap Lucas Oil main event with Johnson running in second followed by Victor Lee, Joey Kramer and Steve Cornelius. This would be a very exciting race with three and sometimes four wide racing around the track they call the "Action Track". Cars would trade positions every lap with a terrific racing surface to run on. Yeager would start to pull away from Johnson from the second lap on as it looked like his choice of tires would work out well. Aaron Hatton would make his first appearance in the top five on the second circuit passing Cornelius for fifth, a lap later the BoB regular would get by Kramer to advance to fourth place. Up front Yeager would see his lead evaporate as he was about to enter traffic picking the tail end of the field. While Johnson was starting to close in on Yeager, Hatton would make another pass for position overhauling Lee to take over third place. Hatton then would continue his momentum forward as he too would start to cut down on Yeager's advantage. The race for the lead was really starting to get cooking with Yeager, Johnson and Hatton all running right together all trying to find an avenue around cars in front of them. Through the middle of the field several drivers were gaining spots with Jewell, Tyrel Todd, Freddy Smith, Rick Corbin and Johnny Wheeler all swiftly heading to the top ten. On lap 18 there was contact between Yeager and Johnson with Yeager's left rear tire going down heading into turn number one as Johnson would get by him. Yeager would slow on the back straight and that would cause a spin by Herbie Barnett as he and a stalled Yeager would bring out the first caution of the race after 18 frantic laps of racing.

While Yeager pitted for fresh rubber Johnson was now the new leader of the race with Lee in second followed by Hatton, Brad Neat and Steve Cornelius. With the double file restarts in order the entertainment value of those would shine through at Richmond. With several cars coming to the front from the back this made for some exciting dicing between competitors and the fans loved it. Hatton would go to second on lap 20 but a lap later Lee was back around him for that same spot, then Neat came through passing both Lee and Hatton to gain the runner-up position behind Johnson. Johnson was not getting away from anyone as Neat would take to the high side of the race track and was making a run for the lead on Johnson, but a caution flag for debris on the inside of turn four would halt Neat's forward march. Neat picked the inside for the double file restart on lap 23. With 17 laps to go it was still Johnson leading with several cars behind him looking to unseat the Indiana native. When the race went green again Hatton would race back around Neat for second with Neat falling to third in front of Lee and Mike Jewell. Jewell had started 11th in the lineup and was making his way to the front. With ten laps to go it was Johnson, Hatton, Neat, Lee and Jewell the top five runners. A flat tire for Hall of Famer, Freddy Smith, who had advanced to 5^th, with ten to go would halt the racing action one final time as Smith pitted for a flat tire change.

The final ten circuits would be a sight to behold with numerous position changes taking place among the top ten drivers. Jewell would use the double file restart to his advantage taking the outside lane and passing Lee, Neat and Hatton in a matter of a lap or two. Then along came Wheeler, who had started 19th after taking a series provisional to make the race. Wheeler roared to the outside groove picking cars off lap after lap in the final laps and he moved into third place with seven to go. Jewell was starting to track down Johnson as the laps would start to wind down. Jewell closed right in on Johnson and fan knew it was a matter of time before he would try to make the winning pass. Jewell would try the top side and Johnson held his position, Jewell then tried to snooker Johnson by changing his line to inside, but Johnson was having none of it. As the two took the white flag Jewell was right behind Johnson heading into turn number one. Johnson would drift up slightly coming off two and that allowed Jewell to take a peek at an inside pass of Johnson, but again Johnson shut the door. Heading into three, Jewell would shift to the outside trying to surprise Johnson as Johnson drifted up the track in turn four Jewell shot down low and looked to have a clean path to the checkers trying to steal the win from Johnson. As they raced off of turn four heading to the finish line they both smashed the gas pedal and Johnson would get to the stripe first winning by less than a quarter car length over Jewell. Wheeler's terrific charge netted him a third place finish. Fourth went to Hatton with Neat finishing in fifth.

Completing the top ten were Rick Corbin, Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee, Steve Cornelius and Bucky Jackson.

In Preliminary action Bobby Carrier Jr was the Racing Optics Fast Qualifier at 15.512 seconds. Crown Spray Power heat race winners were Victor Lee, Greg Johnson, Timmy Yeager and Steve Cornelius. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main winners were Herbie Barnett and Tyrel Todd.

The next O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series event will be this Saturday Night, May 15 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY. Event number six of the season for the series will pay $3000 to win. For more information please log on to www.naradirtcar.com and www.soggybottomspeedway.net..

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #5

Richmond Raceway

Richmond, KY

Saturday Night, May 8, 2004

Racing Optics Fast Time: Bobby Carrier Jr. 15.512

Crown Spray Power Heat #1-Victor Lee, Joey Kramer, Kenny Christy, Herbie Barnett

Crown Spray Power Heat #2-Greg Johnson, Aaron Hatton, Dennis Selby, Doug Smith

Crown Spray Power Heat #3-Timmy Yeager, Brad Neat, Mike Jewell, Freddy Smith

Crown Spray Power Heat #4-Steve Cornelius, Jason Barrett, David Freeman, Tyrel Todd

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1-Herbie Barnett, Doug Smith, Rick Corbin, Benji Lee

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2-Tyrel Todd, Freddy Smith, Bucky Jackson, Johnny Wheeler

Lucas Oil A-Main (40 Laps): Greg Johnson, Mike Jewell, Johnny Wheeler, Aaron Hatton, Brad Neat, Rick Corbin, Tyrel Todd, Victor Lee, Steve Cornelius, Bucky Jackson, Kenny Christy, Jason Barrett, Timmy Yeager, Freddy Smith, Joey Kramer, Scott Douglas, Dennis Selby, David Freeman, Doug Smith, Herbie Barnett, Spensor Watson

Race Statistics

Entries: 33

Cautions: 3

Red Flags: 0

Lap Leaders: Yeager 1-18 Johnson 19-40

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Johnny Wheeler advanced 16 positions (started 19th and finished third)

BoB Provisionals: Johnny Wheeler and Spensor Watson

Track Provisional: Scott Douglas

JUNCTION CITY, KY--Brent Londeree of Columbus, IN won the first ever NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series event on Friday Night at the Ponderosa Speedway. The 33 year old second generation driver took $1500 back to the Hoosier State by leading all 30 laps of the Lucas Oil Main Event. Londeree drove the Jerry Jones owned, Jones Core, DeCoursey-Austin Realty, Hoosier Racing Tires, Hovis Racing Engines and Performance Chassis #99 to the biggest win of his career as 45 Modifieds were entered for the series' first ever event. Leonard Pierce of Columbia, KY finished second after starting 11th in the R-N-R Tool and Machine/Lightning Chassis. Third place went to Hank Bradley of Brodhead, KY in the Bradley's Garage entry followed by Kelly Warren of Columbia, KY in the Race Kentucky Motorsports/B&B Motorsports car with Ken Riddle of Parkersburg, WV finishing fifth in the Poske's Performance Parts/Horsepower Sales ride.

The 30 lap Lucas Oil A-Main would begin with Hank Bradley and Londeree starting on the front row. The race would get three laps in the books before a spin on lap four would bring out the first caution of the race. Londeree would be the race leader with Jimmy Payne running in second followed by Bradley, Russell Childress and Ken Riddle in the top five. After running two more green flag circuits a red flag would appear for the car of John DeMoss in turn four as he had a severely damaged fuel cell after an incident which would cause a delay in restarting the race as officials would burn off the fuel. The race would get started again with Londeree still on the point with Payne hounding him for the lead of the race. With the halfway signal given it was really heating up for the lead with Londeree holding off Payne, Bradley, Childress and Riddle. They would start to enter lapped traffic on the 21st lap with Londeree making a clean move around a lapped car to open up a slightly bigger lead over Payne. Meanwhile, Kelly Warren would make his first appearance in the top five as he had passed Riddle for fifth place.

Payne's great run in second would end with a flat tire forcing him to pit on lap 26. With four laps remaining in the race Londeree who had started to stretch out his lead over the field at this point of the race would still be the leader of the race. With Payne pitting after a caution flag flew Childress also went pit side with front end damage to his car after contact with another driver. That would help Leonard Pierce, who had started 11th, calmly worked his way through the field and would restart third in the lineup. In the last four laps it was all Londeree as he would sprint out to the lead and not be challenged the rest of the way. Pierce would manage to get by the youngster, Bradley with three to go to finish in the runner-up slot. Bradley was third with Warren coming home in fourth. Riddle would round out the top five drivers at the finish.

Completing the top ten were David Adams, Keith Denny, Eddie Hasty Jr., Terry Edwards and Brandon Green.

In preliminary events Benji Lee had the Racing Optics Fast Time at 14.824 seconds. Crown Spray Power Heats were won by Ken Riddle, Hank Bradley, Jimmy Payne and Brent Londeree. The O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Mains were taken by Gary Yeager and Chris Riehle.

The next NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified events are coming up this weekend on Friday Night, May 14 at the Clinton County Speedway in Alpha, KY and on Saturday Night, May 15 at the Soggy Bottom Speedway in Morgantown, KY. The Saturday Night program will also feature the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model Series.

Crown Spray Power Heat #2-Hank Bradley, Kelly Warren, Brandon Green, Gary Yeager

Crown Spray Power Heat #4-Brent Londeree, Russell Childress, Rick Gumm, Robbie Gullion

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #1-Gary Yeager, David Adams, Russ Gabbert, Keith Denny

O'Reilly Auto Parts B-Main #2- Chris Riehle, Steve King, Terry Edwards, Eddie Hasty Jr

Lucas Oil A-Main (30 Laps)-Brent Londeree, Leonard Pierce, Hank Bradley, Kelly Warren, Ken Riddle, David Adams, Keith Denny, Eddie Hasty Jr., Terry Edwards, Brandon Green, Jimmy Payne, Steve King, Chris Riehle, Doug Tarter, Russell Childress, Gary Yeager, Rick Gumm, Russ Gabbert, John DeMoss, Benji Lee

Hard Charger of the Race: Eddie Hasty Jr advanced 12 positions (started 20th and finished 8th)
-------------------------------------------------------
May 5, 2004

LEXINGTON, KY--The "Action Track" the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY will play host for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series this Saturday Night, May 8. This is the rainout makeup race from April 23. The event will mark a milestone for three year old series with the 50th point’s event to be held this Saturday. There will be a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Crown Spray Power Heat Races, O’Reilly Auto Parts Consolation Events and the Lucas Oil A-Main Event paying $3000 to win.

This will be the 5^th event of the season for the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Steve Francis, Don O’Neal, Greg Johnson and Tyrel Todd taking wins thus far this season.

For more information please visit the Richmond Raceway website at www.richmondraceways.net and www.naradirtcar.com for the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series.

Current O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Points

(Top 15)

1. Greg Johnson – 820

2. Brad Neat – 725

3. Johnny Wheeler – 715

4. Aaron Hatton – 705

5. Tyrel Todd – 700

6. Steve Cornelius – 530

7. Doug Smith – 525

8. Joey Kramer – 520

9. Dennis Selby – 500

10. Spensor Watson – 500

11. Don O’Neal – 480

12. Rick Corbin – 450

13. Jesse Lay – 440

14. Anthony Ferguson – 430

15. Mike Jewell - 390

Richmond Raceway

May 8, 2004

40 Laps

1	3000
2	1500
3	1000
4	800
5	750
6	700
7	650
8	600
9	550
10	500
11	450
12	400
13	350
14	350
15	325
16	325
17	300
18	300
19	300
20	300
21	250
22	250

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version:

LEXINGTON, KY--The long awaited debut of the new NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series will take place this Friday Night, May 7 at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY. The 2004 season will see at least 12 events scheduled with each race paying $1500 to win. At Ponderosa this Friday Night there will be a complete race program featuring the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modifieds with Racing Optics Time Trials, Heat Races, Consy Events and the Lucas Oil Main Event.

The 2004 NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series will pay $3000 to win this year’s points championship. The top ten in points will be eligible for a point fund and contingencies this year. The series will allow an 8" spoiler and an optional steel tube quick change rear end. For more information on the rules please visit the NARA website at www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Modified icon.

SITKA, KY--Heading into Saturday Night's O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series event at the 201 Speedway, Tyrel Todd of Eubank, KY had made 41 main events with the series since it began in 2002 without scoring a win. At the end of the night at 201 Speedway after making his 42nd career start with the series for the first time he would come home the winner as he captured the Lucas Oil main event earning $3000. Todd has been one of the most loyal supporters of the series since it started and Saturday Night was no fluke as he beat a stout field of entrants at 201 Speedway for the victory. The 22 year old Todd, driving the Todd Family Motorsports/Pulaski Steel and Supply/Todd Truss Company/Alexander Recycling Inc/Valley View Car Wash/WFO Decals/American Racer Tires/Bullock Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Behind Todd at the finish was Brandon Kinzer of Allen, KY in the Jerry Kinzer/Kinzer Well Drilling/GRT Dodge Intrepid R/T who finished just one and a half car lengths behind the winner. Third place went to 21st starting Rod Evans of St. Albans, WV driving the Don White owned/Technology Services/Rocket Grand Prix. Fourth place was 2002 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Salt Rock, WV in the Carl Grover Motorsports/Engines Inc/Rocket Ford Taurus. Rounding out the top five was Bucky Jackson of Morehead, KY in the Jackson Builders/GRT by Tim Logan Monte Carlo.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass regulars Johnny Wheeler and Tyrel Todd would start on the front row of the 40 lap main event. At the drop of the green Todd would manage to get the point with Wheeler going to second in front of veteran, Paul Harris and BoB point’s leader, Greg Johnson. With five laps in the books the running order would remain the same, but on the sixth lap a position change occurred with Johnson getting past Harris for third. After a lap 8 restart Johnson would challenge Wheeler for second but got a little bit sideways in turn two, he quickly got his car corrected but something happened under the hood and caused Johnson to lose power which forced him off the track and into the pits ending his night. Brandon Kinzer who started fifth would then move up to third behind the race leader, Todd and Wheeler. Another car on the move was that of Aaron Hatton's. The young gun that started 10th was up to fourth place by the ninth circuit challenging the frontrunners. Waiting through several caution periods Todd had held the lead from the very beginning of the race with Wheeler breathing down his neck. On lap 13 Wheeler would make a terrific move coming off of turn number four to pass Todd for the lead. As the two headed down the stretch into turn one Todd would take the very low route on the track pointing his mount alongside the inside wall and squeeze back by Wheeler to regain the lead. The great race for the lead would continue between those two and after several restarts it was decided to go to a single file restart from here on out. With 15 laps scored it was Todd, Wheeler, Kinzer, Eddie Carrier Jr and Paul Harris in the top five. By this time Hatton’s' good run had ended with driveshaft problems taking the top two in the points out of the race.

On the 16th lap Kinzer would get by Wheeler for second place. At the 20 lap mark (halfway) Kinzer would then try an avenue on the inside of the track to chase down Todd, whose car was handling very well at any place on the race track. At this point of the race some eyes were on Rod Evans. Evans had started 21st in the field and was high flying on the outside groove of the race track picking off cars one by one. Evans made his first appearance in the top five on the 21st lap. Two circuits later he had Wheeler for fourth place and was pressuring Carrier Jr for third now. A couple of cautions would halt Evans' effort a little bit has his momentum had been curtailed by the yellow flags. The final caution of the race came out on the 26th lap, but then on the race would run green until the checkers flew. Todd would have his hands full with Kinzer and now with Carrier Jr and Evans in the thick of things they were trying to make it tough on Todd looking for his first win with the series. Evans would get by Carrier Jr for third on 31st lap and set his sights on Todd and Kinzer. Todd was maintaining a two to three car length advantage over Kinzer as the final five laps would approach. It would be a scary last lap for Todd as he would have a lapped car in front of him on the final lap with Kinzer closing quick. As Todd entered turn four and was heading to the finish line the car was right in front of him. Kinzer would take a banzai stab at Todd as Todd drove to the inside of the car in front of him and would hold off Kinzer by a length and a half as the checkers would fly for his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar series victory.

"It feels good to get this win, I've waited a long time for this," said the winner afterwards. "I want to thank all of my family for their help and support, I've got to thank Keith and Tader Masters of MasterSbilt Race Cars for building a great car, Mike Bullock of Bullock Racing Engines and Tony Rose of American Racer Tires for all of their assistance," said Todd. "I never thought the race was going to end with all of the cautions going on, I just tried to keep my concentration and be consistent lap after lap and it paid off." "Johnny passed me that one time and I just pointed the car towards the inside of the wall and squeezed back by him, I wanted to race Johnny clean and I felt I tried to do that."

Kinzer would come home in second followed by Evans, Carrier Jr and Bucky Jackson who had his best career Battle of the Bluegrass finish. The rest of the top ten were Brad Neat, Paul Harris, Johnny Wheeler, Benny Feltner and Steve Cornelius.

Kinzer took the Racing Optics fast time at 14.06 seconds. Heat races were won by Wheeler, Todd, David Smith and Harris.

The next O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series event will be this coming Saturday Night, May 8 at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY. This is the event that was scheduled for April 23 but was rained out. There will be a complete race program for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Heat Races, Consy Events and the Lucas Oil Main event paying $3000 to win. For more information you can log on to www.richmondraceways.net and www.naradirtcar.com.

Lucas Oil Main Event: Tyrel Todd, Brandon Kinzer, Rod Evans, Eddie Carrier Jr., Bucky Jackson, Brad Neat, Paul Harris, Johnny Wheeler, Benny Feltner, Steve Cornelius, Doug Smith, David Powers, Jim LeMaster, Spensor Watson, Anthony Ferguson, Dennis Selby, Robert Fletcher, Raymond Nichols, Chris Wilson, Aaron Hatton, David Smith, Chuckie May, Greg Johnson, Shannon Thornsberry

For Immediate Release:

By James Essex – NARA PR

Ponderosa Speedway

Junction City, KY

Friday Night, April 30, 2004

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

JUNCTION CITY, KY--Greg Johnson brought home his first career O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series win on Friday Night at the Ponderosa Speedway after waiting through a nearly three hour rain delay. The 36 year old Bedford, IN native now residing in Burgin, KY drove the Jeff Gullett crew chiefed, Double D Motorsports Racing owned, R&P Industrial Chimney, American Scaffolding, First Financial Mortgage Corporation, Hoosier Racing Tires, Heritage Closing Agency, Pro Power Engines sponsored C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix to the Lucas Oil 40 lap A-main event that paid $3000 to win thus becoming the third different winner in three BoB races this year. Johnson took the lead on the fourth lap from Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY who finished in second. Hatton was driving the Hatton Racing/Russell Hatton Used Cars and Mobile Home Rentals/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. Third place went to Johnny Wheeler of Campbellsville, KY driving the Larry Yantz Racing/Clayton Homes/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY was fourth in the Greg Neat/Neat's Service Center/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo. Rounding out the top five was Shannon Thornsberry of Martin, KY in his Miller Brothers Coal/ Rocket Monte Carlo. A total of 37 cars were on hand for the event that saw a heavy rain hit before the Consy events were to be ran.

The race was started after a nearly three rain delay forced officials to try and run the track back in and despite the late hour several fans stayed to watch the racing action as Aaron Hatton would lead the charge at the drop of the green flag. With the race track now ultra quick Hatton would lead until Johnson, who started fourth would bolt right past him and take over the lead on the fourth circuit around the D-shaped track. Hatton would fall to second and then began receiving pressure from Brad Neat, Shannon Thornsberry and Joey Kramer. Johnson began to pull away from Hatton as they were lapping cars just a few laps into the race. The top five stayed that way for several circuits with sixth running Shawn Negangard dropping out with a right rear flat on lap 11. The second caution of the race on lap 12 for debris on the race track saw the field bunched back up again. Johnny Wheeler, who started 12th, was now up to sixth replacing Negangard who did not re-enter the race. Wheeler then started to hound Kramer for fifth passing him on the 14th lap. With Johnson still on the point Hatton was staying with Johnson after the restart with Neat holding third ahead of Thornsberry and a fast moving, Wheeler. Wheeler would take Thornsberry for fourth on the 23rd lap. With the front pack battling some tough traffic conditions the top four were now all running tightly together.

Wheeler then was all over Neat in the race for third. Finally on the 36th lap he was able to pass Neat cleanly for third place. Wheeler now set his sights on the two frontrunners Johnson and Hatton. Wheeler, who last year won three of the four Battle of the Bluegrass races held at Ponderosa, seemed to be on a mission to go four out of five. But Johnson and Hatton held their lines in the remaining few laps as Johnson would go on the capture his first ever O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass feature win. Johnson the 2002 American Late Model Series Points Champion and 2004 Volusia Florida Speedweeks Points Champion was ecstatic afterwards.

"I didn't think we would ever get this race in after the rain," I'm obviously glad now they decided to run it," said Johnson who gave a lot of credit to his crew chief, Jeff Gullett is in his first year driving for the Danny Ray and Diane Preston owned team based in Harrodsburg, KY. "Jeff Gullett is a tremendous crew chief," stated Johnson afterwards. "He knows what to do to the car if I make any suggestions, we've hit it off right from the start this year," "I am very happy to be driving for this team."

Hatton would finish in second place with Wheeler coming home in third. Fourth place finisher Brad Neat would beat Shannon Thornsberry to the line for position. The rest of the top ten were Jay Mobley, Michael Wooldridge, Jesse James Lay, Tyrel Todd and Bobby Carrier Jr.

Hatton was the Racing Optics fast qualifier at 13.290 seconds. Heat races were won by Hatton, Johnson, Bryan Barber and Neat. Todd and Wheeler won the consy events.

Race Summary

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series

Event #3

Ponderosa Speedway

Junction City, KY

Friday Night, April 30, 2004

Racing Optics Fast Time: Aaron Hatton 13.290

First Heat: Aaron Hatton, Shannon Thornsberry, Shawn Negangard, Tyrel Todd

Second Heat: Greg Johnson, Joey Kramer, Mike Jewell, Steve Barnett

Third Heat: Bryan Barber, Tim Taylor, David Freeman, Whitney McQueary

Fourth Heat: Brad Neat, Steve Cornelius, Jesse James Lay, Jay Mobley

First Consy: Tyrel Todd, Doug Smith, Michael Wooldridge, Bobby Carrier Jr., Spenser Watson

Second Consy: Johnny Wheeler, David Webb, Jay Mobley, Jason Hinkle, Billy Barber Jr

Lucas Oil Main: Greg Johnson, Aaron Hatton, Johnny Wheeler, Brad Neat, Shannon Thornsberry, Jay Mobley, Michael Wooldridge, Jesse James Lay, Tyrel Todd, Bobby Carrier Jr., Tim Taylor, Doug Smith, Dennis Selby, Spenser Watson, Joey Kramer, Rick Corbin, Shawn Negangard, Steve Cornelius, David Webb, David Freeman, Wayne Hager, Billy Barber Jr., Jason Hinkle

Race Statistics

Entries: 37

Lap Leaders: Hatton 1-3 Johnson 4-40

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Jay Mobley started 16th finished 6th

O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Provisionals: Rick Corbin and Dennis Selby

Track Provisional: Wayne Hager

-------------------------------------------------------
April 28, 2004
LEXINGTON, KY--Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2004 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series roll into two Kentucky tracks this upcoming weekend. On Friday Night, April 30 the series makes its first appearance of the year at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY. It will be the fifth ever appearance at the track for the BoB boys at the Jerry and Mary Denson promoted track with a complete show in store for the fans and drivers. Last year in four races it turned out to be the Johnny Wheeler show, with the Campbellsville, KY veteran taking three wins out of "The Pond" in BoB competition. The only other driver to win at Ponderosa last year in a BoB sanctioned event was 2003 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN. The night will start with Racing Optics Time Trials, followed by Heat Races, Consy Events and the Lucas Oil Main Event paying $3000 to win. Ponderosa Speedway is located just south of Danville, KY in Junction City, KY. The track is located west of US 127 at Shelby City to Junction City, then 1.1 miles south on State Road 37, then 0.4 mile east, then north. The track phone number is (859) 854-6808.

On Saturday Night, the series ventures east to the 201 Speedway which is located near Paintsville, KY at Sitka, KY. It will be the fourth ever visit to the Mike Vaughn promoted facility with a complete race program on the race card for the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series. In the previous three visits to 201 there have been three different BoB event winners. The 2002 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Champion, Eddie Carrier, Jr. of Salt Rock, WV, last years series champion, Mike Marlar and Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling KY have all graced victory circle at 201. The complete show for the BoB boys will see Racing Optics Time Trials, followed by Heat Races, Consy Events and the Lucas Oil A-Main paying $3000 to win. 201 Speedway is located 5.4 miles north of U.S. 23 on State Road 201 then go east to the track. The track phone number is (606) 265-3201. The website address is www.201speedway.net.

For more information on the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series please visit the website at www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass icon for the latest news.

-------------------------------------------------------
April 26, 2004

Bardstown, KY--Don O'Neal from Martinsville, IN started off his night on the right foot by setting the Bluegrass Speedway track record for qualifications at 15.156 seconds. The track record would propel O’Neal to a successful night of racing as he captured for the second consecutive year the "Spring Sizzler" event on Saturday Night for the O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series. The 39 year old driver earned $3000 for his Lucas Oil A-Main win after leading all 30 laps of the main event.

O'Neal driving his A1 Auto Salvage, Living Room Centers, Blackwell Trucking, Allstar Performance, Fast Graphix, MSD Ignition, Weld Wheels, Sunoco Race Fuels, Schoenfeld Headers, Koni Shocks, Design 500, Ringers Resource, Arizona Sport Shirts, Bert Transmissions, Sweet MFG, Peterson Fluid Systems, Bloomington Powder Coating, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo shod with American Racer Tires to the win over Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN in the Double D Motorsports/R&P Industrial Chimney/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix, finishing third was Timmy Yeager of Harrodsburg, KY driving the Stephen Estes/Mulligan Plumbing/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Fourth was 13th starting Aaron Hatton of Mt. Sterling, KY piloting the Russell Hatton Used Cars and Mobile Home Rentals/MasterSbilt Grand Prix with Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN finishing fifth in the Southern Indiana Rock Drilling/MasterSbilt Grand Prix. A total of 41 cars were on hand for the second O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass event of 2004.

O'Neal won the first heat after starting on the tail and he drew the number two starting position for the main event with John Gill going from the pole. O'Neal quickly jumped to the head of the pack on the first lap of the race with Gill falling into second followed by Timmy Yeager, who was making his first start of the year and Bryan Barber, last year's Bluegrass Speedway Late Model track champion, running in fourth. Yeager would make the first move among the top five drivers on the fourth lap when he went by Gill on the outside. Barber would follow suit a lap later passing Gill for the third slot. By the fifth lap O'Neal had opened up a four to five car length lead over Yeager and Barber and the rest of the field.

A caution on the sixth lap slowed the field with double file restarts behind O'Neal in order. On the restart O'Neal was still on the point with Yeager and Barber going door to door for second with Yeager fighting off Barber's challenges to hang on for second. Another car on the move was that of Greg Johnson, who had started in sixth place. Johnson move past Barber for third place on the 11th lap with Aaron Hatton taking the inside groove moving from his 13th starting spot on the grid up to seventh to race with Joey Kramer and Gill for position. Hatton passed Gill for sixth on the 14th circuit and a lap later overhauled Kramer for fifth after completing another lap the caution flew for Tim Tungate who had come up through the field at a rapid pace, but his night ended on the hook headed back to the pit area after coming to a stop exiting turn four. With the halfway mark given it was O'Neal, Yeager, Johnson, Barber and Hatton running in the top five. When the race resumed Gill would bring out the next caution as he spun in turn three after racing for position with Hatton. Gill would exit the race at that point.

When the race restarted Johnson would take the high line against the retaining wall blasting by Yeager for second place. With O'Neal using mainly the low side of the 1/2 mile high banked oval, Johnson would take to the far outside of the well prepared race track. Johnson would try his very best to track down O'Neal, but O'Neal still maintained a four to five car length advantage between himself and Johnson.

With the race inside of five laps to go Johnson looked like he was going to make a late race bid to challenge O'Neal, but a lapped car or two would help O'Neal as he put even more distance between himself and Johnson in the final laps as he would go on to take the Lucas Oil A-Main and his first win of 2004 with the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass. Despite Johnson's valiant effort he would have to settle for second place with Yeager, who is the two time O’Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Series point’s runner-up finishing in third place. Hatton's good run would garner him fourth place with Mike Jewell grabbing fifth place.

"The car worked real well from the start," said O'Neal afterwards. "We bolted on the American Racers and they fired well from the start, we were able to set a new track record, came back from an almost disaster in the heat and kept our nose clean in the feature and the car handled really good in the feature, I didn't know for the 30 laps how everything would hold up because the track was pretty fast all night, but I'm pleased with everything how it all ended," O'Neal's win was the first for American Racer Tires this year on the BoB circuit with Hoosier Racing Tires taking the first win at Florence with winning driver, Steve Francis.

Completing the top ten was Joey Kramer, Bryan Barber, Tyrel Todd (from 20th), Bobby Carrier Jr and Rick Corbin.

O'Neal was the Racing Optics Fast Qualifier touring the 1/2 mile track in record setting time at 15.156 seconds breaking Joey Kramer's track record of 15.396 seconds set last August. Heat race winners were O'Neal, Yeager, Gill and Barber. Hatton and Jerry Rice won the Consy events.
The next O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass events will be this coming weekend. On Friday April 30^th, the series makes its first appearance of 2004 at the Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, KY and on Saturday Night, May 1 at the 201 Speedway in Sitka (Paintsville), KY. Both races will pay $3000 to win.

Lucas Oil A-Main Event: Don O'Neal, Greg Johnson, Timmy Yeager, Aaron Hatton, Mike Jewell, Joey Kramer, Bryan Barber, Tyrel Todd, Bobby Carrier Jr., Rick Corbin, Joey Daniel, Brad Neat, James Huff, Jerry Rice, Johnny Wheeler, Jesse James Lay, Michael Chilton, Victor Lee, Steve Cornelius, Tait Davenport, John Gill, Jeremy Williams, Tim Tungate

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Tyrel Todd started 20th finished 8th

Provisional Starters: O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass: Victor Lee and Steve Cornelius

LEXINGTON, KY--After a weekend off the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts swings back into action with visits this coming weekend to two tracks that have been prominent on the schedule the first two years the series has ran.

On Friday Night, April 23 the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY will host a special Friday show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series. It will be the seventh visit to the Madison County dirt oval since 2002 as the O’Reilly BoB boys head into town for a $3000 to win main event. In the previous six visits to the "Action Track" there have been four different winners with Mike Hawley of Paint Lick, KY and defending O’Reilly BoB champion, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN winning twice. Jesse James Lay of Walton, KY and Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN have been the other drivers who have graced victory lane at Richmond Raceway in O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass competition. The last visit to Richmond Raceway occurred last September and may have been one of the best finishes in the two year history of the series when Mike Jewell passed race leader, Mike Marlar at the flagstand for the win. Pit gates will open at 3 pm with spectator gates opening at 5 pm. Mandatory drivers meeting is scheduled for 6:15 pm, with time trials slated to begin at 7 pm. Grandstand admission will be $15, Pit admission $30. For more information you can visit the Richmond Raceways new website address at www.richmondraceways.net or call the track office at (859) 623-9408. Richmond Raceway is located off Hwy 52 on Greens Crossing Road.

On Saturday Night, April 24 it will mark the eighth time the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series has visited the home of the "Dirt Track World Championship" the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY this time for the 7th Annual "Spring Sizzler". In the previous seven visits dating back to 2002 there have been five different drivers take O’Reilly BoB wins at Bardstown with only Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN and Darrell Lanigan of Union, KY winning more than one main event. Others who have won in O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass held events at Bardstown include Rick Corbin of Independence, KY, 2002 O’Reilly BoB Champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Salt Rock, WV and Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN. The 7th Annual "Spring Sizzler" featuring the O’Reilly BoB drivers will pay $3000 to win. In a special announcement the track will start one hour earlier than normal this Saturday Night, April 24. Pit Gates will open at 3 pm with spectator gates opening at 4 pm. There will be a drivers meeting at 5 pm followed by hot laps at 5:30 pm. Time trials are slated to begin at 6 pm with racing following at 7 pm. For more information on Bluegrass Speedway please visit their website at www.bluegrass-speedway.com or call the track office at (502) 349-1241. Bluegrass Speedway is located at Exit 21 at Martha Layne Collins (Bluegrass Parkway) just outside of Bardstown, KY.

Both nights of racing will see a complete show for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series with Racing Optics Time Trials, Heat Races, Consy events and A-main events each paying $3000 to win. For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series please log on to www.naradirtcar.com and click on the Battle of the Bluegrass Late Model icon or call the office at (859) 271-4501.
-------------------------------------------------------
April 18, 2004

Saturday Night, April 17, 2004

BROWNSTOWN, IN--Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN won the biggest race of his career on Saturday Night as he captured the NARA Sanctioned, Bob Poynter Ford sponsored 21st Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic at the Brownstown Speedway. The 45 year old driver took home $7000 out of the over $30,000 late model payoff as he led all 50 laps driving the Don Powell crew chiefed, Southern Indiana Rock Drilling, Morgan Foods, MPC Motorsports, LaFountain's Auto Body, Stephens Oil Company, Shelton Angus Farms, Re/Max Hometown Professionals, Scott County Tire, Cornett Race Engines, MasterSbilt Grand Prix went victory lane in front of a packed grandstand. Finishing right behind Jewell was John Gill of Mitchell, IN in the Brett and Cheryl Davis/Grandpa Val's Beef Jerky/Rayburn with Dennis Erb Jr of Carpentersville, IL in the Petroff Towing/Rayburn taking third. Fourth place went to Greg Johnson of Bedford, IN in the Double D Motorsports/R&P Industrial Chimney/Rayburn and Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL rounded out the top five in the Car City/Jay Dickens Engines/Rayburn. A total of 42 cars were on hand for the very first NARA race at Brownstown.

Dennis Erb Jr started on the pole for the Hoosier Dirt Classic with Mike Jewell starting alongside. Jewell got the outside front row starting spot after original outside polesitter Steven Godsey who won the third heat race and drew the number two starting spot had to go to a backup car after dropping a valve while winning the heat. With Erb and Jewell ready to go, official starter Noel Hargis waved the green flag to start the 50 lap event. Jewell would quickly muscle his way to the point past Erb with R.J. Conley, Shannon Babb and John Gill trailing. Jewell moved out to a seven car length advantage over Erb after just seven laps of racing. By the 10th circuit Jewell had stretch his lead farther as he was trying to make this race a runaway for him. By lap 13 Jewell had started to enter traffic with the back of the field looming just ahead of him. That would allow Erb to close down the gap between himself and Jewell. Conley, Gill and Babb were also reeling in the two frontrunners as they were now all on the same straightaway. Jewell went from a 10 car length lead down to just four in a matter of a couple of laps as Jewell was having some difficulty negotiating traffic. The only caution of the race came out on the 24th lap for Zach Carney in turn four. With the double file restarts utilized in NARA competition Jewell would be on the point by himself with Erb and Gill restarting side by side with 26 laps remaining.

When the race resumed Gill would use the restart to his advantage passing Erb for second place. Gill's job now was to not let Jewell get away from the field has been the case the entire race. The frontrunners would again start to approach traffic with ten circuits to go. At this point Gill was right on Jewell's heels as the two former Brownstown Speedway track champions would decide the outcome on who was able to handle the lapped traffic better. With less than ten to go the top eight drivers in the field were all on the same straightaway. With five laps remaining it was Jewell leading with Gill, Erb, Babb and Johnson in the top five. Babb would slip slightly out of the groove allowing Johnson to get by with four to go. Up front Jewell had successfully completed a pass on a lapped car and he would start to open some distance between himself and Gill and that would hold up all the way to the checkered flag to take the biggest win of racing career. Gill would finish in second as Jewell thwarted Gill's attempt to win this race in back to back years. Erb came home third followed by Johnson and Babb.

"First off, I want to thank the good Lord for a safe race," exclaimed the happy winner afterwards. "I want to thank the great fans for coming out tonight and thanks to my crew and all my sponsors for their help," said Jewell. "I knew I had to keep the car a little tighter in the slick part of the track, the lapped cars bothered us a little there for a while and I figured the guys behind us were catching us," said the winner. "I want to especially thank Keith and Tader Masters for all of their help, they've been real good to me and I appreciate their efforts," Gill who finished second was pleased with his car as well considering the entire front clip of the car had to be replaced after a brake caliper broke at Florence the weekend before sending him with hard contact into the wall. "Yes we are pleased with the effort," said Gill. "I thought maybe I could get by him in traffic and but I was just afraid those other drivers might get by me as well," commented Gill. "I want to thank my crew, because they thrashed all week on this thing to make it right and it was."

Completing the top ten were Freddy Smith, R.J. Conley, Earl Plessinger, Pete Parker and Mark Barber. In preliminary events Babb was the fastest qualifier at 15.772 seconds. Heat race winners were Babb, Erb, Steven Godsey and Jewell. Mark Barber and Kevin Weaver won the Consy events.

Race Summary

NARA DirtCar Series

Event #2

Brownstown Speedway

Brownstown, Indiana

Saturday Night, April 17, 2004

Fast Qualifier: Shannon Babb 15.772

First Heat: Shannon Babb, Freddy Smith, Greg Johnson, Mark Barber

Second Heat: Dennis Erb Jr., R.J. Conley, Eric Smith, Matt Bex

Third Heat: Steven Godsey, Pete Parker, Earl Plessinger, Kevin Weaver

Fourth Heat: Mike Jewell, John Gill, Dan Sturgeon, James Huff

First Consy: Mark Barber, Brad Neat, Steve Barnett, Jeff Wilson

Second Consy: Kevin Weaver, James Huff, Jesse James Lay, Mike Marlar

Hoosier Dirt Classic Main Event: Mike Jewell, John Gill, Dennis Erb Jr., Greg Johnson, Shannon Babb, Freddy Smith, R.J. Conley, Earl Plessinger, Pete Parker, Mark Barber, Brad Barrow, Eric Smith, Kevin Weaver, Mike Marlar, Steve Barnett, Dan Sturgeon, Jesse James Lay, Brad Neat, James Huff, Jim Curry, Zach Carney, Justin Blackwell, Steven Godsey, Jeff Wilson

Race Statistics:

Entries: 42

Cautions: 1

Red Flags: 0

Lap Leaders: Jewell 1-50

Hard Charger of the Race: Brad Barrow started 22nd finished 11th

Provisionals: NARA: Zach Carney and Jim Curry

Track: Brad Barrow and Justin Blackwell

Time Trials:

Car #	Name	1st Lap	2nd Lap	Best
18	Babb	16.070	15.695	15.695
28	Erb	16.004	15.772	15.772
B12	Weaver	15.791	15.788	15.788
26	Sturgeon	15.843	15.792	15.792
19	Johnson	15.934	15.906	15.906
41	Neat	15.906	15.952	15.906
10	Parker	15.954	16.380	15.954
9	Jewell	16.058	15.966	15.966
81	Barber	16.140	15.985	15.985
9	Smith	16.061	16.143	16.061
49	Plessinger	16.062	16.131	16.062
1	Gill	16.119	16.205	16.119
OO	Smith	16.164	16.380	16.164
69	Eaglin	16.807	16.216	16.216
B1	Godsey	16.269	16.234	16.234
5W	Wilhite	16.619	16.268	16.268
7	Curry	16.277	16.453	16.277
99	Blackwell	16.384	16.292	16.292
16	Sturgeon	16.351	16.525	16.351
6S	Anderson	16.471	16.367	16.367
57	Barrow	16.753	16.376	16.376
80	Bex	16.656	16.379	16.379
33	Lay	16.424	16.399	16.399
5	Huff	16.412	16.449	16.412
89	Barnett	16.654	16.443	16.443
27J	Wilson	16.649	16.465	16.465
33	Hatton	16.562	16.712	16.562
P1	Prince	16.851	16.598	16.598
G4	Godsey	16.613	16.703	16.613
71C	Conley	16.682	16.760	16.682
157	Marlar	16.737	16.691	16.691
O	Hedrick	16.700	16.942	16.700
1M	Mataragas	16.705	16.950	16.705
11	Phillips	16.845	16.712	16.712
21	Riggle	16.712	16.813	16.712
91	Laney	16.907	17.618	16.907
39	Vaughn	16.959	17.136	16.959
K15	Edwards	17.136	17.048	17.048
B69	Barnhart	17.790	17.175	17.175
56	Carney	17.185	17.357	17.185
25	Brown	17.759	17.644	17.644
17R	Ross	99.999	99.999	99.999

Current Points – April 18, 2004 (Top 15)

1	RJ Conley	385
2	Freddy Smith	365
3	John Gill	355
4	Greg Johnson	335
5	Mike Marlar	315
6	Kevin Weaver	310
7	Shannon Babb	305
8	Steve Barnett	270
9	Scott Bloomquist	250
	Jesse Lay	250
	Mike Jewell	250
12	Earl Pearson, Jr	230
	Brad Neat	230
	Dennis Erb	230
15	Zach Carney	225

LEXINGTON, KY-- Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana will host the 21st Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic featuring the North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series this Saturday Night, April 17 with a purse of over $30,000 on the line. There will be a complete show for the NARA DirtCars with Time Trials, Heat Races, Consy Events and the $7000 to win Hoosier Dirt Classic main event. Also on the race program at Brownstown will be the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds.

The Hoosier Dirt Classic is a Midwest racing tradition that began in 1984 with the first ever STARS Late Model Series visit to the state of Indiana and the Midwest will begin a new tradition as the historic Brownstown (IN) Speedway will host its first ever North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series event on Saturday Night, April 17, 2004 as the 21st Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic will play host to dirt racings' newest entry into the world of late model racing. The event will feature NARA standard double file restarts in the A-main, another first for 52 year old Jackson County speedplant. The first ever Hoosier Dirt Classic held in 1984 at the Jackson County (IN) Fairgrounds quarter-mile dirt oval saw Hall of Famer Jeff Purvis score the win in the first ever sanctioned STARS race at Brownstown.

Turn the calendar forward 20 years with the sanctioning of NARA as the track hosts the states' first ever sanctioned NARA event. The tradition rich race has seen eight National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame inductees end up in victory lane. In recent years the race has been won by former Brownstown Speedway track champions Don O'Neal and John Gill as Gill snapped O'Neal's four-race win streak in the annual event. Overall O'Neal has five wins in the Hoosier Dirt Classic followed by Gill's four triumphs joining Hall of Famer Billy Moyer with two wins as the only drivers to win this race more than once. The list of former winners is impressive with Hall of Famers, Purvis, Larry Moore, Jack Boggs, Larry Phillips, Bob Pierce, Scott Bloomquist and C.J. Rayburn joining Moyer as the Hall of Famers who have won the Hoosier Dirt Classic. Other drivers who have won the Hoosier Dirt Classic include Davey Johnson and Shannon Babb.

The NARA DirtCar Series is sponsored by: Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sport Shirts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Crown Spray Power, American Race Tires, Citgo, Dart Machinery, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM Racing Products, Real Racing Wheels, Renegade Racing Fuels, Weld Racing and Wayne Bowen Racing Supply.

Gates will open at 2 pm with hot laps at 5:30 pm followed by time trials for the NARA DirtCars at 6 pm. Brownstown Speedway is located on State Road 250, a half mile southeast of Brownstown, Indiana. The track phone is (812) 358-5332. For more information please visit www.brownstownspeedway.com and www.naradirtcar.com

24. 500.00
-------------------------------------------------------
Florence Speedway
Union, KY

UNION, KY--Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN will go down in the history books of dirt late model racing as the very first winner of a North American Racing Association (NARA) Late Model event on Saturday Night, April 10 at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY. Bloomquist piloted his own Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Mustang powered by a Custom Race Engine and sponsored by Miller Brothers Coal/Allstar Performance/Hawkeye Trucking and Sweet Manufacturing to the victory in the Annual "Spring 50" event which marked the debut of America's newest dirt late model sanctioning body, NARA. Bloomquist earned $10,000 out of a more than $40,000 purse that was up for grabs. Bloomquist passed race leader Earl Pearson Jr. on the 33rd lap and went on for the win. Pearson was second followed by Steve Francis, Don O'Neal and Rick Eckert. A total of 67 cars were on hand for the race which was taped for a later broadcast on ESPN2.

The 24 car starting field took the green with Pearson taking the point from the start with Bloomquist falling into second place followed by John Gill and Francis. Pearson would put the hammer down and start to immediately pull away from Bloomquist in the early going as both Pearson and Bloomquist started running the top groove around the half mile high banked oval. Both drivers started to distance themselves from what was turning out to be quite a battle for third amongst Gill, Francis, Mike Balzano and O'Neal. Pearson starting lapping cars by the 11th circuit with Bloomquist looking for ways to track him down as he would close the lead taking seconds off of Pearson's advantage. Heavy traffic started to influence the race by the 15th lap at this point Bloomquist had closed right behind Pearson as Pearson was having a slight problem getting passed some of the cars he was trying to lap. The only caution flag of the event came out for debris on the backstretch on lap 22. With Pearson out in the lead, a double file restart would see the cars of Bloomquist and Gill start the process lining up right behind Pearson as all lapped cars were sent back around to the tail. The restart would see Pearson maintain the point with Bloomquist staring him down at every turn, Bloomquist would then really put the heat on Pearson as the duo entered traffic again and when Pearson made contact with a car he was trying to lap, it really got interesting as Bloomquist would take advantage of Pearson almost losing control of his car as he would go to the outside of Pearson against the outside retaining wall and pass him for the lead of the race. Now it was Pearson's turn to try and chase down Bloomquist. On the 40th lap third place running, John Gill broke something going down the backstretch and ended up hammering the wall in turn four. Gill would slide to the infield and over the burm protecting the inside of the track as he was done for the night. There was no caution as Gill was out of harms way. Gill exited his car and was checked by infield personnel and was o.k. While this was happening to Gill the race was still going on with Bloomquist pulling away from Pearson over the last 10 laps of the race as he would go on to take the victory. Pearson finished second in the Carlton Lamm/Lucas Oil Products/Rocket Ford Taurus followed by Steve Francis in the MOPAR Performance Parts/Rocket Dodge Intrepid R/T. Finishing in fourth was Don O'Neal in the A1 Auto Salvage/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo and rounding out the top five was Rick Eckert in the Raye Vest Excavating/Rocket Ford Taurus.

Completing the top ten was Mike Balzano, Shane Clanton, R.J. Conley, Brian Birkhofer and Davey Johnson.

Brian Birkhofer set quick time at 17.504 seconds. Heat races were won by Mike Balzano, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson Jr., R.J. Conley, John Gill and Steve Francis. Matt Miller and Kevin Weaver won the last chance races.

The next NARA event will be this Saturday Night, April 17 at the Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana for the 21st Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic race paying $7000 to win. For more information go to www.brownstownspeedway.com and www.naradirtcar.com

NARA Main Event: Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson Jr., Steve Francis, Don O'Neal, Rick Eckert, Mike Balzano, Shane Clanton, R.J. Conley, Brian Birkhofer, Davey Johnson, Darrell Lanigan, Donnie Moran, Freddy Smith, John Blankenship, Steve Landrum, Greg Johnson, Mike Marlar, Rick Corbin, Kevin Weaver, Rod Conley, Darren Miller, Delmas Conley, John Gill, Matt Miller

PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Davey Johnson started 22nd and finished 10th

Provisional Starters: NARA-Mike Marlar Track-Delmas Conley
-------------------------------------------------------
Florence Speedway

UNION, KY--Steve Francis of Ashland, KY won his first career O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Event presented by Arizona Sport Shirts on Friday Night, April 9 at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY as the series kicked off its third season of racing. It was Francis' first ever start in a BoB Series event as the 36 year old would take the opening night win as the track presented the "Landen Joseph Spence Memorial" The event was named in honor of Landen Joseph Spence who passed away from a form of pediatric cancer last February just shy of his second birthday. The event was scheduled to pay $3000 to win, but Joe Lay and Sons Plumbing and Winnelson Company donated $2000 to the purse with $1000 of that going to the feature winner and the other $1000 donated to the Landen Joseph Spence Memorial Fund. Francis drove his MOPAR Performance Parts, The Valvoline Company, Freeport Recycling Center Inc, Moring Disposal Inc, Action Auto Mart and Gary Stanton Racing Engines, Rocket Chassis Dodge Intrepid R/T to the win over Earl Pearson, Jr., Don O'Neal, Brian Birkhofer and Greg Johnson. The event drew 81 cars to the 1/2 mile high banked oval which set a new O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series record.

Francis grabbed the point at the start of the 30 lap main with Greg Johnson moving into second place followed by Earl Pearson Jr and Brian Birkhofer. Pearson would make the first move for position in the top four running order passing Johnson for second on the sixth circuit. A lap later the first of only two cautions during the race flew for a car spun on the backstretch. The double file restart would see Francis out front by himself followed double file by Pearson and Johnson. Johnson would get by Pearson briefly to jump back into second place, but Pearson would fight back and regain the spot before the next lap was officially scored. There was a long stretch of green flag racing as Francis would eventually get into some traffic just past the halfway mark of the race. At this point however, Francis had built as much as a seven to eight car length advantage over Pearson. At the halfway point it was Francis leading with Pearson, Johnson, Birkhofer and Don O'Neal in the top five. One of the big movers of the race at this point was Billy Moyer who started 19th and was up 8th place heading to the front.

By the 18th lap traffic started to play a role for the race leaders as Francis was having to back off enough to negotiate lapped cars and that would allow Pearson to cut an eight car length lead in half to four lengths. It narrowed even more by the 20th lap as Pearson was within two lengths of Francis as the crowd started to get excited again as there was a battle for the lead developing once again. Just as Pearson was taking a peek at which line to take to get by Francis the yellow flag came out on the 22nd lap for the stalled car of Scott James. That would set up an eight lap shootout with Francis on the point and double file drivers on the lead lap behind him. Pearson and Johnson just like the first restart were directly behind Francis. When the race went green again Francis got it going and started to pull away immediately as O'Neal was starting to make noise going to third place and challenging Pearson for second. Francis would get away from both of them and sprint on the finish line to record his first ever O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Main Event. Francis has two other big wins at Florence including the 1997 and 2002 Ralph Latham Memorial Race. Francis' resume also includes winning the World 100 in and the Dirt Track World Championship both in 1999 to go along with three career STARS series titles.

Pearson Jr would beat O'Neal to the line for second as Pearson drove the Carlton Kamm owned/Lucas Oil Products/Rocket Ford Taurus. O'Neal was third in the A1 Auto Salvage/C.J. Rayburn Monte Carlo. Fourth place went to Brian Birkhofer in the Daufeldt Transport/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo with Greg Johnson rounding out the top five in the Double D Motorsports/R&P Industrial Chimney/C.J. Rayburn Grand Prix.

Completing the top ten were Rick Eckert, Billy Moyer, Duke Whiseant, Davey Johnson and Darrell Lanigan.

Bart Hartman had the Racing Optics Fast Time of 16.321 seconds. Heat races were won by Birkhofer, Francis, Greg Johnson, Eckert, Pearson Jr and Johnny Wheeler. The B-Mains went to Moyer, Audie McWilliams and Josh Williams.

The next O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series events will be Friday Night, April 23 at the Richmond (KY) Raceway and Saturday Night, April 24 at the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY. Both events will pay $3000 to win. For more information please visit www.naradirtcar.com

O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass Main Event: Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., Don O'Neal, Brian Birkhofer, Greg Johnson, Rick Eckert, Billy Moyer, Duke Whiseant, Davey Johnson, Darrell Lanigan, Audie McWilliams, Matt Miller, Joey Kramer, Bart Hartman, Rod Conley, Johnny Wheeler, Brad Neat, Donnie Moran, Mike Jewell, Josh Williams, Aaron Hatton, Scott James, Mike Marlar, John Blankenship

LEXINGTON, KY--The Ramada Inn of Florence, KY has been chosen as the "NARA host hotel” for the Landen Joseph Spence Memorial Weekend presented by Florence Winnelson and Delta Faucets at Florence Speedway April 9^th and 10^th. A special rate of $45.00 for NARA Series fans has been arranged for lodging needs. The special rate is for up to four persons per room.

The Ramada Inn of Florence is located at 7915 U.S. Route 42. To receive this special lodging rate of $45.00 phone (859) 371-4700 and ask for the "NARA/Florence Speedway" rate.

Florence Speedway will be hosting the kickoff to the 2004 racing season for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series on Friday Night, April 9 paying $3000 to win and the ESPN2 tape delayed broadcast of the annual "Spring 50" paying $10,000 to win will be run on Saturday Night, April 10. For more information please visit www.naradirtcar.com and www.florencespeedway.com.

Brownstown, IN--A Midwest racing tradition that began in 1984 with the first ever STARS Late Model Series visit to the state of Indiana and the Midwest will begin a new tradition as the historic Brownstown (IN) Speedway will host its first ever North American Racing Association (NARA) DirtCar Series event on Saturday Night, April 17, 2004 as the 21st Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic will play host to dirt racings' newest entry into the world of late model racing. The event has a posted payoff of $7000 to win and will feature NARA standard double file restarts in A-main, another first for 52 year old Jackson County speedplant. The first ever Hoosier Dirt Classic held in 1984 at the Jackson County (IN) Fairgrounds quarter-mile dirt oval saw Hall of Famer Jeff Purvis score the win in the first ever sanctioned STARS race at Brownstown.

NARA founded in late 2003 hopes to expand the tradition of the Hoosier Dirt Classic with the series' first visit to Brownstown in April. "Brownstown Speedway has been a popular race track for a number of years and we hope to bring some more exciting racing to those drivers and fans with our first visit on April 17," said NARA series director, Spencer Wilson.

For more information on dirt racings' newest touring series please log onto www.naradirtcar.com or to check information on Brownstown Speedway you can go to www.brownstownspeedway.com.

"Dirt track racing should be a natural for our products," Woolums stated. "We are looking forward to an exciting and competitive 2004 race season with the NARA DirtCars Series, O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series." Spray Power which is distributed by Crown Marketing, is headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky and is available at selected major retail locations. More information can be found at www.spraypower.com.

For more information on Florence Speedway please visit their website at www.florencespeedway.com or call the information hotline at (859) 493-0034. The track phone number on race day is (859) 485-7591. Florence Speedway is located nine miles west on U.S. Route 42. Take Kentucky exit 180 off of I-75 to the track which is located on the left side of the highway. For information regarding the NARA DirtCar Series or O’Reilly’s NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series, visit the series website at www.naradirtcar.com.

Racing Optics also is involved with the NASCAR Nextel Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and the NASCAR Sears Craftsman Truck Series are the same company that produces the tearaway windshield/Stack 4 laminated tearoffs that the crews pull off on pitstops during these NASCAR events. For more information on Racing Optics visit their website at www.racingoptics.com.

Lexington, KY – The King Family’s Florence Speedway in Union KY will be the place to be April 9^th and 10^th as both the O’Reilly’s NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series and the NARA DirtCar Series kick off their 2004 season at the famed Northern Kentucky speedplant.

Florence Speedway, along with Florence Winnelson and Delta Faucet Co., have come together to dedicate the weekend events to helping the fight against cancer in children. The weekend will be known as the Landen Joseph Spence Memorial Weekend presented by Florence Winnelson and Delta Faucets. For those who are unfamiliar with him, Landen Spence is the son of Allen Spence of Florence Winnelson, a long time supporter of local racing and Florence Speedway. Landen was just 23 months old when he lost his battle with cancer in November. Since then, his family has dedicated themselves to helping prevent others from having to go through what they have. As part of the weekend, numerous fundraising activities will be held, and proceeds will go to the foundation.

Florence Speedway will play host on Friday Night, April 9 to the 2004 season debut of the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series. The $3000 to win main event will be preceded by a full program for the BoB Late Models with time trials, heat races and consy events. BoB rules and format will be in effect for the Friday night event. In the two previous visits to the track in 2003 the series saw two Hoosier State drivers take home the money with Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN winning the "Ralph Latham Memorial Race" and Scottsburg, IN's Mike Jewell taking the season finale in October by winning the "Fall 50".

On Saturday Night, April 10 the cameras of ESPN2 will be at the Florence Speedway as the North American Racing Association (NARA) makes its debut at Florence Speedway for the annual "Spring 50". There will be a complete race program for the NARA Late Models with time trials, heat races, consy events and the 50 lap feature which will pay $10,000 to win. The event will be taped for telecast on ESPN2 at a date to be announced.

Both nights at Florence Speedway, the Late Models will feature NARA procedure that include double file restarts in the A-main event.

For more information on Florence Speedway please visit their website at www.florencespeedway.com or call the information hotline at (859) 493-0034. The track phone number on race day is (859) 485-7591. Florence Speedway is located nine miles west on U.S. Route 42. Take Kentucky exit 18 off of I-75 to the track which is located on the left side of the highway. For information regarding the NARA DirtCar Series or O’Reilly’s NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series, visit the series website at www.naradirtcar.com.

O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Tire Rule in effect April 9^th

The following tires are the only tires legal on the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Seri

LEXINGTON, KY--Dart Machinery based out of Troy, Michigan has joined the 2004 NARA DirtCar Series, O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar and NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series as a major contingency sponsor for the upcoming 2004 Season.

"We are pleased to be associated with the NARA DirtCar Series, O'Reilly's NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car and NARA Open Wheel Modified Series," said Ted "Bud" Keating, General Manager of Dart Machinery. "We are wanting to get more involved in dirt track racing and thought this would be a great opportunity for us and the series to work together to promote our product lines," said Keating. Series Director, Spencer Wilson is also pleased with Dart Machinery coming on board with the sanction body in 2004. "With us adding the NARA Open Wheel Modifeds and the NARA DirtCar Series in 2004, we feel with Dart's involvement we can grow the NARA sanction even more and offer Dart many unique ways to promote their company and products."

Dart Machinery's product lines include aluminum and cast iron engine blocks that are designed to meet the specialized needs of racers and performance enthusiasts. Dart components are developed in house, manufactured on Dart's own CNC machining centers, and tested on Dart's computer-controlled engine dyno. One of the market leaders in championship engine components, Dart Machinery also specializes in cylinder heads and intake manifolds.

Started in 1981 by founder, Richard Maskin the company joins the NARA DirtCar Series, O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar and NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series as a contingency sponsor this year with the following incentives:

For the NARA DirtCar Series and O'Reilly's NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series - First place in the A-Main at each event will receive $200 if the winning engine is equipped with Dart Cylinder Heads and a Dart Engine Block. There will be $100 to the winner of the A-Main if the engine has either a Dart Cylinder Heads or a Dart Engine Block.

For the newly formed NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series - First place in the A-Main at each event will receive $100 if the winning engine is equipped with Dart Cylinder Heads and a Dart Steel Engine Block. There will be $100 to the winner of the A-Main if the engine has either a Dart Cylinder Heads or a Dart Steel Engine Block.

The 2004 O'Reilly Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series begins its third year of sanctioning dirt late model racing in Kentucky and Tennessee on Good Friday, April 9 at the Florence Speedway in Union, KY. The event will pay $3000 to win. The NARA DirtCar Series will kick off its inaugural season the following night at Florence with a $10,000 to win event the following night April 10^th. The NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modifeds makes their first laps around the track on May 14^th at Clinton County Speedway. Schedule and additional information on each series can be found at www.naradirtcar.com.

For more information on Dart Machinery please visit their website at http://www.dartheads.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
02/29/04

LEXINGTON, KY--The 2004 racing season will see the debut of the region's newest open wheel modified touring series as the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series will be sanctioning modified races in Kentucky and Tennessee this season. The initial 11 races of the schedule have been announced with the anticipation of more dates to be added in the near future. These special modified events will carry a purse of $1500 to win and $125 to start each event. NARA Series Director, Spencer Wilson and NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Race Director, Tim Sharp has also announced that the 2004 points champion for the series will receive $3,000. The top ten in the final points this year will receive cash prizes.

The series will utilize double file restarts in all of its events in 2004. The series will also allow an optional steel tube quick change rear end and an 8" spoiler on the back of the car. For a complete set of rules and to get your membership application please log on to the series website at www.naradirtcar.com and go to the Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series icon or you can call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

2004 NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Schedule

May 14 Clinton County Speedway-Alpha, KY
May 15 Soggy Bottom Speedway-Morgantown, KY
May 28 McCoy Motors Speedway-Glasgow, KY
May 29 Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY
June 5 201 Speedway-Sitka, KY
June 19 Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY
July 24 Soggy Bottom Speedway-Morgantown, KY
July 31 McCoy Motors Speedway-Glasgow, KY
Aug 13 Clinton County Speedway-Alpha, KY
Aug 14 Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY
Aug 29 TBA
Sept 3 Ponderosa Speedway-Junction City, KY

Feature Payoff Each Race:
1. $1500.00
2. 700.00
3. 500.00
4. 400.00
5. 350.00
6. 300.00
7. 275.00
8. 250.00
9. 225.00
10. 200.00
11. 180.00
12. 160.00
13. 150.00
14. 140.00
15. 130.00
16. 125.00
17. 125.00
18. 125.00
19. 125.00
20. 125.00
21. 125.00
22. 125.00

------------------------------------------------------
02/29/04
LEXINGTON, KY--The 2004 racing season will see the debut of the region's newest open wheel modified touring series as the NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series will be sanctioning modified races in Kentucky and Tennessee this season. The initial 12 races of the schedule have been announced with the anticipation of more dates to be added in the near future. These special modified events will carry a purse of $1500 to win and $125 to start each event. NARA Series Director, Spencer Wilson and NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Race Director, Tim Sharp has also announced that the 2004 points champion for the series will receive $3,000. The top ten in the final points this year will receive cash prizes.

The series will utilize double file restarts in all of its events in 2004. The series will also allow an optional steel tube quick change rear end and an 8" spoiler on the back of the car. For a complete set of rules and to get your membership application please log on to the series website at www.naradirtcar.com and go to the Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series icon or you can call the series office at (859) 271-4501.

2004 NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Modified Series Schedule

May 14 Clinton County Speedway-Alpha, KY
May 15 Soggy Bottom Speedway-Morgantown, KY
May 22 Scenic Raceway-Oneida, TN
May 28 McCoy Motors Speedway-Glasgow, KY
May 29 Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY
June 5 201 Speedway-Sitka, KY
June 19 Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY
July 24 Soggy Bottom Speedway-Morgantown, KY
July 31 McCoy Motors Speedway-Glasgow, KY
Aug 13 Clinton County Speedway-Alpha, KY
Aug 14 Richmond Raceway-Richmond, KY
Sept 3 Ponderosa Speedway-Junction City, KY

Feature Payoff Each Race:
1. $1500.00
2. 700.00
3. 500.00
4. 400.00
5. 350.00
6. 300.00
7. 275.00
8. 250.00
9. 225.00
10. 200.00
11. 180.00
12. 160.00
13. 150.00
14. 140.00
15. 130.00
16. 125.00
17. 125.00
18. 125.00
19. 125.00
20. 125.00
21. 125.00
22. 125.00
------------------------------------------------------

1	Robbie Blair	2781
2	Keith Barbara	2628
3	Rod Conley	2603
4	Chuck Harper	2586
5	Denny Chamberlain	2462
6	Ty Myers	2361
7	Mike Christopher	2251
8	Paul Wilmoth	1911
9	Scott Cross	1556
10	David Scott	1238

	Name	Total
1	Aaron Hatton	2345
2	Tyrel Todd	2250
3	Johnny Wheeler	2165
4	Greg Johnson	1935
5	Brad Neat	1815
6	Doug Smith	1795
7	Victor Lee	1790
8	Steve Cornelius	1710
9	Mike Jewell	1690
10	Spensor Watson	1670

1	Shannon Babb	1035
2	RJ Conley	945
3	Greg Johnson	905
4	John Gill	875
5	Mike Marlar	870
6	Freddy Smith	860
7	Brad Neat	725
8	Don O'Neal	650
9	Scott James	635
10	Steve Barnett	585

	Name	Total
1	Kelly Warren	1095
2	Leonard Pierce	1055
3	Jimmy Payne	905
4	Russell Childress	895
5	Brandon Green	880
6	Ricky Arms	795
7	Keith Denny	780
8	Jerry Rutherford	735
9	Chris Riehle	720
10	Anthony Reams	720
11	Rick Gumm	680
12	Hank Bradley	665
13	David McWilliams	610
14	Donnie Adams	555
15	Robbie Gullion	545

April 9	Florence Speedway	Union, KY	$3000
April 23	Richmond Raceway	Richmond, KY	$3000
April 24	Bluegrass Speedway 7^th Annual Spring Sizzler	Bardstown, KY	$3000
April 30	Ponderosa Speedway	Junction City, KY	$3000
May 1	201 Speedway	Sitka, KY	$3000
May 14	Paducah International Speedway	Paducah, KY	$3000
May 15	Soggy Bottom Speedway	Morgantown, KY	$3000
May 21	Crossville’s Raceway USA 2^nd Annual Border Wars ‘04	Crossville, TN	$3000
May 22	TBA
May 29	TBA/Raindate
June 4	Ponderosa Speedway 9^th Annual Pete Abell Memorial	Junction City, KY	$3000
June 5	Florence Speedway 18^th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial	Union, KY	$5000
June 11	Clinton County Speedway	Alpha, KY	$3000
June 12	Bluegrass Speedway 3^rd Annual June Jam	Bardstown, KY	$3000
July 3	201 Speedway	Sitka, KY	$3000
July 4	TBA
July 9	Open
July 10	Bluegrass Speedway 5^th Annual Kentuckiana Klash	Bardstown, KY	$3000
July 16	Clinton Co Speedway	Alpha, KY	$3000
July 17	Richmond Raceway Butterball Wooldridge Memorial	Richmond, KY	$5000
July 23	Open
July 24	Soggy Bottom Speedway	Morgantown, KY	$3000
July 30	Crossville’s Raceway USA	Crossville, TN	$3000
July 31	Tazewell Speedway	Tazewell, TN	$5000
Aug 6	Ponderosa Speedway 5^th Annual June Bug Memorial	Junction City, KY	$3000
Sept 3	Clinton County Speedway	Alpha, KY	$3000
Sept 4	Richmond Raceway	Richmond, KY	$3000
Sept 25	Bluegrass Speedway 5^th Annual Bluegrass 50	Bardstown, KY	$5000
Oct 2	TBA/Raindate