HICKORY SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES EXPANDED “FALL BRAWL” LINE-UP!

Newton, NC…On Saturday, October 18th, Hickory Motor Speedway is proud to host one of the biggest racing events of the year…”THE FALL BRAWL!” And this year it’s even bigger and better, offering over 700 (!) laps of racing in four different post-season special events, all on one day!

Starting at 3pm in the afternoon, the Allison Legacy Series will host their annual “GREG WARD MEMORIAL 200”, always the Grand Finale to their season.

Next comes the “MINI-STOCKS 150”, a Mini-Stocks extravaganza that typically draws racers from Virginia, Tennessee, and both Carolinas for a race that is easily three times the laps of their usual events.

MTP Tires presents the inaugural running of the “PHIL MURRAY MEMORIAL 100” for Super Trucks, a race dedicated to the memory of the late, great engine-builder Phil Murray. Phil, affectionately known as “Big Daddy”, was previous recipient of the NASCAR GOLD WRENCH AWARD, given to the Mechanic of the Year, and is a legend throughout the world of motorsports.

The main event follows with the running of “THE FALL BRAWL Presented by Galaxy Foods”, featuring 250 green-flag laps from some of the hottest Late Model Stocks drivers in the country. The points chases are over and they’ve got all winter to rebuild their cars, so don’t be surprised by the daring moves and doorhandle to doorhandle racing you’re sure to see in the quest for the $5,000 winner’s purse.

Finally, HMS will present two special events for the fans…….a “Blind Drivers’ Race” where the drivers are wearing blindfolds and their passenger calls out steering directions, and a Demolition Derby…..smash ‘em up until only one is left.

Grandstands open at 1 PM for Qualifying, with the first race beginning at 3 PM.

For more information on Hickory Motor Speedway, log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com or call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

"THE FALL BRAWL" & "PHIL MURRAY MEMORIAL 100" RESCHEDULED FOR OCT 18TH!

Hickory Motor Speedway’s "Fall Brawl" was rained out on Saturday, September 27. Late season rescheduling is a difficult task, with many tracks offering special events after their points seasons are completed. So, we will be combining the "Fall Brawl" schedule with the "Mini-Stocks 150" schedule for one gigantic day of racing on October 18th.

This staggering line-up will begin with the Allison Legacy Series’ WORLD 200, their season-ending Grand Finale. Next will come the "Mini-Stocks 150", 150 laps for Mini-Stock drivers from throughout the Southeast. Then……250 green-flag laps of Late Model Stocks Hell……."The Fall Brawl!"; to be followed by the inaugural running of "The Phil Murray Memorial 100" for Late Model Super Trucks. And finally, some special fun in the form of a "Blind Drivers’ Race" and a "Demolition Derby"!

So, start catching up on your sleep now so you won’t miss a minute of the action on Saturday, October 18th. Racing will start at 3pm and will continue on until we’re done!

Complete day schedule will be forthcoming later this week.

RAIN POSTPONES FALL BRAWL AT HMS!

Newton, NC………….Hickory Motor Speedway Track Officials were forced to postpone Saturday night’s scheduled "FALL BRAWL" event. After watching the skies, the Doppler Radar, the forecast, and the continuing rain it was determined that it would be unfair to the fans and competitors to try to hold the event even if the rain were to stop by 9pm.

The races will be rescheduled for a later date, to be announced as soon as possible. Rain checks will be honored for the rescheduled event.

For further information, contact Hickory Motor Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax, or log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com.

2003 HICKORY SPEEDWAY TRACK CHAMPIONS NAMED!

Newton, NC……… Saturday, September 20, Hickory Motor Speedway held its’ final NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES Points Races of the 2003 season. All five HMS Division Championships were determined through races on that night.

The Hickory Motor Speedway Track Championship is awarded to the Late Model Stocks driver who has accumulated the most NASCAR points in NDWS events at the track since the beginning of the season in March 2003. Matt Carter, of Denver, NC, finished first in season-long points with 2 wins, 3 Poles, 19 Top Fives, and 19 Top Tens out of 19 races. Matt McCall, also of Denver, finished a close second in points, only 8 points behind. Keith Bumgarner, of Conover, NC, finished third and also won the highly-coveted “Most Popular Driver Award” in Late Model Stocks. Brian Conner commuted to HMS all season from Augusta, Georgia, to place fourth, and defending 2002 HMS Track Champ Pete Silva finished fifth.

More history was made Saturday night when the first…..and second!……female driver to compete in Late Model Stocks at Hickory Motor Speedway both placed in the Top Ten of Season Points. Angie Wilson, of Nebo, NC, finished sixth in points, and Rookie Allison Duncan, of Mooresville, finished seventh. Another Rookie of the Year contender “Deputy” Danny Chafin, finished eighth in Late Model points, in his first full year of racing.

Kernersville, NC’s, Mack Little had already nailed down the Super Trucks Division Points Championship, going into the final event with a 74 point lead over defending ’02 Champ Kerry Lawrence. However, his win will increase his points towards the Atlantic Regionals of NASCAR Shortrack Division. Lawrence scored second place in the season-long points battle, followed by Bobby Reed in third, Rookie Jeff Garrison, fourth, and 16 year-old Rookie Jennifer McMurray in fifth.

The HMS Pro-Cup Championship was won by Conover, NC’s, Colby Whitworth, with a 92 point lead over 2nd place Rick Hale. Brandon Dean took third in points, followed by Waylon Flynn in fourth, and Rance Hume in fifth.

The HMS Mini-Stocks Championship was taken by Newton, NC’s, Waylon Flynn, leading A J Sanders by 80 points, with Lincolnton’s Doug Setzer finishing third, Walter Hoke fourth, and Barry Kanipe in fifth.

Marshall Sutton of Bakersville, NC, has cemented the Street Stocks Championship with a 66 point lead over Kevin Eby, who finished only 6 points ahead of third-place Jonathon Smith. Fourth went to Chad Eades, and 2002 defending Street Stocks Champion Donald Little placed fifth.

All Champions will be honored at Hickory Motor Speedway’s annual Champions’ Banquet, scheduled for November 29th at the Holiday Inn Select Grand Ballroom. Carter and Little will also be honored during NASCAR’S Dodge Weekly Series National Banquet and Award Ceremonies at the Opryland Hotel’s Presidential Ballroom on November 1 in Nashville.

For more information on Hickory Motor Speedway, log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com or call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

Carter Earns HMS Championship

Newton, NC (09-21-03): It was just seven months ago
that Matt Carter and his TCE crew set their 2003 team
goal: to win the track championship at Hickory Motor
Speedway. Considering they finished 2nd in last
year's points battle, the goal was reasonable, but,
given the lineup of competitors they'd face, it was
not an easy goal.

>From the drop of the season's first green flag, Carter
was locked into a fantastic battle with Matt
McCall--the two exchanged wins and the points lead as
if they were old chums dealing trading cards. Then
the two found themselves racking up top five finishes
as they helplessly watched Billy Parker and Keith
Bumgarner take ownership of the checkered flag.

Parker and Bumgarner together won 12 races while
McCall and Carter combined to win six. There were
times when McCall or Carter would've sold their points
to figure out how to break the dominance of Parker and
Bumgarner.

Instead, Carter and his crew turned in consistent
performances. The worst finish position for the #15
Kikkoman Monte Carlo was 4th. The team entered
Saturday's race with a 10-point lead over 2nd place
Matt McCall. Ten points translates to five positions
in the finishing order-there was no room for mistakes.

Carter put the Kikkoman Chevy 2nd on the starting grid
with a 15.205 qualifying time. Playing perfectly into
the drama of the super-tight points battle, McCall
took the pole, putting the two contenders for the
track championship door-to-door for the 100-lap points
finale.

At the start of the race, McCall won the race lead and
saw Carter slip to third. McCall's delight didn't last
long as Carter regained 2nd place by lap five. Carter
then locked into McCall's tire tracks-often staying a
mere 12 inches from McCall's bumper.

As the nail-biting laps were winding down, the
intensity kept building. The Kikkoman Chevy showed
many signs of dominance should its driver chose to
bury the gas pedal-the fans in the grandstands were on
the edge of their seats wondering if it would be a
battle for the win, or a calm, cool run for the
championship...

Under caution near the end of the race, Carter, his
father, Travis, and his spotter, Toby Robertson, had a
discussion on the team radios about whether they'd
make a move for the victory, or hold tight to secure
the championship. The call was left to the driver.
Without hesitation, Matt Carter explained his
decision: "I think the championship is more
important-I can fight for the win next week in the
Fall Brawl. I really want this championship-we've
worked so hard for it all season."

The words rolled off the driver's tongue so
effortlessly it was hard to remember he's just a young
gun-not a wiley veteran. With the call made, Carter
trailed McCall across the start/finish line to take
2nd place in the season finale, and first place in the
big picture.the 2003 track championship.

"I'm so honored to have my name added to the list of
champions. When I first came to Hickory, I saw the
names on the (track champion list on the wall of the
track office) and I knew I wanted to be on it," Carter
admitted in the post-race celebration. "I'm so proud
of the team for what we've done this year-we didn't
have any failures to speak of-we were so consistent
all year. That's really what did it for us-some of
the other guys had to come back from engine failures
and other problems. We were just so consistent. This
championship was our goal from the start of the
season, and we achieved it."

Carter's parents were beaming with pride. Mom, Linda,
was the picture of pride and relief as she stood
outside the car hauler after the race. Meanwhile,
Dad, Travis, a Winston Cup team owner and a Winston
Cup Championship-winning crew chief, looked as though
he had won the biggest prize in racing.

Nearly speechless, Travis Carter softly mustered words
of praise for his son and the TCE team, "The boy's
come a long way. He worked very hard at this. I tried
to give him a good start-he learned a lot. He earned
it. I am very proud of him and this team."

Crew Chief David King could've been mistaken for a
proud papa-in many respects, the crew chief is the
'team papa.' His eyes a little misty and his cheeks
firmly locked into a huge, blissful grin, he smiled
and said of the night's performance, "That went well!"

Winning the 2003 Hickory Motor Speedway Track
Championship was truly a team effort. In addition to
the continous efforts of the Travis Carter Enterprises
race team, Bel-Car Racing, Tiger Rear Ends (Gerald
Williams), Performancenter Racing Warehouse, Heintz
Bros. (Steve Heintz), Townsend Racecars, Danny Cox
Racing Engines (Danny Cox), LP Gear (Larry Pollard),
Outlaw Fabrication, Lowe, Motorsports Design, Circle
Track Web Design and Kikkoman all played important and
appreciated roles in this championship-winning season.
Matt, his family and the TCE crew extend thanks to
all, especially the devoted race fans!

Look for Matt Carter and the TCE team to be back in
action this week at Hickory Motor Speedway for the
annual Fall Brawl. The 250-lap race is a non-points
event that's a perfect way to cap off such a long,
stressful championship run.

Keep up to date on Matt Carter's racing news at
www.MattCarter15.com. Coming soon will be exciting
announcements about Carter's fall racing plans and his
2004 racing schedule! Hint: Buy tickets to the
Martinsville NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race next
month.

2003 HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY SEASON STATISTICS
as of September 21, 2003

Car # Driver Wins Poles #Races per division

LATE MODEL STOCKS

23 Matt McCall 5 8 19
86 Catfish Parker 5 6
8 Jamie Yelton 1
15 Matt Carter 2 3
95 Keith Bumgarner 7 1

SUPER TRUCKS

16 Mack Little 10 10 19
03 Kerry Lawrence 5 4
7 Bobby Reed 1
20 Eric King 1
12 Jeremy Pelfrey 1 1
76 Jeff Adkins 1
41 Andy Smith 1 2
32 Gene Cornwell 1

HMS PRO-CUPS

75 Colby Whitworth 3 5 17
10 Tim Canipe 2
5 Rick Hale 3 4
6 Waylon Flynn 9 7
11 Rance Hume 1

MINI-STOCKS

44 Jason Bustle 1 5 17
24 A J Sanders 2 1
09 Shane Canipe 1
6 Waylon Flynn 7 6
48 Doug Setzer 2
10 Tim Canipe 5 2
66 Walter Hoke

CAMPTON STREET STOCKS

03 Kevin Eby 4 4 17
64 Marshal Sutton 6 2
16 Jonathan Smith 5 8
21 Chad Eades 2 1
9 Fred Reese 2

Season Championship Photo Gallery
#2 rookie Steven Wallace is not afraid to get close	#05 Danny Chafin & #38 John Prine get piled hard into the Turn One wall. Ouch!
Proud dad Travis Carter congratulating the 2003 Hickory Motor Speedway Track Champion.......Matt Carter!	Late Model Stocks winner Matt McCall speaks with HMS Track Announcer Steve Fisher after his win
McCall & the #23 team celebrate win number 5 in 2003	Quick.......get a contract! We've gotta sign this kid!
Matt Carter & crew take a Champions' Victory Lap	Tonight, Travis Carter is just one of the guys!
Mack Little's hauler tells the story!

McCALL WINS THE BATTLE, CARTER WINS THE WAR!
By Sherry H. Clifton

Newton, NC…………It was a classic battle between three young gladiators, started in the early days of spring…continuing through the long, hot summer…and finally winding up as the chill returned to the evening air.

The fight was observed by supporting families, cheering fans, and the ghosts of those who had waged their own wars at the hallowed grounds of “The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.”

96 drivers had taken their shot at glory in their quest for the “Grail”….the Hickory Motor Speedway 2003 Track Championship. But on Saturday, September 20th, only three remained to decide between themselves who would wear the crown: Matt Carter, 21 year old son of Winston Cup Car Owner Travis Carter, in only his second full season of Late Model Stocks competition, out to meet his own destiny; Matt McCall, Carter’s childhood friend and strongest rival, with his belly full of fire and his heart set on winning; and Keith Bumgarner, with his own racing heritage and long-sought dreams.

But when the dust settled, McCall won the battle……..Carter won the war…….and Bumgarner won their hearts. #23 Matt McCall took home the win, #15 Carter secured the HMS 2004 Track Championship, and #95 Keith Bumgarner scored the 2003 Most Popular Driver honors.

Tension sparked in the air when McCall set a blistering lap in qualifying to take the Pole Award and lead the field to the green for the final points race of the season. And on the outside Pole……..none other than Matt Carter, with a slim ten point lead in season point standings over McCall. With Bumgarner down by 48 points and not competing on the final night, it was down to these two young road warriors battling for their place in history and the coveted title of Hickory Motor Speedway Track Champion.

It was a classic high-speed display of bobbing and weaving in and out of traffic, both drivers on the razor edge of control. While it seemed Carter had the faster car, to try to pass McCall on this night would have been fool-hardy, as McCall had no intentions of being passed by anyone. And Carter is no fool………

But while history was being made, a vision of the future was unfolding in the form of young Steven Wallace, Rusty’s youngest, hell-bent on his first Late Model Stocks victory. After a remarkable third-place finish in his first Bobby Isaac Memorial 150-lapper two weeks ago, Steven was “feeling froggy”, and with a lightning-fast car and youthful ambition, saw no reason why he shouldn’t win this one. Mixing it up with the best of ‘em, Wallace pressed the two leaders for a number of laps before falling into his own battle with previous HMS Champ Scott Kilby in a fight for third, leaving Carter and McCall to settle it between themselves.

While the first 90 laps passed in a hold-your-breath blur, it seemed the ghosts of racers past decided to have some fun with the two young guns, when a multi-car pile-up in Turn One brought all cars to a halt with a red flag. #05 Danny Chafin and #38 John Prine ended up slamming into the outside wall after a hard-charging #59 Chase Pistone tried to find room where there was none. With only nine laps to go and the championship on the line, all bets were off.

Two short, but breathless, minutes later, McCall flashed under the checkers to claim the win, with Carter as close as his shadow in second. It was fast…….it was clean….and it was tough.

Some lament the future of racing in the days of multi-national corporate sponsorships, tempermental millionaire “Sunday drivers”, and canned comments; stock car racing is not dying….it is being reborn weekly at short-tracks all across the country through gut-wrenching, heart-stopping battles like this.

McCall Captures Fifth ’03 Victory at Hickory
by: Stephanie Houser

Newton, NC – Matt McCall of Denver, NC, dominated the Late Model Stocks event Saturday night, starting his #23 Sonic/Hot Wheels Chevy on the point and leading all 100-laps of the race, on “Ace Awards Night at the Races,” on the final points races of the season at Hickory Motor Speedway.

McCall started his #23 machine on the pole with a 15.136 qualifying time, while #15 Matt Carter started alongside McCall on the outside pole. #28 Scott Kilby qualified in the third spot, followed by #2 Stephen Wallace in fourth and #21 Brian Connor rounding out the top five.

As the green flag waved to get the racing action underway, McCall quickly blasted off, while the intensity fired up for the second spot between Carter and Kilby. The two machines raced side-by-side for the first several laps, until finally by the close of lap 4, Carter broke away out in front of the #28 machine and secured the second position. Wallace then instantly began to close in on Kilby, to battle for the third spot. Wallace stayed up under Kilby for several laps, and finally pulled away in the third position by lap 20. Once Kilby fell back into fourth, Connor pulled up to fight for the fourth spot, taking over the position by the end of lap 21.

By lap 25, McCall and Carter pulled away over the top contenders, settling their machines into a long green flag run. Carter followed in close behind McCall’s leading machine, keeping his Kikkoman Chevy within striking distance of the top spot.

Just as McCall thought his was going to run away with the lead in a caution-free event, the first caution flag of the night waved on lap 87, when Connor’s #21 machine bumped into the back of #3 Chris Chapman, forcing Chapman and #26 ? to crash up into the outside wall coming out of turn 3. Upon the restart, McCall took off with the lead, as Carter dialed his machine in close to the #23 machine.

However, McCall was whoa’d down once again on lap 91, after #05 Danny Chafin and #38 John Pryne, Jr. ?, ran up into the outside wall while driving out of turn 1. The two machines suffered heavy damage, bringing out the red flag to clean up the track. Once the track was clear and ready to roll, McCall took the green flag with a 9-lap shootout to the checkers.

Carter looked high and low of McCall’s dominating machine, but just could not round up enough horsepower to drive around the Sonic/Hot Wheels Chevrolet.

“We really wanted to win, but Matt (McCall) was good. I was just kind of riding behind him,” said Carter.

McCall drove away to his fifth victory in the last NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series points races of the season, finishing second in the points championship battle. Carter finished in second, capturing his first HMS Track Championship title! Wallace came home in the third spot, followed by Kilby in fourth and Chapman finishing in the fifth spot.

“These guys did a great job on this car. It was a pretty good year for us, we just came up one spot short,” said McCall.

“We came here today knowing what we had to do. It’s going to mean a lot to win a championship here. I am just glad to be apart of Hickory Motor Speedway,” said Carter.

The Super Trucks ran a 35-lap event, with #16 Mack Little taking home the victory. #32 Gene Cornwell finished in the second spot, while #03 Kerry Lawrence came in third. Little also took home the Super Trucks Division Points Championship title.

In the HMS Pro-Cups division, #6 Waylon Flynn pulled through to capture the win. Pole sitter #11 Rance Hume came in second, followed by #00 Brandon Dean in the third spot.

The Mini-Stocks also raced their final points race of the season Saturday night, with #10 Tim Canipe scoring the victory in the 25-lap event. #66 Walter Hoke finished in the second position, followed by #6 Waylon Flynn in third. Flynn pulled through to take home the Mini-Stocks Championship title.

The Campton Street Stocks raced a 25-lap event, with #03 Kevin Eby taking home the win. #64 Marshall Sutton came in second, barely holding off #16 Jonathan Smith finishing in third. Sutton also picked up the Campton Street Stocks Championship title Saturday night, as smoke filled the air after all the drivers participated in a post-race burn-out show.

The Allison Legacy Series raced a special 50-lap event, with #7 Mark Howard holding off #26 Joey Logano? to score the victory.

The visiting Inex “600 Racing” Legends cars raced a 30-lap event, as #13 Josh Waring took home the checkered flag over #24 ?.

Next week Hickory Motor Speedway will be back in action with the annual post-season “Fall Brawl,” featuring 250 laps of fender-banging Late Model Stocks excitement. The inaugural “Phil Murray Memorial 100” will also take place, featuring the HMS Super Trucks. Also on hand will also be the long-awaited Demolition Derby, a special race from the East Coast Flathead Fords, and the first “Blind Drivers” race.

OFFICIAL HMS RACE RESULTS SEPTEMBER 20, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS
1. 23 Matt McCall P
2. 15 Matt Carter
3. 2 Steven Wallace
4. 28 Scott Kilby
5. 3 Chris Chapman
6. 21 Brian Connor
7. 12 Trevor Hignutt
8. 85 Brent Raymer
9. 7 Stuart Kirby
10. 84 Angie Wilson
11. 29 Allen Johnson
12. 92 Jay Norville
13. 59 Chase Pistone
14. 38 John Prine
15. 05 Danny Chafin
16. 01 Pete Silva
17. 26 Robin Harris
18. 75 Ben Ebeling

TRUCKS
1. 16 Mack Little
2. 32 Gene Cornwell P
3. 03 Kerry Lawrence
4. 27 Eric King
5. 88 Jason Crouse
6. 3 Jeff Garrison
7. 35 Chris Lewis
8. 24 Jennifer McMurray
9. 45 Kenneth Pardue
10. 5 Wayne Mercer
11. 55 Mark Rednour
12. 99 Ben Leuenberger
13. 20 Caleb Winwright
14. 15 Colby Whitworth
15. 25 Ben Ebeling

PRO-CUP
1. 6 Waylon Flynn
2. 11 Rance Hume P
3. 00 Brandon Dean
4. 75 Colby Whitworth
5. 21 Todd Harrington
6. 2 Dell Bost
7. 20 Brandon Weaver
8. 23 Tommy Ballard
9. 17 Curtis Pardue
10. 15 Mandy Stroud
11. 5 Rick Hale

MINI-STOCKS
1. 10 Tim Canipe
2. 66 Walter Hoke P
3. 6 Waylon Flynn
4. 00 Hank Hefner
5. 44 Jason Bustle
6. 5 Barry Kanipe
7. 75 Allen Huffman
8. 51 Tony Kanipe
9. 98 Rob Lewis
10. 48 Doug Setzer
11. 8 Derrick Johnson

STREET STOCKS
1. 03 Kevin Eby
2. 64 Marshall Sutton
3. 16 Jonathan Smith P
4. 22 Donald Little
5. 40 David Smith
6. 5 Mike Newton
7. 33 Gary Deitz
8. 13 Daniel Huffman
9. 2 Blane Huffman
10. 1 David Manis
11. 21 Chad Eades

LEGENDS
1. 13 Josh Waring
2. 24 Ben Stancill P
3. 20 Kevin Wood
4. 17 Mike Sboro
5. 91 Jesse Smith
6. 21 Keith Newcomer
7. 115 Mark Whitley
8. 86 Scott Knox
9. 52 Danny Bopp
10. 7 Eric King
11. 37 Phil Sharpe
12. 9 Travis Miller
13. 94 Matt Willingham
14. 93 Chuck Eudy
15. 5 John Barilla
16. 8 Larry Fiddle
17. 35 Tonya Cordrey
18. 22 Mike Wirth
19. 22 David Leiner
20. 16 Michael Hillis
21. 3 Wayne Whaley
22. 7 Tim Snyder

ALLISON LEGACY
1. 7 Mark Howard
2. 26 Joey Dennewitz P
3. 29 Derrick Lee
4. 21 Mike Hampton
5. 2 Kenny Allison
6. 45 Dustin South
7. 42 Adam Taylor
8. 33 Jonathan Kornegey
9. 69 Michael Cooper
48 Scott Lail

HICKORY SPEEDWAY “MOST POPULAR DRIVERS” TO BE NAMED THIS SATURDAY

Newton, NC……Hickory Motor Speedway will present the highly-coveted “Most Popular Driver” awards this Saturday night during the final NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Points race of the season. Most Popular Drivers were determined by voting of fans and their peers over the last few weeks of the regular season.

Always a major feather in the cap for drivers and their sponsors, these awards are presented in all the regular HMS racing divisions: Late Model Stocks, Super Trucks, HMS Pro-Cups, Mini-Stocks, and Street Stocks.

For more information, contact Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax or log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com.

NEW MISS HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY TO BE CROWNED SATURDAY!

Newton, NC……….Continuing a tradition that dates back to the opening of the track in 1951, Hickory Motor Speedway will crown a new Miss Hickory Motor Speedway this Saturday, September 20.

Hickory Motor Speedway has been graced with a long line of beauties over the years beginning with the first Miss HMS, Millie Coley Rowe (1951). Applicants are single young ladies, with no children, aged 18 to 25. The year-long responsibilities include public appearances, parades, and Saturday night trophy queen. Past Miss Hickory Motor Speedways have been featured in books, national magazines, and feature films.

2003 Miss HMS, Mandy Walker, will be continuing her education at the University of NC-Chapel Hill, where she is currently studying to be an audiologist.

For more information, call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

HICKORY SPEEDWAY TRACK CHAMPIONS TO BE DECIDED THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Newton, NC………This Saturday, September 20, Hickory Motor Speedway will hold its’ final NASCAR DODGE WEEKLY SERIES Points Races of the 2003 season. All five HMS Division Championships will be determined through races on that night.

The Hickory Motor Speedway Track Championship is awarded to the Late Model Stocks driver who has accumulated the most NASCAR points in NDWS events at the track since the beginning of the season in March 2003.

The Late Model Stocks points chase remains up for grabs with Denver, NC’s, Matt Carter holding a slim ten-point lead over Matt McCall in second place. Third place Keith Bumgarner has an outside chance…..if he wins the race and both Carter and McCall were disqualified, he would be the Track Champion by two points.

Kernersville, NC’s, Mack Little has already nailed down the Super Trucks Division Points Championship, going into the final event with a 74 point lead over defending ’02 Champ Kerry Lawrence. However, Bobby Reed is only 18 points behind Lawrence to take over the second place points money. If Little wins the event this Saturday, his shot at taking the NASCAR Atlantic Regional Championship will be very good.

The HMS Pro-Cup Championship has been secured by Colby Whitworth, with a 78 point lead over 2nd place Rick Hale.

The HMS Mini-Stocks Championship is still highly contested, with Waylon Flynn leading A J Sanders by 34 points.

Marshall Sutton of Bakersville, NC, has cemented the Street Stocks Championship with a 68 point lead over Kevin Eby, who is only 2 points ahead of third-place Jonathon Smith and 24 points ahead of Chad Eades in fourth.

Saturday will offer over 275 laps of racing, with these division championship races and special appearances by the Allison Legacy Series and the INEX Legends. Grandstands open at 5 PM, with racing at 7.

For more information on Hickory Motor Speedway, log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com or call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

2003 USAR Hooters ProCup Series quick Facts

WHAT: Miller Lite 250 presented Tucson

USAR Hooters ProCup Series Race #25 of 30 (Southern Division Race #12)

WHERE: Hickory Motor Speedway – Hickory, NC

.363-mile, semi-banked asphalt oval

WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 2003 – 8:00 pm EDT

DISTANCE: 250 Laps/91 Miles

POSTED AWARDS: $111,870 (Includes $34,750 Point Fund)

STARTING FIELD: 32 car starting field. 34 cars possible. Fastest 28 cars through time trials. Three provisional positions based on top 30 drivers’ position in the Southern Division 2003 points standings. One provisional will be awarded based on top 30 owners’ position in the Southern Division 2003 point standings. Provisionals may be added to the field for a former USAR Hooters ProCup Series champion, or a former USAR Hooters ProCup Series Rookie of the Year who competed in 2002.

PROMOTER: Hickory Motor Speedway, Debbie Whitworth & Sherry Clifton, 828-464-3655.

TELEVISION: SPEED, Wednesday September 17, 2003 (10:00 pm EDT)

SPEED, Friday, September 19, 2003 (Noon EDT)

Urban America Television, Sunday September 21, 2003 (Check your local listings)

Sunshine Network, (Check your local listings)

Sunshine Network, (Check your local listings)

Comcast Sports, (Check your local listings)

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, September 12, 2003:

5:00-7:00 pm Early Parking and Registration

Saturday, September 13, 2003:

9:00 am USAR Officials Meeting

9:30 am Late Hauler Parking

10:00 am Pit Gates Open

10:30 am Tech Inspection Opens

11:00 am Crew Chief Meeting

11:15 am Rookie Meeting

12:30 am –2:30 pm ProCup Practice

3:00 pm ProCup Drivers Meeting

3:15 pm Chapel Service

4:30 pm Front Gates Open

5:30 pm ProCup Qualifying Time Trials

6:45 pm Autograph Session

7:35 pm Pre-Race Ceremonies

8:00 pm Miller Lite 250 presented by Tucson

RECORDS: Date Driver Time Speed

10/14/00 Hal Goodson 15.275 sec. 85.552 mph

Race Results from Hickory Motor Speedway on July 26, 2003

1. Shane Huffman Pole Award: Shane Huffman

2. Clay Rogers Time Of Race: 1:42:48

3. Bobby Gill Green Flag Avg. Speed: 83.231 mph

4. Michael Ritch Margin of Victory: .397 sec

5. Danny O’Quinn Caution Flags: 12 for 72 laps

6. David Pletcher Lap Leaders: 1-111 Shane Huffman (245)

7. Shane Wallace 112 Clay Rogers(1); 113-118 Shane Huffman;

8. Steve Christian 119-126 Mart Nesbitt (8); Shane Huffman 127-254

9. Mart Nesbitt

10. Mike Laughlin

PAST HOOTERS PROCUP SERIES WINNERS FROM HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Year Race Winners Pole Winners

2003 Shane Huffman Shane Huffman

2002 Bobby Gill Shane Wallace

2001 Mario Gosselin Mario Gosselin

2001 Bobby Gill Hal Goodson

2000 Lee Tissot Hal Goodson

2000 Bobby Gill Clay Rogers

1999 Derrick Kelley Mario Gosselin

Miller Lite 250 presented by Tucson Notes of Intrest:

· Bobby Gill is looking for his fourth win at the track in the last three years. Bobby Gill won the last time the Southern Division in action at USA International Speedway on August 30. It was just the second win for Gill in 2003.

· Hickory native Shane Huffman, who won the last Hooters ProCup event at HMS in July, has already clinched the Southern Division top seed for the Championship Series. Huffman has a 331-point lead over Jason Sarvis.

· Teammates Jason Sarivs and Steve Christian are separated by just one point heading into the season finale at Hickory.

· Scott Sutherland is currently 31st in the Southern Division point standings just 10 points behind Mike Williams in 30th. The top-30 drivers in points will receive invitation to the Four Champions Championship Series.

· Only 106 points separates Jason Sarvis, who sits second in points, from Bobby Gill, who is currently 10th in points.

TOP-10 IN USAR HOOTERS PROCUP SOUTHERN DIVISION POINTS STANDINGS:

1. Shane Huffman 1806 6. Joe Gaita 1408

2. Jason Sarvis 1475 7. Michael Ritch 1408

3. Steve Christian 1474 8. Danny O’Quinn 1391

4. Mardy Lindley 1434 9. Mike Laughlin 1386

5. Mart Nesbitt 1410 10. Bobby Gill 1369

PARTICIPATING SPECIAL AWARD SPONSORS:

Pole Award ($1,000): Advance Auto Parts

Halfway Leader Award ($1,000): Lucas Oil Products

Rookie of the Race Award ($1,000): Miller Lite Beer

Hard Charger Award ($500):

OFFICIAL SERIES SPONSORS:

Hooters • Naturally Fresh Dressings & Dips • Jackaroo Barbeque Sauces • Goodyear • Lucas Oil Products • Miller Lite • Timberwolf Tobacco • Advance Auto Parts • Coca-Cola • Sunoco Race Fuels • Tucson Cigarettes • Racing Electronics • Tri Star Racewear

PARTICIPATING CONTINGENCY AWARD SPONSORS:

Automotive Specialist •BSR Products • CV Products • DRP Performance • Dr. Gas • JE Pistons • Eibach • Edelbrock • Earl's • Holley Performance Products • Hess Racing Priducts • Longacre • K&N Engineering • MSD Ignitions • XRP • Spin Tech • Quarter Master • Heintz Performance • Laughlin Racing Products • Lowes LugNuts • Isky Racing Cams • Performance Fiberglass • Crane Cams • Mahle Performance • Manley Performance • Racing Electronics • Tri-Star • Stewart Warner • Proline Pit Cart • Pit Gear Custom Covers • Ringer Gloves • Borla Performance

NEW BOOK ABOUT HMS TO BE RELEASED

Newton, NC………Saturday, September 13, 2003, will be a red-letter day in the history of Hickory Motor Speedway, with the release of a brand new authorized history of the track….HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY: “THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS SHORT TRACK”, written by award-winning author Dean Washburn and published by Tarheel Press.

The history has been in the making for over fifty years, but the stories are as alive as the day the first lap was run. Never before published photos and first-hand stories from Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, Dennis Setzer, John Settlemyre, the Houstons, among others, bring “The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars” to life again from the early days of bootlegging into the present days of fast racing.

First-hand accounts of the founding of the track come from Mrs. Goldy (Charlie) Combs and Mrs. Geneva (Puff) Burgess and tell colorful reminiscences of “The Silver Moon”, the “Taylorsville Mafia”, and the illegal trade in moonshine that financed the early days of the speedway and the high life (and prison sentences) that followed.

Several book-signings are scheduled in coming weeks, with the first being at HMS on Saturday, September 13th, at the track.

The book is available through Barnes and Noble, The Hickory Motor Speedway, and you can get a sneak preview at www.hickoryracing.com

First Time Winner Takes First Ever Big 10 Series Championship 100

Hickory, NC (9-1-03): The tenth, and final round of the 2003 Big 10 Series schedule, was run on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2003. A beautiful day was on tap for the inaugural Big 10 Series Championship 100. Twenty-three Late Model Super Truck teams made the trek to the World's Most Famous Short Track, Hickory Motor Speedway, to try their luck at taking home the trophy. Teams came from as far away as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and even Tennessee. As practice would come to an end, current points lead, Mack Little, would yet again be the favorite to take the pole for the 100-lap race. Mack Little was looking for his seventh Big 10 Series win of the season, however, several drivers would make that difficult for the Kernersville, North Carolina driver. Little would roll off for his two laps sixth, and lay down an impressive fast lap of 15.845 seconds on the slick surface. But the fast lap would come from the number nine qualifier, Gene Cornwell, in his #32 Bob's Drywall Service/Cornwell Garage Chevrolet. Cornwell would crush Mack Little’s fast lap, laying down a 15.742 second lap on his first circuit, and a 15.660 second lap on his second circuit. Cornwell’s lap would hold up as the remaining thirteen drivers took their laps. It would be the first pole of the twenty year-olds career, and Cornwell was looking to back that up with his first career win.

Gene Cornwell would start on the pole, Mack Little would start second, with Kerry Lawrence, Jeff Garrison, and Jennifer McMurray rounding out the top-5 starting positions. Second place in the standings, Bobby Reed, would settle for a seventh place starting spot.

The race would go green, with Cornwell pulling the inside lane ahead of Little. Little would look for the early lead, but Cornwell, with his impressive machine, would battle to the top spot. Early into the 100-lap race, lapped trucks would tangle, collecting top-10 contenders Wade Hoilman and Jimmy Harrington. Hoilman’s truck would be demolished for the second straight outing for his #10 Dodge mount.

The race would settle down, with just a few cautions until late in the race when the #24 EZ-Way Auto Sales Chevrolet of Jennifer McMurray would get the short end of the deal and tag the inside wall off turn number four. McMurray’s mount would suffer severe damage and end her chance of capturing the 2003 Big 10 Series Circle Track Web Design Rookie of the Year title.

The race would go back green with Bobby Reed fighting his way to the front. Cornwell would lead, and Little would be looking to hold onto a top-5 position. Archie Adams, Jr., would also be a big gainer as he moved into the top-5 from his fourteenth starting spot.

Cornwell would cross the finish line in first, capturing his first ever Late Model Super Truck win, beating Bobby Reed for the top spot. Mack Little, Archie Adams, Jr., and fifteen year-old Colby Whitworth would finish out the top-5 positions.

The inaugural Big 10 Series Championship 100 provided the fans with one of the most exciting truck races to be completed at Hickory Motor Speedway. With his third place finish, Mack Little, took home the 2003 Big 10 Series Championship, the first of his career. Jeff Garrison would capitalize on the misfortunes of Jennifer McMurray to win the 2003 Big 10 Series Circle Track Web Design Rookie of the Year title, a title that came down to the last race of the season.

The Late Model Super Truck Big 10 Series, sponsored by www.GMPartsDirect.com, Circle Track Web Design, MTP Tire and Racing Center, SUNOCO Race Fuels, and Aluminum Racing Bodies experienced a tremendous season, with over forty different drivers making starts in 2003. More information will be available on both Big 10 Series Champion, Mack Little, and Circle Track Web Design Rookie of the Year, Jeff Garrison. Stay tuned to the Official Website of the Big 10 Series, www.LMSTSeries.com, for upcoming news.

Huffman To Take Victory Tour Back Home

Myrtle Beach, SC— Shane Huffman finally got to take a victory lap at Hickory Motor Speedway on July 26 after winning the Galaxy Foods 250 at his home track.

The win was Huffman’s fifth of the season in the Southern Division of the USAR Hooters ProCup Series and extended his points lead over Steve Christian to 285 points.

Now, as the Southern Division prepares to wrap up the regular season with the running of the Miller Lite 250 presented by Tucson at Hickory Motor Speedway, Huffman will be able to give the local fans added reason to cheer their favorite son as he performs a victory race.

Huffman has clinched the Southern Division regular season title and can race for the win this weekend at his old stomping grounds. The regular season crown is his first in the Hooters ProCup Series for the former Late Model Stock driver who won the HMS track championship in 1999.

Huffman has already surpassed his career total in wins during his stellar 2003 campaign and will be in prime position heading into the Championship Challenge.

For taking the Southern Division title, Huffman and the Northern Division winner, Jeff Agnew, will take the top seeds and a 40-point advantage over the second place finishers into the championship series, which could be key if Huffman should experience any bad luck during the five championship races.

While Huffman is perched for a joy ride at Hickory, other competitors won’t be as comfortable. Drivers failing to reach the top-30 in points after the Miller Lite 250 will not receive invitations to the Championship Series.

The difference between finishing first and 32nd at Hickory will be 72 points, making it a do-or-die race for drivers outside the top-25.

Gates at the Hickory Motor Speedway will open for the fans at 4:30 pm. Hooters ProCup qualifying will start at 5:30 pm and a autograph session with the drivers will take place at 6:45 pm. The green flag for the Miller Lite 250 will drop at 8:00 pm. For more information and advanced tickets, please contact Debbie Whitworth or Sherry Clifton at 828-464-3655.

UARA STARS RETURN TO HICKORY

This Saturday, September 6, marks the return of the UARA STARS LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES to Hickory Motor Speedway. With a great field of Late Model drivers already signed up, this event promises to be an outstanding show. Also competing in separate events that same night are the Thunder Roadsters, B-M Modifieds, INEX Legends, and Hickory Speedway’s own Super Trucks.

Grandstands open at 5 pm, with a Legends consolation race at 6:30, an on-track Autograph Session with the UARA Stars scheduled for 7, and Racing at 8. General Admission will be $15 for adults, $10 for Teens & Seniors, Age 7-12 admitted for $5, and age 6 & under Free!

Images from Hickory Motor Speedway Bobby Isaac Memorial 200 by Kevin Thorne

 

HMS RACE RESULTS BOBBY ISAAC MEMORIAL 300
SEPTEMBER 1, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS
1. 21 Dennis Setzer
2. 86 Billy “Catfish” Parker
3. 2 Steven Wallace
4. 20 Steven Leicht
5. 81 Jody Lavender
6. 56 Shane Brafford
7. 10 Roc Harris
8. 98 Israel Harrington
9. 93 Jeff Gilbert
10. 25 Nick Hutchins
11. 15 Matt Carter Pole
12. 05 Danny Chafin
13. 51 Sam Beam
14. 18 David Roberts
15. 5 Brandon McCarson
16. 58 Carl Cormier
17. 16 Wayne Grubb
18. 55 Dallas Norman
19. 84 Angie Wilson
20. 59 Chase Pistone
21. 01 Pete Silva
22. 23 Matt McCall
23. 8 Jamie Yelton
24. 28 Scott Kilby
25. 85 Brent Raymer

TRUCKS
1. 32 Gene Cornwell Pole
2. 7 Bobby Reed
3. 16 Mack Little
4. 17 Archie Adams Jr.
5. 15 Colby Whitworth
6. 3 Jeff Garrison
7. 03 Kerry Lawrence
8. 5 David Mercer
9. 44 Ben Ebeling
10. 35 Chris Lewis
11. 09 Michael Thomas
12. 18 Skip McCord
13. 76 Jeff Adkins
14. 51 Ben Leuenberger
15. 99 Tori McDonald
16. 21 Jimmy Wallace
17. 66 Nick Beck
18. 24 Jennifer McMurray
19. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey
20. 6 Jimmy Harrington
21. 10 Wade Hoilman
22. 9 Scott Russell

CAROLINA VINTAGE RACERS
1. 98 Howard Scruggs
2. 27 Jim Burrell
3. 550 Joe Evans
4. 14 John Betts
5. 07 Larry Brown
6. 21 Jerrell Baker
7. 33 Steve Penson
8. 7 Tom Ramey
9. 3 Wayne Hearne
10. 14 Van Oakley
11. 8 Sam Beam
12. 44 Jim Cooke
13. 4 Alex Beam

 

BOBBY ISAAC MEMORIAL 300 SET FOR LABOR DAY MONDAY AT HICKORY!

Newton, NC……….Monday, September 1st, marks the return of the BOBBY ISAAC MEMORIAL 300, traditionally the biggest Late Model Stocks race of the year at the historic .363 asphalt oval. Featuring 200 laps of Late Model Stocks action with some of the finest drivers in the country competing for the winner’s purse, The Bobby Isaac Memorial typically draws hot-shot drivers from other tracks and touring divisions, previous track champions who have moved up to the “Big Three” divisions of NASCAR, and an enormous crowd of fans eager to see the best compete at “The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.”

Monday’s race will be a rare treat for race fans with a 3 PM starting time and all racing done in daylight. Activities for the day include an on-track autograph session with the Late Model drivers scheduled for 2 PM. Grandstands open at Noon with Qualifying for all events at 1:30 PM.

BOBBY ISAAC, a member of the INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME, is a true NASCAR legend. Isaac, from nearby Catawba, NC, won 37 NASCAR Winston Cup events, 50 NASCAR Winston Cup Pole Awards, and the 1970 Winston Cup National Championship. He set 28 world speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats, and a world closed-course record of 201.104 mph at Talladega Superspeedway. Many of his records stand to this day.

Isaac considered Hickory Motor Speedway his hometrack and raced here until he passed away in 1977. The Bobby Isaac Memorial was first started in 1979, two years after his untimely death. His gravesite is in the cemetery overlooking the track where he got his start on his life’s passion.

Always one of the best and most prestigious Late Model Stocks events in the nation, THE BOBBY ISAAC MEMORIAL 300 is again sponsored by GALAXY FOODS. The format of the feature event will include a 10-minute break at 100 laps, to allow race crews to service their machines. Also racing will be the HMS Super Trucks Division in a 100 laps show that will also serve as the Grand Finale to the “Big 10 LMST” Series Championship. Carolina Vintage Racers will return for a 10-lap shootout featuring cars from the early days of stock car racing bringing the past alive.

Special guests from the CVCC Foundation will be participating in Pre-Race Ceremonies, when the BOBBY ISAAC MOTORSPORTS PROGRAM will be honoring the recipients of three separate awards: The 2003 Ned Jarrett Award, the 2003 Tommy Houston Award, and the 2003 Bobby Isaac Award.

For more information, call the Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax, or log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com.

 

McCall Takes Home Three-in-a-Row at Hickory
by: Stephanie Houser

Newton, NC – Dark rain clouds filled the skies over Hickory Motor Speedway Saturday night as Matt McCall of Denver, NC, steered his way into victory lane, starting his #23 Sonic/Hot Wheels Chevy on the point and pulling through to take home the win in the 100-lap Late Model Stocks event on “Pepsi Vanilla Night at the Races.”

McCall captured the pole with a 15.050 qualifying time, while #95 Keith Bumgarner started on the outside pole with a 15.090 on the .363 asphalt oval. #86 Billy “Catfish” Parker started in the third spot, followed by #21 Brian Connor in fourth and defending HMS Champ #01 Pete Silva rounding out the top five.

With the top three in the season points chase separated by only 14, anything could happen on this dark and stormy night. At the drop of the green flag, McCall took off, while Parker put the pressure on Bumgarner for the second spot. Parker pulled up under Bumgarner and pushed his way by on lap 2, taking over the second position. Parker then started making his way closer to the #23 machine, when the field was slowed down on lap 7, as the first caution flag of the night waved after #44 Ray Short, Jr.’s machine went spinning around the track while driving out of turn 2. After a few short laps under the yellow, McCall led the field back to the restart, as the leaders pulled away in a tight, single-file line.

McCall began extending his lead over Parker, as the battle heated up for the spots behind them. On lap 22, Carter pulled up behind Silva to pressure him for the fifth spot, as Silva stayed in close to Connor’s machine in the fourth spot. Carter then got a run on the #01 machine on lap 23, as he breezed his way by, driving on around Connor to take over the fourth position. Silva followed in behind Carter remaining in fifth, while Connor decided to head down to the pits to make some changes to his machine.

Just as the top contenders settled back into a steady line behind McCall, the second caution flag of the night waved on lap 26, as rain drops began to fall over the track. As the light rain turned into a heavy shower, the red flag was displayed, bringing the field down pit road to wait the rain storm out. Once the rain stopped and the track was dried, McCall fired his #23 Chevy back up, as he led the field back to the green flag.

McCall used his dominant horsepower to pull away over Parker, extending his lead lap-by-lap over the field. However, McCall was whoa’d down just after halfway on lap 51, as the fourth caution flag of the night came out after #35 Alan Scoggins lost it coming out of turn 4 and went spinning down the front straightaway. Upon the restart, McCall quickly drove off with the leaders, as trouble struck near the rear of the field coming back to the green. #05 Danny Chafin, #4 Eddy Cox, #58 Carl Cormier, and Connor all collided in a massive pileup in turn 4, bringing out the fifth caution flag on the night.

Coming back to the green flag, Parker powered his “America’s Most Wanted” machine up and drove around McCall’s leading machine for the top spot. However, McCall stayed in close to Parker in the second spot, keeping within striking distance of the #86 machine.

Parker’s lead over McCall began to decrease a little each lap, as the #23 machine started to reel in closer for the top spot. On lap 84, McCall pulled up to race side-by-side with Parker, and finally took over the lead by the close of lap 85. Parker was forced back into the second spot, as McCall sailed off to a clear lead.

McCall drove away to his fourth victory of the season, making it three-in-a-row wins for the #23 team. Parker finished in the second spot, holding off Bumgarner’s Country Chair Ford in third. Carter came home in fourth, followed by #28 Scott Kilby in the fifth spot.

“That was a good race for us. I figured there would have been more bumping, but it was fun,” said McCall.

However, postrace inspection played a hand in the big story of the points chase, when the #95 Bumgarner machine was unable to pass inspection of their carburetor.

The “Big 10 Series” Super Trucks ran a 50-lap event, with points leader #16 Mack Little starting on the point and pulling through to take home the victory. #7 Bobby Reed came in second, followed by #32 Gene Cornwell in third.

The HMS Pro-Cups raced a 30-lap event, with pole sitter #6 Waylon Flynn capturing the trophy. #5 Rick Hale finished in second, followed by #75 Colby Whitworth in third. Whitworth also wrapped up the season, winning his first Pro-Cup Championship.

The Mini-Stocks ran a 25-lap event, with #10 Tim Canipe taking home the win. #44 Jason Bustle came in second, and #24 A.J. Sanders finished in the third spot.

The Campton Street Stocks also ran a 25-lap event, with #16 Jonathan Smith starting on the pole and holding off points leader #64 Marshall Sutton for the win. #21 Chad Eades finished behind Sutton in third.

The Carolina Vintage Stock Cars ran a special 15-lap event, with #8 Sam Beam taking home the victory.

Next week Hickory Motor Speedway will be closed, but will be back in action Labor Day Monday when “Galaxy Foods” presents the “Bobby Isaac Memorial 300” featuring a 200 lap Late Model Stocks event. The “Big 10 Series” Super Trucks will also run a 100-lap event for their final points race of the season.

HMS RACE RESULTS AUGUST 16, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS
1. 23 Matt McCall P
2. 86 Billy “Catfish” Parker
3. 15 Matt Carter
4. 28 Scott Kilby
5. 5 Joey Petree
6. 25 Nick Hutchins
7. 58 Carl Cormier
8. 74 Allison Duncan
9. 47 Kevin Bumgarner
10. 4 Eddy Cox
11. 35 Alan Scoggins
12. 44 Ray Short Jr.
13. 01 Pete Silva
14. 21 Brian Connor
15. 05 Danny Chafin
16. 84 Angie Wilson

TRUCKS
1. 16 Mack Little P
2. 7 Bobby Reed
3. 32 Gene Cornwell
4. 24 Jennifer McMurray
5. 44 Ben Ebeling
6. 3 Jeff Garrison
7. 03 Kerry Lawrence
8. 5 Wayne Mercer
9. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey
10. 35 Chris Lewis

PRO-CUP
1. 6 Waylon Flynn P
2. 5 Rick Hale
3. 75 Colby Whitworth
4. 00 Brandon Dean
5. 21 Todd Harrington
6. 2 Dell Bost
7. 20 Brandon Weaver
8. 10 Tim Canipe
9. 15 Mandy Stroud
10. 17 Curtis Pardue
11. 11 Rance Hume

MINI-STOCKS
1. 10 Tim Canipe
2. 44 Jason Bustle P
3. 24 A J Sanders
4. 66 Walter Hoke
5. 6 Waylon Flynn
6. 48 Doug Setzer
7. 00 Hank Hefner
8. 5 Barry Kanipe
9. 75 Allen Huffman
10. 51 Tony Kanipe
11. 14 Shorty York Jr.
12. 09 Shane Canipe
13. 21 Charlie Neill
14. 7 Brandon Rogers
15. 11 Archie Sanders

STREET STOCKS
1. 16 Jonathan Smith P
2. 64 Marshall Sutton
3. 21 Chad Eades
4. 9 Fred Reese
5. 03 Kevin Eby
6. 5 Mike Newton
7. 22 Donald Little
8. 13 Daniel Huffman
9. 8 William Quick
10. 2 Barry Huffman

McCall Makes it Two-in-a-Row at Hickory
by: Stephanie Houser

Newton, NC – Matt McCall of Denver, NC, dominated the Late Model Stocks event Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway after a two-hour rain delay, starting his #23 Sonic/Hot Wheels Chevy on the point and leading all 100-laps of the race on “Sig’s Tire Center Night at the Races.”

McCall blistered the track during his qualifying run, winning the pole with a 15.055, with #15 Matt Carter on the outside pole. #21 Brian Connor started in third, followed by defending HMS Champ #01 Pete Silva in fourth and #95 Keith Bumgarner rounding out the top five.

As the field rolled to the green flag, McCall quickly drove off while Connor began pressuring Carter for the second spot. Connor drove up under Carter and finally made his way by at the close of lap 2, taking over the second position. Carter was forced to fall back in behind the #21 machine, as Bumgarner went to work chasing down Silva for the fourth spot. Bumgarner stayed under Silva for several laps, and finally breezed his way on lap 13, securing the fourth spot.

Just as McCall started to increase his lead over the field, he was whoa’d down on lap 16 when the first caution flag of the night waved after #85 Brent Raymer and #98 Israel Harrington went spinning out in turn 4. After a few short laps under the yellow, McCall led the field back to the restart, using his horsepower to take off leading the way.

McCall began extending his lead lap-by-lap, as he pulled away leading a long green flag run. The top contenders began a high-speed cruise around the track, wending their way around lapped traffic. However, on lap 43, trouble struck for fifth place runner Silva, sending his #01 machine to the pits with a broken wheel, to call it quits for the night.

With McCall leading the way over Connor’s black #21 machine, Bumgarner quietly began to gain some ground on Carter for the third spot. By lap 65, Bumgarner pulled up to race side-by-side with the Kikkoman Chevy, and finally took over the position on lap 66. Bumgarner instantly pulled away from Carter, as he went to work chasing down Connor for second.

Bumgarner started to reel in Connor’s machine to battle for the second spot, however, the field was brought to a slow pace on lap 87, after the second caution flag of the night came out. #05 Danny Chafin and #85 Brent Raymer got into one another while driving out of turn 2, sending the #85 machine up into the outside retaining wall. Upon the restart, McCall jumped out in front of the pack, as Connor felt the heat off Bumgarner’s Country Chair Ford.

McCall could almost see the checkered flag waving for his #23 leading machine, when, with five laps to go, the final caution flag of the night waved after the #12 machine of Trevor Hignutt went spinning around the front stretch. After several quick caution laps, McCall powered his machine back to the restart, leaving no chance for Connor to battle him for the top spot.

McCall drove away to his third victory of the season, scoring back-to-back wins for the #23 team. Connor finished in second….a season best for the #21 team, holding off Bumgarner in third. Points leader Carter came home in fourth, while #29 Mark Johnson finished fifth.

“The #21 car was working hard on us at the end. This car was really great. I just can’t thank the crew enough for their hard work,” said McCall.

The Late Model Super Trucks ran a double-feature Saturday night with defending HMS Trucks Champ #03 Kerry Lawrence capturing the pole for both events.

In the first 25-lap event, Lawrence dominated the show and pulled through to take home the victory. #7 Bobby Reed came in second, followed by points leader #16 Mack Little in third.

Lawrence returned to the track to lead the way over the field in the second 25-lap event, as he brought home his second trophy of the night. #24 Jennifer McMurray finished in the second spot, scoring her best finish ever at HMS! Little finished behind McMurray in third.

The Mini-Stocks raced a 25-lap event, with #10 Tim Canipe claiming the win. #6 Waylon Flynn came in second, and #24 A.J. Sanders finished in the third spot.

In the HMS Pro-Cups, #6 Waylon Flynn led all 25-laps of the event. #75 Colby Whitworth finished in the second position, followed by #11 Rance Hume in third.

The Campton Street Stocks also raced a 25-lap event, with #16 Jonathan Smith and #64 Marshall Sutton making it a photo-finish across the finish line. Smith just barely edged out Sutton for the win, followed by #22 Donald Little in third.

The visiting Inex “600 Racing” Legend cars raced an exciting 25-lap event with a last lap pass by #29 Clay Haire over #13 Josh Waring to score the victory. Waring came in second, followed by #20 Kevin Wood in third.

Next week Hickory Motor Speedway will be back in action with the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series featuring the Late Model Stocks, “Big 10 Series” Super Trucks, HMS Pro-Cups, Mini-Stocks, and the Campton Street Stocks on “Pepsi Vanilla Night at the Races.”

HMS RACE RESULTS AUGUST 9, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS
1. 23 Matt McCall P
2. 21 Brian Connor
3. 95 Keith Bumgarner
4. 15 Matt Carter
5. 29 Mark Johnson
6. 74 Allison Duncan
7. 12 Trevor Hignutt
8. 47 Kevin Bumgarner
9. 85 Brent Raymer
10. 38 John Prine
11. 05 Danny Chafin
12. 44s Ray Short Jr.
13. 92 Jay Norville
14. 01 Pete Silva
15. 5 Brandon McCarson
16. 98 Israel Harrington

TRUCKS Race #1
1. 03 Kerry Lawrence P
2. 7 Bobby Reed
3. 16 Mack Little
4. 44 Ben Ebeling
5. 76 Jeff Adkins
6. 24 Jennifer McMurray
7. 5 David Mercer
8. 32 Gene Cornwell
9. 3 Jeff Garrison
10. 45 Kenneth Pardue
11. 35 Chris Lewis
12. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey

TRUCKS Race #2
1. 03 Kerry Lawrence P
2. 24 Jennifer McMurray
3. 16 Mack Little
4. 32 Gene Cornwell
5. 3 Jeff Garrison
6. 45 Kenneth Pardue
7. 7 Bobby Reed
8. 5 David Mercer
9. 35 Chris Lewis
10. 76 Jeff Adkins
11. 44 Ben Ebeling
12. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey

PRO-CUP
1. 6 Waylon Flynn P
2. 75 Colby Whitworth
3. 11 Rance Hume
4. 00 Brandon Dean
5. 20 Brandon Weaver
6. 10 Tim Canipe
7. 2 Dell Bost
8. 5 Rick Hale
9. 15 Mandy Stroud
10. 17 Curtis Pardue
11. 21 Todd Harrington

MINI-STOCKS
1. 10 Tim Canipe
2. 6 Waylon Flynn
3. 24 A J Sanders
4. 00 Hank Hefner
5. 48 Doug Setzer
6. 66 Walter Hoke
7. 5 Barry Kanipe
8. 11 Archie Sanders
9. 75 Allen Huffman
10. 71 Andrew Sanders
11. 14 Shorty York Jr.
12. 51 Tony Kanipe
13. 44 Jason Bustle P

STREET STOCKS
1. 16 Jonathan Smith
2. 64 Marshall Sutton
3. 22 Donald Little
4. 03 Kevin Eby P
5. 8 Brian Huffman
6. 5 Mike Newton
7. 13 Daniel Huffman
8. 2 Barry Huffman
9. 9 Fred Reese
10. 21 Chad Eades

LEGENDS
1. 29 Clay Haire
2. 13 Josh Waring P
3. 20 Kevin Wood
4. 21 Keith Newcomer
5. 31 Kyle Grissom
6. 16 Scooter Hillis
7. 9 Travis Miller
8. 07 ? Davis
9. 27 Tim Craver
10. 8 Larry Friddle
11. 3 Wayne Whaley
12. 6 Frankie Everhardt
13. 7 Tim Snyder
14. 43 Richard Gordon
15. 14 Rick Little
16. 45 Stan Scott
17. 24 Andrew Carlsen
18. 4 Brian Davis

HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY OFFICIAL POINTS STANDINGS (TOP 15 PER DIVISION)
As of August 10, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS

1. 15 Matt Carter 790
2. 95 Keith Bumgarner 788
3. 23 Matt McCall 776
4. 21 Brian Conner 652
5. 01 Pete Silva 588
6. 74 Allison Duncan R 524
7. 84 Angie Wilson 522
8. 05 Danny Chafin R 508
9. 12 Trevor Hignutt 488
10. 28 Scott Kilby 394
11. 86 Billy “Catfish” Parker 378
12. 8 Jamie Yelton 338
13. 59 Chase Pistone 220
14. 29 Mark Johnson 184
15. 91 Doug Smith 156

TRUCKS

1. 16 Mack Little 778
2. 03 Kerry Lawrence 716
3. 7 Bobby Reed 688
4. 3 Jeff Garrison R 596
5. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey R 568
6. 24 Jennifer McMurray R 566
7. 44 Ben Ebeling 526
8. 2 Jonathan Doster 522
9. 32 Gene Cornwell 480
10. 35 Chris Lewis 454
11. 76 Jeff Adkins 372
12. 45 Kenneth Pardue 286
13. 11 Shannon Miller R 264
14. 10 Wade Hoilman 260
15. 5 Wayne Mercer 236

PRO CUP

1. 75 Colby Whitworth 684
2. 5 Rick Hale 604
3. 20 Brandon Weaver R 570
4. 11 Rance Hume R 570
5. 99 Brandon Dean R 568
6. 6 Waylon Flynn R 552
7. 21 Todd Harrington 542
8. 15 Mandy Stroud 538
9. 10 Tim Canipe 286
10. 17 Curtis Pardue 284
11. 23 Tommy Ballard 268
12. 2 Dell Bost 232
13. 73 Colt Gilliam 184
14. 8 Danny Crump Jr. 116
15. 99 Ricky Matherly 74

MINI-STOCKS

1. 6 Waylon Flynn 716
2. 24 A J Sanders 678
3. 48 Doug Setzer 612
4. 66 Walter Hoke 574
5. 5 Barry Kanipe 558
6. 14 Shorty York Jr. R 484
7. 37 Allen Huffman 428
8. 11 Archie Sanders 424
9. 71 Andrew Sanders 420
10. 17 Darrell Flynt R 370
11. 09 Shane Canipe 344
12. 44 Jason Bustle 294
13. 0 Greg Butcher 250
14. 00 Hank Hefner 248
15. 04 Mitch Warlick 202

CAMPTON STREET STOCKS

1. 64 Marshall Sutton 718
2. 03 Kevin Eby 656
3. 16 Jonathan Smith 646
4. 21 Chad Eades 624
5. 22 Donald Little 570
6. 5 Mike Newton 522
7. 13 Daniel Huffman 506
8. 8 Brian Huffman R 472
9. 20 Jonathan Jennings 388
10. 9 Fred Reese 262
11. 11 Jim Henneborn 188
12. 1 David Manis 176
13. 10 Chris Russell 130
14. 4 Chris Ward 128
15. 17 Jackie Kincaid 116

MISS HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY 2004 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE!

Newton, NC……….Track Management at Hickory Motor Speedway announced today that the search has begun for the 2004 Miss Hickory Motor Speedway.

The position of Miss Hickory Motor Speedway is a tradition that dates back to the opening of the track in 1951. Hickory Motor Speedway has hosted a long line of beauties over the course of 50 some years, and 2004 promises to be no exception.

The requirements to be elected Miss Hickory Motor Speedway are as follows:

Young ladies only
Single, no children
Age 18 to 25
Available Race Nights March through October
A great smile
A love of racing!

Applications are available at Speedway Offices during regular business hours, and at the Speedway Women’s Club booth on Race Nights.

For more information on Hickory Motor Speedway, log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com or call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

McCall goes Green to Checkers at Hickory
by Stephanie Houser

Matt McCall wins the Late Model stocks feature at Hickory Motor Speedway August 2nd

Newton, NC – Matt McCall of Denver, NC, started his #23 Sonic/Hot Wheels Chevy on the point Saturday night and pulled through in high style to take home the win, leading all 100-laps of the Late Model Stocks event at Hickory Motor Speedway on “Big Brothers / Big Sisters Night at the Races.”

McCall captured the pole with a 15.228 qualifying time, while #95 Keith Bumgarner started on the outside pole with a 15.265. #15 Matt Carter started in the third spot, followed by defending HMS Champ #01 Pete Silva in fourth and #21 Brian Connor rounding out the top five.

As the green flag waved to get the racing underway, McCall quickly took off while Silva put the pressure on Carter for third. Silva, displaying the speed and driving skills that won him the 2002 HMS Track Championship, made his way by Carter, then drove up under Bumgarner and took over the second spot by the close of lap 2. Silva went to work chasing down the #23 machine, as the leaders pulled away from the field in a single-file line.

Just as McCall began to increase his lead over the #01 black machine, he was slowed on lap 20 when the first caution flag of the night waved after #44 Eddy Cox and #12 Trevor Hignutt got too close together, leaving Hignutt spinning around as the two machines exited turn 4. Under the caution, Connor gave up his fifth place spot to head down pit road to work on his machine, yielding the fifth position to Rookie of the Year challenger #74 Allison Duncan on the restart.

McCall sailed off to a clear lead, as Bumgarner started showing his strength on Silva’s machine for the second spot. Bumgarner tucked in close behind Silva for several laps and made his way by on lap 44, to take over the second position.

With Bumgarner focused on chasing down McCall’s leading machine, the second caution flag of the night waved on lap 46, when the #05 machine of Danny Chafin went spinning out of turn 4. McCall led the field back to the restart, with Carter knocking on the door of the #01 machine for third. Carter stayed on Silva’s bumper for several laps, and made his way by on lap 51, taking over the position. By lap 55, Duncan had closed in on Silva’s bumper and took over the fourth spot.

McCall extended his lead lap-by-lap, leaving no chance for Bumgarner to battle him for the top spot. McCall took the checkered flag, picking up his long-awaited second victory of the season. Bumgarner finished in second spot, ending his six-in-a-row winning streak for the #95 Country Chair Racing Team. Carter rolled his Kikkoman Chevy home in third, followed by Duncan in fourth and Silva fifth.

“It was definitely the horsepower for us tonight. We just hit on something and had us a great run,” said McCall.

The “Big 10 Series” Super Trucks ran a double-feature Saturday night with newcomer #41 Andy Smith grabbing the pole for both 25-lap events.

Smith led the field to the green flag in the first event, battling with defending Trucks Champ #03 Kerry Lawrence for the top spot. However, on lap 20, Lawrence cut a tire down, causing Smith to crash into him along the back straightaway. The two trucks were forced to pit to repair their machines and restart at the rear of the field. Points Leader #16 Mack Little took over the lead and scored the victory, followed by #32 Gene Cornwell in second and #2 Jonathan Doster finishing in third.

In the second 25-lap event, Smith returned to the track to lead the way over the field, determined to keep his Ford truck in the top spot this time. Smith captured his first-ever trophy at HMS, followed by Little in second and Lawrence in third.

In the HMS Pro-Cups, #6 Waylon Flynn started on the point and led all 30-laps of the event. #75 Colby Whitworth finished in the second spot, followed by #00 Brandon Dean in third.

The Mini-Stocks ran a 25-lap event, with #10 Tim Canipe capturing the pole and pulling through to take home the win. #6 Waylon Flynn came in second, and #5 Barry Kanipe finished in the third spot.

The Campton Street Stocks raced a 25-lap event, with #64 Marshall Sutton claiming his sixth victory of the season. Pole sitter #03 Kevin Eby finished in the second position, followed by #16 Jonathan Smith in third.

Next week Hickory Motor Speedway will be back in action with the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series featuring the Late Model Stocks, twin 25’s Super Truck events, HMS Pro-Cups, Mini-Stocks, Campton Street Stocks, and the visiting Inex “600 Racing” Legends cars when Sig’s Tire Centers presents “Catawba Science Center Night at the Races.”

2003 HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY SEASON STATISTICS
as ofAugust 3, 2003

Car # Driver Wins Poles #Races per division

LATE MODEL STOCKS

23 Matt McCall 2 5 16
86 Catfish Parker 5 6
8 Jamie Yelton 1
15 Matt Carter 2 3
95 Keith Bumgarner 7 1

SUPER TRUCKS

16 Mack Little 8 9 15
03 Kerry Lawrence 3 2
7 Bobby Reed 1
20 Eric King 1
12 Jeremy Pelfrey 1 1
76 Jeff Adkins 1
41 Andy Smith 1 2

HMS PRO-CUPS

75 Colby Whitworth 3 5 14
10 Tim Canipe 2
5 Rick Hale 3 4
6 Waylon Flynn 6 5

MINI-STOCKS

44 Jason Bustle 1 3 14
24 A J Sanders 2 1
09 Shane Canipe 1
6 Waylon Flynn 7 6
48 Doug Setzer 2
10 Tim Canipe 2 2

CAMPTON STREET STOCKS

03 Kevin Eby 3 3 14
64 Marshal Sutton 6 2
16 Jonathan Smith 3 6
21 Chad Eades 2 1
9 Fred Reese 2

HMS RACE RESULTS AUGUST 2, 2003

LATE MODEL STOCKS
1. 23 Matt McCall P
2. 95 Keith Bumgarner
3. 15 Matt Carter
4. 74 Allison Duncan
5. 01 Pete Silva
6. 21 Brian Connor
7. 29 Mark Johnson
8. 05 Danny Chafin
9. 44 Eddy Cox
10. 44s Ray Short Jr.
11. 92 Jay Norville
12. 12 Trevor Hignutt

TRUCKS Race #1
1. 16 Mack Little
2. 32 Gene Cornwell
3. 2 Jonathan Doster
4. 7 Bobby Reed
5. 24 Jennifer McMurray
6. 76 Jeff Adkins
7. 44 Ben Ebeling
8. 35 Chris Lewis
9. 10 Wade Hoilman
10. 11 Shannon Miller
11. 3 Jeff Garrison
12. 41 Andy Smith P
13. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey
14. 23 Blane Aarup
15. 03 Kerry Lawrence
16. 5 David Mercer
17. 45 Kenneth Pardue

TRUCKS Race #2
1. 41 Andy Smith P
2. 16 Mack Little
3. 3 Jeff Garrison
4. 03 Kerry Lawrence
5. 7 Bobby Reed
6. 32 Gene Cornwell
7. 76 Jeff Adkins
8. 24 Jennifer McMurray
9. 44 Ben Ebeling
10. 12 Jeremy Pelfrey
11. 23 Blane Aarup
12. 45 Kenneth Pardue
13. 5 David Mercer
14. 35 Chris Lewis
15. 2 Jonathan Doster
16. 10 Wade Hoilman
17. 11 Shannon Miller

PRO-CUP
1. 6 Waylon Flynn P
2. 75 Colby Whitworth
3. 00 Brandon Dean
4. 11 Rance Hume
5. 21 Todd Harrington
6. 5 Rick Hale
7. 8 Danny Crump Jr.
8. 20 Brandon Weaver
9. 15 Mandy Stroud
10. 17 Curtis Pardue
11. 10 Tim Canipe
12. 13 Derrick Harmon

MINI-STOCKS
1. 10 Tim Canipe
2. 6 Waylon Flynn
3. 5 Barry Kanipe
4. 66 Walter Hoke
5. 71 Andrew Sanders
6. 11 Archie Sanders
7. 24 A J Sanders
8. 75 Allen Huffman
9. 14 Shorty York Jr.
10. 51 Tony Kanipe
11. 48 Doug Setzer
12. 00 Hank Hefner

STREET STOCKS
1. 64 Marshall Sutton
2. 03 Kevin Eby P
3. 16 Jonathan Smith
4. 22 Donald Little
5. 21 Chad Eades
6. 43 Jeremy Pelfrey
7. 5 Mike Newton
8. 20 Jonathan Jennings
9. 1 David Manis
10. 15 Chuck Suddreth
11. 81 Ken Dillard
12. 13 Daniel Huffman
13. 31 Baron Kuritzky
14. 33 Gary Deitz
9 Fred Reese

HICKORY MOTOR SPEEDWAY HOSTS “BIG BROTHERS / BIG SISTERS NIGHT”

Newton, NC……….. This Saturday, August 2, 2003, Hickory Motor Speedway will play host to “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Catawba Valley” to help draw attention to the organization and their plight.

Charities are often hardest hit and first to feel the effects of high unemployment rates and uncertain economic times….. just when their services are needed most. BBBS has recently experienced significant financial setbacks, with the end of their 25-year sponsorship by the Family Guidance Center. BBBS has been in existence in Catawba County since 1978, with the mission of providing caring, responsible volunteers to be mentors for children who are in need of a positive role model.

After a successful fundraiser, “500 Who Believe”, the program was able to continue operation; however, with no government funding, they continue to need the financial support of the community. The program currently depends on community donations, fundraising, and grants to provide Catawba County with this very valuable service.

BBBS will be selling tickets at HMS on Saturday in a 50/50 cash prize drawing and accepting donations to raise funds for the program. Winner will be announced that night. BBBS will also provide information on how their organization works and how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. There are currently many children in the program in need of a mentor. Volunteers are always needed, and volunteer opportunities are very flexible and accommodating to each person’s individual schedule.

Racing action resumes after last week’s USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Galaxy Foods 250, with the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series. With only four races left in the 2003 points season, division battles are heating up. All hands will be on deck with races from the Late Model Stocks, HMS Pro-Cups, Mini-Stocks, Street Stocks, and two separate Super Trucks events, all on the same night.

For more information on the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, contact Beth Brannon at 828 324 1920. For more information on Hickory Motor Speedway, log on to www.hickorymotorspeedway.com or call Speedway Offices at 828 464 3655 / 465 5017 fax.

normal testing session at the track proves to be a day that young 17 year-old Caleb Winright will never forget

Huntersville, NC (July 25, 2003) – From the time that Caleb Winright was three years old, he has wanted to become a race car driver. On July 24, 2003, Caleb put another notch on the belt of his racing career in pursuing that dream. For the first time in his career Caleb sat behind the wheel of a Big 10 Series Super Truck at the Birthplace of NASCAR Stars, Hickory Motor Speedway (HMS), driving the #24 McMurray Racing Chevrolet. Upon arrival at the track, Caleb found a huge surprise as the 17 Tide Truck team driven by Darrell Waltrip was in attendance testing their truck for the upcoming race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The 17 year-old Winright got some solid racing advice and memories that will last a lifetime from the driver of the #17 Tide Ride.

Caleb was born in Columbus, Indiana and raised in Edon, Ohio and began racing full size Street Stock cars at the age of 14. He has experience driving Street Stocks, Legends cars and IMCA Modifieds at a variety of tracks in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. A few months ago, Caleb persuaded his family to move closer to the heart of stock car racing in the Carolinas, so that he could follow his passion and dream.

“I’m thrilled to be able to get back behind the wheel and driving. It has given me the ‘itch’ to go out and compete again and I can’t wait to see what kinds of opportunities will open up for me. The test allowed me to get comfortable behind the wheel of a Super-Truck. My last racing experience was with an open wheel modified in which I won “Rookie of the Year,” but the handling of a modified is very different from that of a full size truck. I want to thank Village Jewelers for helping me to have a very successful session at the track,” Caleb stated afterwards. Village Jewelry has a history of providing the finest jewelry in the area and is located in Kannapolis, North Carolina. They are excited to have helped Caleb in hopes that they found a “diamond” in the rough.

Also in attendance at the test was Shane Huffman, the 1999 HMS Late Model Champion and current points leader in the USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Southern Series standings. With Huffman’s help, Caleb was quickly turning lap times that were only a few tenths of a second from the pole position speeds in the Super Truck Series. Over the next few months, Caleb is seeking a full-time ride in a weekly racing series as well as local sponsorship.

The # 24 McMurray Racing Truck competes in the Big Ten Series Super-Truck division at Hickory Motor Speedway with 16 year-old Jennifer McMurray behind the wheel. Jennifer and the team are currently challenging for the Rookie-of-the-Year award in the Big Ten Series Super Truck division.

The planning and securing of the test and sponsorship were handled by Todd Smartt, Corporate Sales Associate at Hawk Sports Management. “We were glad to help this young man in setting up this testing session and we look forward to following his career and working with him in the future,” Smartt said. Long time racing friend of Hawk Sports and no stranger to HMS, Rick Howard initially suggested that Hawk Sports should assist Caleb. Rick’s advice was sound as Caleb quickly began turning competitive laps around the 3/8th of a mile track. For more information on Hawk Sports Management, visit www.hawk-sports.com.

Historic Hickory Motor Speedway Hosts USAR

MYRTLE BEACH, SC – Hickory Motor Speedway will host the first of two USAR Hooters ProCup Series races this season on Saturday, July 26. The Galaxy Foods 250 presented by Pepsi will be the 10th race of the regular season for the Southern Division. The track will also host the final regular season race of the season for the Series before the five-race Championship Series begins.
Bobby Gill has won three-times at the historic track including last year when he outlasted a hard-charging Jason Sarvis during his record-setting year. Current points leader in the Southern Division Shane Huffman finally got some hometown luck to collect a top-five finish at his home track.
“We always look forward to running at home,” said Huffman. “I have won a lot of races on that track and it feels good to run in front of so many of my family and friends. It would feel great to get a win there as well.”
The Galaxy Foods 250 presented by Pepsi will also be a homecoming for several more drivers and teams that call the Hickory, NC area home. Mike Williams and Ronnie Davidson have both raced at Hickory with the pair from nearby Conover and Lenoir, respectively. Jimmy McClain has also collected a lot of laps and wins at the tight .363-mile bullring.
Mart Nesbitt competed at the track as a late model competitor in the mid-1990’s and enjoys running near his hometown in western North Carolina.
“I like the track and it reminds me a lot of Asheville Speedway where I won two track championships,” said Nesbitt. “It is the closest race to our hometown and it will be nice to run close enough so many family and friends can come down and watch the race in person.”
Historically the races at Hickory are competitive with a good crowd expected for the race. The Galaxy Foods 250 presented by Pepsi will be the seventh USAR Hooters ProCup Series race held at the track with Derrick Kelley, Lee Tissot and Mario Gosselin also collecting wins at the track in addition to the three wins by Gill.
For more information about the Galaxy Foods 250 please contact Hickory Motor Speedway at (828) 464-3655.

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