Rules and Entry Form

Tires and Procedures Announced for SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear

Lakeland, Florida - Officials from the Midwest-based Champion Racing Association (CRA) Super Series, the Southern-based FASCAR/Sunbelt Super Series and USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida have just released tire information for this year’s SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear.  Super Late Model teams, Crate Late Model teams and fans will gather at USA International Speedway January 24-26, 2008 for the fourth installment of the “North vs. South” battle at the renowned Florida facility.  The 2008 version will feature for the first time Crate Late Models in the Crate Late Model Challenge. 

The tires for both series events will be the Goodyear 2602 10-inch racing tires.  It is important to note that these are the new generation Goodyear tires.  For the entire weekend, any practice tires that are purchased must be removed from impound and may not be used for racing, only for emergency flat tire changes. When the gates open Thursday, no tires will be pre-pulled and only practice tires will be pulled and mounted first. There is a complete Tire Process Schedule Of Events. All teams will draw for race tire selection beginning on Thursday morning at 11am, Super Late Models draw will end at 3:30pm. At 4pm, Super Late Models may then come back to select and mount there four tires for Friday’s racing activities by order of the draw. At the end of Thursday’s practice session, Super Late Models may only hold four tires for Friday’s qualifying in impound.

On Friday practice tires for all cars and remaining Super Late Models race tires may be picked from 9:30am until 11am. At 11am Crate Late Models only may select Friday Race Tires in their draw order. At 3:30pm on Friday Super Late Models Qualifying Tires will be released. At 4:45pm Crate Late Model Qualifying Tires will be released. At 6:30pm on Friday, Super Late Models may select Saturday race tires from Friday’s Qualifying Draw Order.

On Saturday practice tires for all cars and remaining Super Late Model Saturday Race Tires may be picked from 11:30am until 12:30pm. At 12:30pm Crate Late Models can select Saturday Race Tires from Friday’s Qualifying Draw order. At 3:30pm Saturday Race Tires will be released for scuffing for both divisions. At 4:30pm on Saturday there will be a scuffing session for both divisions at 4:30pm.

The complete Tire Process Schedule Of Events and an updated Schedule Of Events are available at: www.craracing.net, www.fascar.org, or www.usaspeedway.com. Contact the CRA Super Series office at 812-883-0455 for entry information. 

Speedfest Tire Procedure Schedule

Tim Russell Ready to Start 2008 Just Like He Ended 2007 At Speedfest

After Three Championships in 2007, Russell Wants a Big Win In 2008

LONGWOOD, FL (January 16, 2008 ) – The hardware on the Tim Russell's mantle following the 2007 season was rather impressive.  It included championship trophies for the Florida State Super Late Model Championship, the Triple Crown Championship, the Brighthouse Challenge Series Championship and the 2007 Sunbelt Championship. 

This year, he wants to add another trophy beside all of the others… the 2008 Speedfest winner's trophy.  Russell will start his 2008 season by competing with his #36 Rinnai Super Late Model at the preseason event at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on January 24 ^th-26^th. 

"We ended up the year on a really, really good note last year by winning four championships," said Russell.  "So we just reset our goals for this year and raised the bar up a little bit more.  We tested down there recently.  The car was really good and really comfortable.  We are really excited about going to the race."

And Russell has plenty of reason to be excited.  In six races at USA International Speedway last season, Russell finished no worse than eighth (in last year's running of Speedfest), while collecting a win and three podium finishes.

He hopes to keep the streak alive come the end of January.

"It is just a fun race track to race on.  It is a fast track.  There is a lot of room to race and it's so smooth.  It's just a very fast track.  It is hard to find a nicer short track than that in the country.  The place just lends itself to good racing."

The Speedfest event, in its fourth year, brings some of the best Super Late Model drivers from around the country to the .75-mile track.  With racing season in the North not set to begin for several months, Speedfest normally sees in influx of Midwest and Northeast drivers.  This year is no different, with names like Northeast stars Mike Rowe, Ben Rowe, Cassius Clark and Corey Williams; defending Speedfest winner Eddie Hoffman and fellow CRA Champion Scott Hantz; and even NASCAR Sprint Cup stars Kyle Busch and David Stremme entering the event.

"The competition looks like it is going to be top notch this year.  I think we will have to be ready to go and be fast right out of the box.  But I like our chances and think we will be one of the contenders for the win. 

"It's a blast to get to race against those guys.  They don't get to race up there during the winter like we do, so it's nice to see them come down here.  It is different to race with them and nice to get to test your skill level against the best from the North.

Speedfest 2008 will begin with a practice day on Thursday, January 24^th.  On Friday, there will be two 100-lap events, one for the teams from the North, and another for teams from the South.  Then, Saturday will feature a 200-lap, $10,000-to-win main event.

For more information on Tim Russell, please contact Jason Buckley at (704) 788-2134 and check out Tim's official website, www.timrussell36.com.

NASCAR Star Kyle Busch to Compete In Super Late Model Event At SpeedFest 2008

NOS Energy Drink To Sponsor 200 Lap Super Late Event

Salem, IN (January 15, 2008) – Officials of SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear have announced that NASCAR star Kyle Busch will be competing in the NOS Energy Drink 200 Presented By Goodyear, the Super Late Model portion of SpeedFest 2008 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on Friday, January 25^th and Saturday, January 26^th. Busch will be competing in his own Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota with famed Crew Chief Ritchie Wauters turning the wrenches.

"I’m really looking forward to coming to race at SpeedFest against the some of the top late model racers in the country,” remarked Busch. “I have invested a lot of money in these type race cars because I really enjoy this type of racing. The Super Late Models are a blast to race in, especially at an awesome track like USA International Speedway.”

Busch was heavily involved with the NASCAR Test at Daytona International Speedway over the past two weeks. He was consistently at the top of the speed charts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing, driving his new M & M Chocolate Candy Toyota for Joe Gibbs Motorsports. Busch plans to do triple duty at Daytona in February competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup event, the Nationwide Series event and in the Craftsman Truck Series event. Busch was one of the fastest in the recent Daytona Craftsman Truck Series test, driving the Ballew Motorsports Toyota.

Busch finished fifth in NASCAR Sprint Cup points in 2007 getting one victory, which was his fourth overall victory in the Cup series. Busch has 11 wins in the Nationwide Series including four in 2007 and six wins with the Craftsman Truck Series including two in 2007. Busch competed in the CRA Super Series sanctioned Winchester 400 late model event in October of 2007. Busch had his day end early after a loose wheel broke several wheel studs on his right rear. Besides his busy NASCAR schedule, Busch raced in several late model events through out the country in 2007 and plans to do the same in 2008.

NOS Energy Drink will be the sponsor of the 200 lap Super Late Model event at Speedfest 2008 Presented by Goodyear. NOS Energy Drink will also be the sponsor of Kyle Busch’s Super Late Model at SpeedFest. NOS High Performance Energy Drink has become one of the top energy drinks on the market and has built its marketing around Motorsports. NOS High Performance Energy Drink will be doing several local marketing promotions in the Lakeland area leading up to Speedfest 2008. More information on NOS High Performance Energy Drink is available at www.drinknos.com.

SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida is a co-promoted event involving USA International Speedway, the CRA Super Series and FASCAR’s Sunbelt Series. The event will include Super Late Models with North/South 100 lap qualifying races on Friday, January 25^th and the NOS Energy Drink 200 Presented By Goodyear on Saturday, January 26^th. Also the event will include for the first time ever the Crate Late Model Challenge for ASA Late Model Series type cars which will have North/South 25 lap qualifying races on Friday, January 25^th and a 100 lap event on Saturday, January 26^th.

Busch and fellow NASCAR racer David Stremme, who will also be competing in SpeedFest 2008, will be part of the on track autograph session with both competing divisions drivers at approximately 6:15pm on the Saturday night of SpeedFest 2008. Saturday nights racing program will begin at 8pm.

Advanced tickets for both nights of racing for SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-984-RACE. Entry forms, rules, a schedule of activities and additional information can be found at any of the following sites: craracing.net, fascar.org, asalatemodels.com or usaspeedway.com.

Howard Johnson Inn Executive Center Is The Official Hotel Of SpeedFest 2008

Salem, IN (January 7, 2008) – Officials of SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear have announced that the Howard Johnson Executive Center in Lakeland, Florida is the Official Hotel of the event. The hotel is located at 3311 Highway 98 North, off exit 32 of I-4. For reservations contact the Howard Johnson Executive Center at 863-688-7972, ask for the SpeedFest 2008 special rate.

SpeedFest 2008 Presented By Goodyear at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida is a co-promoted event involving USA International Speedway, the CRA Super Series and FASCAR's Sunbelt Series. The event will include Super Late Models with North/South 100 lap qualifying races on Friday, January 25 ^th and the SpeedFest 200 Presented By Goodyear on Saturday, January 26^th. Also the event will include for the first time ever the Crate Late Model Challenge for ASA Late Model Series type cars which will have North/South 25 lap qualifying races on Friday, January 25 ^th and a 100 lap event on Saturday, January 26^th.

Entry forms, rules, a schedule of activities and additional information can be found at any of the following sites: craracing.net, fascar.org, asalatemodels.com or usaspeedway.com. Please contact the CRA Super Series office at 812-883-0455 with any additional questions.

RaceTrailerSales.com To Sponsor Qualifying Awards At SpeedFest 2008

Salem, IN (January 2, 2008) – Officials of SpeedFest 2008 and Ricky Sanders Motorsports have announced that RaceTrailerSales.com will be an Award Sponsor with the upcoming SpeedFest 2008 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on January 25^th & 26^th, 2008.  RaceTrailerSales.com will sponsor the RaceTrailerSales.com Fast Qualifier Awards for both divisions competing in SpeedFest 2008. RaceTrailerSales.com will award $100 cash bonus to both the Super Late Models North and South Fast Qualifiers for the their100 lap North and South qualifying races on Friday, January 25^th. RacetrailerSales.com will award $100 cash bonus to both the Crate Late Model Challenge North and South Fast Qualifiers for their 25 lap North and South qualifying races on Friday, January 25^th.

RaceTrailerSales.com offers a wide variety of New Trailers, Used Trailers, Race Team Transporters, Custom Motor Homes, Custom Toterhomes, Hospitality Trailers, and Custom Trailers. RaceTrailerSales.com has over thirty years experience in the Motorsports industry and understands the importance and difference a hauler can make on the team. By owning and operating professional teams RaceTrailerSales.com is able to better understand each clients individual needs. RaceTrailerSales.com is a division of Ricky Sanders Motorsports, which is owned and operated by Stockbridge, Georgia racecar driver Ricky Sanders, who also owns PitBoxes.com and InViron Game Environments. More information is available on RaceTrailerSales.com at www.racetrailersales.com or call them toll free at 888-274-8679.

SpeedFest 2008 is a co-promoted event involving USA International Speedway, the CRA Super Series and FASCAR’s Sunbelt Series. The event will include Super Late Models who will compete in 100 lap North/South Qualifying races on Friday, January 25^th and a 200-lap feature event on Saturday, January 26^th. For the first time ever the Crate Late Model Challenge for ASA Late Model Series type cars will also be a part of SpeedFest 2008 with 25 lap North/South Qualifying races on Friday January 25^th and a 100 lap feature event on Saturday, January 26^th. There will be advanced parking, pre-tech for the Super Late Models and an open practice for both divisions on Thursday, January 24^th.   

Advanced early entries for both events are due by January 11^th, after that teams will have to pay a late fee and the Super Late Model teams will not be eligible for bonuses and will not have their numbers secured in advance. Entry forms, rules, and a schedule of activities can be found at any of the following sites: craracing.net, fascar.org, asalatemodels.com or usaspeedway.com. Please contact the CRA Super Series office at 812-883-0455 with any additional questions.

AP Racing To Sponsor Hardcharger Award At SpeedFest 2008

For over 30 years AP Racing has had one aim, to create winners on the racetrack. The world of Motorsports has changed over the years, during that time AP Racing has spearheaded every major development in brake technology. Essex Parts Services now offers one of the most complete lines of Stock Car racing brake products available anywhere. A large range of sizes and options are offered to cover the entire spectrum of Stock Car racing, from high-banked super speedways to the 3/8-mile ovals. Winning Stock car teams all across the USA uses AP Racing brake products. AP Racing Brake Systems and Brake Fluid can be purchased through Essex Parts Services located in Cramerton, North Carolina by calling Brian Hoppe at 704-674-7762, or visit their web site at www.essexparts.com.

SpeedFest 2008 is a co-promoted event involving USA International Speedway, the CRA Super Series and FASCAR's Sunbelt Series. The event will include Super Late Models and for the first time ever the Crate Late Model Challenge for ASA Late Model Series type cars which will have North/South 25 lap qualifying races on Friday, January 25 ^th and a 100 lap event on Saturday, January 26^th.

Advanced early entries for both events are due by January 11^th, after that teams will have to pay a late fee and the Super Late Model teams will not be eligible for bonuses and will not have their numbers secured in advance. Entry forms, rules, and a schedule of activities can be found at any of the following sites: craracing.net, fascar.org, asalatemodels.com or usaspeedway.com. Please contact the CRA Super Series office at 812-883-0455 with any additional questions.

NASCAR Nextel Cup Driver David Stremme First To Enter SpeedFest 2008

Lakeland, FL (November 29, 2007) – NASCAR Nextel Cup driver David Stemme is the first official entry for SpeedFest 2008 to be held at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida on Friday, January 25^th and Saturday, January 26^th. Stemme finished 24^th in 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup points and secured an 11^th place finish in the season ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Stremme, a former competitor in the CRA Super Series, also competed in this past season’s CRA Super Series sanctioned Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway on October 14^th, were he got a third place finish after starting the event on the tail. 

Stremme will compete in all the Super Late Model events and he will bring a second car to compete in all the Crate Late Model Challenge events as well. On Friday, January 25^th the Super Late Models will compete in twin 100 lap Qualifying races, one for the North drivers, one for the South drivers with the top 10 finishers in each event transferring to Saturday’s SpeedFest 200.  Additional qualifying and last chance races will help fill out the 36-car field for the 200-lap event featuring the best Super Late Model drivers in the country and NASCAR’s David Stremme on Saturday, January 26^th.

Crate Late Models will be part of SpeedFest for the first time in 2008. The ASA Late Model Series supported Crate Late Model Challenge will consist of events on Friday and Saturday night of SpeedFest. There will be twin 25 lap Qualifying races for the North and South cars on Friday with the top ten from each event transferring to the 100 lap Crate Late Model Challenge on Saturday. Qualifying and last chance races will help fill out the field for Saturday’s 100 lap event featuring the best Crate Late Model drivers in the country battling NASCAR’s David Stremme.

SpeedFest 2008 will be under the direction of CRA’s Glenn Luckett and R. J. Scott and FASCAR’s Don Nerone. The series’ will also be co-promoting the event with the speedway. While these sanctioning bodies will direct the on-track activities, officials want to be very clear that this is an “open” event. 

Advanced early entries for both events are due by January 11^th, after that teams will have to pay a late fee and the Super Late Model teams will not be eligible for bonuses and will not have their numbers secured if they enter after the January 11^th early entry deadline. Entry forms, rules, and a schedule of activities can be found at any of the following sites: craracing.net, fascar.org, asalatemodels.com or usaspeedway.com.

Super Late Model "SpeedFest" to Return to USA International Speedway in January 2006

Lakeland,FL (August 5, 2005) – Officials from the Midwest-based Champion Racing Association (CRA) Super Series, the Southern-based FASCAR/Sunbelt Super Series and USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida have combined to announce the dates for the "2006 SpeedFest" at the beautiful central Florida facility. Super Late Model teams and fans will gather at the event, January 26-28, 2006.

In January of 2005 60 teams took part in the first "SpeedFest" that brought all the different teams and sanctioning bodies together. The first 100-lap event was one by Florida’s Mike Fritts, while Wisconsin’s Charlie Menard won the Mark III Conversions 200-lap finale.

"The 2005 SpeedFest was a great event for our facility and fans as well as the Late Model teams," noted USA International Speedway promoter Bill Martino. "It was a true battle of North vs. South, like we had envisioned, and I believe everyone went away thinking it was truly a great event. We knew right then that we would come back and do it again… and even better."

The event will be under the direction of CRA’s Glenn Luckett and R. J. Scott and FASCAR’s Don Nerone. The series’ will also be co-promoting the event with the speedway. While the on-track activities will be directed by these sanctioning bodies, officials want to be very clear that this is an "open" event.

"We welcome teams from all over the country and different organizations to be part of this weekend in 2006," commented CRA managing partner R. J. Scott. "While the January 2005 race was open to any driver, the 2006 version will have an even more "open" format. We are still working on all the details, but feel like everyone will be pleased when we announce them."

The weekend will culminate with a $10,000-to-win, 200-lap event on Saturday night featuring ALL the stars and cars attempting to make the star-studded starting field.

FASCAR President Don Nerone was pleased with the parity that the 2005 rules package brought to the cars from the North and the South. "Everyone was curious about how things would turn out with the rules in the last event, but we felt we would be pretty close, and the results proved that we were. I can only foresee minor adjustments in the rules to improve the parity even more."

Martino went on to add, "even though we are still a half a year away, we wanted to give everyone as much advance notice as possible. There is a lot of planning that goes into it for the teams and fans, as well as us as promoters." Information on rules, entry forms and schedules, will be released through these and other channels when they become available in the near future.

For more information on the race track or series involved and the rest of their schedules, interested parties can visit: www.craracing.net, www.fascar.org, or www.usaspeedway.com.