MARCH 6, 2007 - USAC will return to race at Darlington
Raceway following a 51-year absence, track and series officials announced today,
with the Silver Crown Series presented by K&N Engineering to take to the
track for the first time ever later this season.
The decision was made following a successful two-day test
session held last week at the track "Too Tough To Tame." The 50-lap
race, which will encompass all laps being run under the green flag, will be run
under the lights on Thursday evening, May 10. Caution laps are not included in
the 50-lap total.
USAC cars last competed at Darlington Raceway in 1956, when
Pat O'Connor piloted his Sumar Special to victory on the Fourth of July.
Described as the world's most competitive major racing series
by Auto Racing Analysis, the Silver Crown Series celebrates its 37th
season in 2007. The 1,800-pound cars are powered by 750-800 horsepower engines
fueled by methanol, and are capable of achieving straightaway speeds in excess
of 190 mph on paved ovals longer than one mile.
The list of previous Silver Crown champions includes some of
the most famous names in racing, including Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Mario
Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader, Dave Blaney and Jason Leffler.
The addition of Darlington Raceway expands the series'
schedule to 15 races in 2007.
"We couldn't be happier to have the USAC Silver Crown
Series add Darlington Raceway to its schedule," said Raceway president
Chris Browning. "Each of us gains something unique as part of the deal.
USAC has the opportunity to showcase their sport to a new audience in an
entirely new venue, and Darlington has an exciting component to add to our race
weekend, enhancing the experience for our fans. These cars are very competitive
and a lot of fun to watch, and we expect them to put on a great show at our
track."
To introduce fans to this exciting new event at Darlington
Raceway, the track is offering a very affordable ticket price. Admission for the
entire day, which includes USAC Silver Crown Series practice and qualifying and
NASCAR Busch Series practice in the afternoon, followed by the 50-lap Silver
Crown race under the lights that evening, is only $10. Kids ages 12 and under
will be admitted free with a paid adult admission.
The 2007 Dodge Avenger 500 weekend will include practice and
qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series on Friday, May 11,
followed by the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 NASCAR Busch Series race under the
lights that evening. Denny Hamlin is the defending champion.
On Saturday, May 12, Darlington will host Cup Series racing
for the 58th consecutive season as Greg Biffle attempts to join the
short list of drivers to win three events in a row at NASCAR's most historic
venue. The 2007 Dodge Avenger 500 will be run under the lights in its entirety.
Tickets for all events are on sale now. For more information,
call the Raceway ticket hotline toll-free at 866.459.RACE, or visit www.racetickets.com.
Additional Contact: Darlington Raceway public relations:
(843) 395-8892.
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