LateModelStock.com - News

Drivers Set For All-Stars Season Opener

Columbia, SC (Mar 21, 2001) – All of the off-season moves, plans, sponsor jockeying and set-up come to a ferocious head this weekend as the Carolina Bad Boys and the rest of the ARA All-Stars invade the super fast half mile oval of Peach State Speedway for a special Sunday afternoon 200 lap event.

Leading the charge down I-85 is defending series champion Greg Marlowe, fresh off the heels of acquiring Southern Pride smokeless tobacco as his primary sponsor for the season. Marlowe, who finished third in last year’s only All-Star visit to Peach State, is considered a favorite not only in the season opener, but also in repeating as champion.

“I’m thrilled about this season,” says Marlowe. “We’ve got a tremendous sponsor in Southern Pride, and all the confidence in the world that we can win this thing again. I’m ready.”

Also ready, to challenge Marlowe, is Columbia’s 20 year-old young gun Westley Huffman, who owns the Late Model Stock track record at Peach State with a time of 18.73 seconds, giving him the pole position in last year’s event. Utilizing the expertise of Late Model veteran Dexter Canipe as crew chief and following an encouraging practice session two weeks ago, Huffman is confident in his chances entering into the weekend.

“We can sit on the pole and lead every lap,” says Huffman, who finished fifth in series points last year. However, with a combination of the size and layout of Peach State, Huffman knows you can’t take anything for granted when it comes to racing in Jefferson.

“It’s a fast track,” says Westley. “Things can happen very fast. You can feel great going into and through a turn, then coming out it can change quickly. Add the beating that the tires take there and it really opens up the competition.”

Scott Kilby

Making his ARA All-Star debut this weekend is Late Model phenom and former All-Pro Rookie of the Year Scott Kilby. Kilby sent shudders through the ARA ranks when he announced in February his intention to run the full 2001 season.

“Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does,” says series owner John Huffman. “The competition last year was amazing, and this year it’s getting even tougher. I’m encouraged to see all of the sponsorship the drivers are bringing to the series now compared to last year. That goes a long way towards raising the competition level.”

Other drivers to be on the lookout for this weekend include last year’s points runner-up Frampton Ferguson, 14 year-old sensation Stephen Lite, Josh Richeson, Kenny West, Stacy Vicars, Tim Weaver and J.R. Robbs. Georgia’s Christopher Allen is expected to be a strong contender as well.

“You never know who’s going to step up and take charge in this series,” says Huffman. “The rules are very restrictive and the cars are so evenly matched that a lot depends on which team nails the set-up, and which driver has the right attitude.”

The race will be taped for The Outdoor Channel, the ARA’s new television home for the 2001 season. It will air Sunday April 8th at 5:00 pm Eastern. Qualifying will take place on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. The green flag will fly on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Gates open at noon on Sunday.

Peach State Speedway is located in Jefferson, Georgia. Take the Commerce Exit 140 off of I-85 and follow the signs to the speedway.

ARA Late Model Stock All-Stars Opening Day
March 23rd - 25th, 2001 - Peach State Speedway

Friday 

Open Practice, 4:00pm - 7:00pm, $10 per person in pits.


Saturday: Practice and Qualifying

Pit Gates Open: 10:00am
Tech Opens: 10:00am
Practice: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Qualifying: 6:00pm

                     

Sunday: ARA Late Model Stock All-Stars 200

Divisions Scheduled: ARA Late Model Stock All-Stars 200 laps
Pit Gates Open: 10:00am
Grandstand Gates Open: 12:00pm
Heat Races (If Needed): 1:00pm
Feature: 2:00pm



Grandstand Tickets: Adults $15; Military, Seniors 
and Ages 13-18 $8; Ages 7-12 $2; Ages 6 & Under Free;
Family Pack (2 Adults & Kids 18 & Under) $30

Pit Gate Admission: Saturday and Sunday 
is $20 w/ARA License, $25 without ARA license