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South Boston Speedway Announces Operation “BIG CHANCE” & Bailey’s Hometown Challenge Bonus

Operation “BIG CHANCE” is the code name for South Boston Speedway’s program to give one of its aspiring Late Model Stock Car drivers the opportunity to show their skills on National TV. Race fans will select one of five driver candidates to compete in South Boston’s April 7th Textilease Medique 300, an ASA ACDelco Series event. TNN will televise the event live, at 9pm. A promoter’s option will guarantee the Big Chance driver a starting spot.

The five drivers in contention for the ASA ride earned the opportunity by finishing in the top five positions in South Boston’s Late Model Points battle last season. They include Nick Woodward (High Point, NC), Rodney Sawyers (Ridgeway, VA), Brandon Butler (Chester, VA), Gilbert King (Chesterfield, SC), and Dean Ward (Winston-Salem, NC).

Balloting will take place at South Boston Speedway on Sunday, March 11th, in conjunction with South Boston inaugural event of the 2001 season, featuring the HOMEMAX 150 for NASCAR Late Models and the NASCAR Featherlite Modified 200. Fan can pick up their Big Chance Ballots in advance at participating Sheetz Convenience Stores, along with a coupon, good for $2 off the Gate Purchase of a General Admission Ticket for March 11th. Ballots will also be available at the track.

The Bailey’s Hometown Challenge Bonus will reward Late Model drivers that compete at South Boston Speedway on a regular basis. Drivers who attempt to qualify for at least 75% of South Boston’s Textilease sponsored NASCAR Late Model events, will be rewarded with a $500 bonus added to their race winnings from the November 11th Bailey’s 300 Hometown Challenge.

“Our fans are used to seeing the nation’s best NASCAR Late Model drivers compete here at South Boston”, commented Speedway Manager Cathy Rice. “ We hope that these two programs will let our current drivers know how much we appreciate the great show that they put on, and encourage new drivers to see if they have the metal to be winners at South Boston”, Rice concluded.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to get the chance to showcase our talent in front of some people that can impact our careers.” “I’ve been real fortunate, even more so, than the rest of these guys. Anyone one of us could benefit from this opportunity. I can’t say enough about what Bailey’s is doing for me and they are really doing a lot for the whole region.” Says Bailey’s sponsored driver, Brandon Butler.

Nick Woodward, 2000 SOuth BOston Speedway champion and Atlantic Seaboard Regional champ, gives his approval of the program. “I think it’s pretty cool that SOuth BOston is working to provide its drivers with a chance to race in a major touring series. ASA would be great for me, because it would provide some valuable pitstop experience. Having live national television is also a real advantage. This opportunity will get exposure for my sponsor (Hill’s Bros. Coffee) and help my career goals.”

The 2001 season at South Boston Speedway, “America’s Hometown Track”, gets underway on March 3rd with an open practice session, with the first weekend of racing set for March 10th & 11th. On March 10th the speedway will showcase its Supers Stocks, Pure Stock 4’s, Southern Vintage Modifieds, NASCAR Rolling Thunder Modifieds and NASCAR Limited Sportsman Divisions. On Sunday, March 11th, South Boston’s Textilease NASCAR Late Model Stocks will compete in the HOMEMAX 150, offering double points and $5,000 to win, followed by the featured event of the weekend, the NASCAR Featherlite Modified 200. Both of Sunday’s events will be televised on a tape delay basis on Fox Net Sports South and Home Team Sports.