STRONG FIELD OF ENTRANTS BUILDING FOR
SEASON ENDING HALLOWEEN 200 ON OCT. 25
SALEM, IN, October 16 – Entries and story lines are loading up for the 21st running of one of the most anticipated events of the season at Salem Speedway, where the Halloween 200, presented by Smoker Friendly Discount Tobacco, is set for Sunday afternoon, October 25th.
“It’s difficult to image a more intense and exciting race,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton. “The reputation of this event magnifies with each running. The past 20 races have produced a multitude of thrilling moments and exciting finishes.”
Nothing less is expected when the 2009 edition of the $5,000 to win street stock classic rolls off at 1 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 25).
Sporting an entry list spiced with wily veterans, young chargers and five former race winners the competition level is again expected to be outstanding.
“The quality of the cars in this race has increased ten-fold over what was once seen,” said Deaton. “The starting field numbers are down somewhat from the early years, but the quality of the competition has skyrocketed of late. That has made for some great racing action.”
In past years as many as 101 cars have lined up three abreast on the .555-mile, 33 degree banked oval and taken the green flag for 111-miles of non-stop, fender-to-fender competition.
The grueling 200-lap race presents a major challenge to all teams in terms of car and driver endurance. Drivers realize that anything can happen in the blink of an eye on the lightning-fast high banks.
Chuck Barnes Sr. had to overcome late race cautions one year ago, which sent the race to overtime and expanded the distance to 208 laps, in recording an unprecedented sixth Halloween 200 victory.
The Louisville, Ky., veteran, the all-time win leader at Salem Speedway, held off Brian Hopkins of New Castle, Ind., for the 2008 win.
Former Firecracker 200 winners, Todd Kempf (2001) of Huntingburg, Ind., and John Collins (2003) of Sellersburg have also filed entries for the 2009 Halloween 200.
Other notable drivers expected include Brett Hudson of Owensboro, Brian Bayer of Birdseye, Ind., John Heck of Indianapolis, David Bayens of Memphis, Ind., Blake Hillard of Owensboro and Brian Hopkins of New Castle, Ind.
Midwest sprint car ace, Kevin Feeney of Oxford, Mich., who holds the Salem Speedway overall one-lap track record of 14.377-seconds, has also been tabbed to make his first Halloween 200 start.
Feeney, a three-time winner at Salem in winged sprint car competition, is scheduled to drive a car entered by Steve Stewart of Salem.
Spectator gates open at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday (Oct. 25), with practice slated for 10 a.m., and the start of the Halloween 200, presented by Smoker Friendly Discount Tobacco at 1 p.m. (EDT).
Advance general admission tickets are priced at $13 for adults and $3 for children (age 7-12). Kids, age 6 and under, are admitted free with an adult. Advance reserved seat tickets are $18 each. All prices are $2 more weekend of race. For tickets or more information call 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.
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