WINSTON WEST BACK AT IRWINDALE - LEAD CHANGE MARK IN JEPOARDY?

SNAP-ON 250 PRESENTED BY CITY OF HOPE

IRWINDALE, California - - "This is precisely what we designed this place for," said Ray Wilkings, "Fast competitive, side-by-side racing that brings out the best in both cars and drivers." The last time (June 19) that NASCAR's super-competitive Winston West Series invaded Irwindale Speedway there were 26 lead changes among 9 different drivers in 125 miles of racing. "That wasn't the all-time 'West' record (29 lead changes in 500 laps of racing) but it was the most lead changes per mile of a Winston West race ... Ever," the track Vice President, Chief Operating Officer proudly noted.

Track Knowledge = Even More Competitive Teams & Times The second and final 1999 visit of the NASCAR Winston West Series entitled the: "Snap On 250 presented by City of Hope" is scheduled for Saturday night, August 21, 1999 and promises to be even more competitive than the record-setting first visit. "All the tour teams know much more about the track, gearing, lines, tire wear, etcetera," said Kevin Green Winston West media coordinator. "They're all very excited about coming back to Irwindale, this track has become one of the favorites with everyone who's a part of the series. We know that our event came very close to selling the Speedway out in June, we want to do it this time," Green added.

Will the all-time Winston West lead change record fall at Irwindale on Saturday night ? "I wouldn't be surprised in the least," said the smiling Green, sounding very pleased with the prospect.

The Drivers This year's Winston West competitor list is a strong one. Series regulars include "old pros" and "young lions" in almost equal measure. Sean Woodside (Saugus, CA), Brandon Ash (Umpqua, OR), Austin Cameron (El Cajon, CA) Eric Norris (Dallas, TX), and Jason Small (Bakersfield, CA) being cast as the youth movement, with Butch Gilliland (Chino Hills, CA), Bill Sedgwick (Acton, CA), Steve Portenga (Sparks, NV), Joe Bean (San Diego, CA), and Mike Chase(Redding, CA) taking on the roles of the "old guard" of the West.

Just in case anyone wants know, none of the above "senior citizens" is about pull over and let any one of the above "whippersnappers" by. All of the above drivers (and about 25 others) will be striving mightily to put their name next to the "win" in Irwindale. It seems that what we have here a serious case of dueling aphorisms for this Winston West shoot-out at the IS Corral: "Youth must be served." or "Age before beauty." ... Which will prevail? We'll see, come August 21st.

The Cars Yes, they do look like Winston Cup cars. That's because they are. Identical in every dimension and specification save one, many of the cars that fans will see running at Irwindale Speedway next Saturday night are actual Winston Cup cars. The sole difference in these Pontiacs, Chevys, and Fords is the engine compression ratio, scaled back to 9.5 to 1 from 12 to 1 to improve engine longevity and bolster the number of cars around at the finish of a fast 125 miles of full-throttle racing at a track that never allows for a millisecond's breather (say, like Irwindale Speedway). Fans are encouraged to check these cars out in the pits right after the races, it's a free feature of short track racing that the whole family can enjoy without pit passes.

Pit Stops and Atmosphere The Snap On 250 is one of only two races at Irwindale Speedway in which planned pit stops are part of the event. "We'll set up a complete pit area in the infield where teams will be able to do tire changes, make chassis adjustments, and refuel their race cars right in front of everyone in the grandstands." It's a completely different scene when we set the track up this way,' said Wilkings. "Irwindale really takes on the look of a superspeedway, the fans seem to sense it too. They really feel like they are an integral part in the action. From the pre-race autograph sessions, the manufacturer displays, during the race itself with all the on and off-track action, right on through to the 'party' in the pits after the event ... There's just something special about the atmosphere at a Winston West race."

Tickets for this event will available right up to the 7:00 P.M. show time at the track's on-site ticket office and by phone (626) 358-1100 during regular business hours M-F. Appearing with the NASCAR Winston West Series racers on Saturday night are the always competitive Mechanix Wear Speed Trucks and the first appearance of the slippery American Cities Racing League full-bodied single-seat sports-racers at Irwindale Speedway.