POST FALLS, Idaho -- Stateline Speedway has released a preliminary entry list for the 2005 NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 August 5-7 in Post Falls. The entry list is based on pre-entry forms mailed into race organizers.
The sixth running of the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 will feature a diverse field of local short track racers from various series’. Currently, 27 teams from all over the Northwest are confirmed to compete in Sunday’s 200-lap main event.
Making their first appearance at the event include two of NASCAR’s top Elite Touring stars Jeff Jefferson, the series’ current point leader and 4-time series champion Garret Evans of Wenatchee, Washington. Both competed in the rain cancelled Sleep Inn 100, Late Model Challenge Series (LMCS) event in May.
The locals, Inland Northwest Super Stock Series (INSSA) will be led by defending Idaho 200 winner Rick Schultz, 2004 series champion Dan Garber and the current points leader and former NASCAR Grand National West driver Kevin Richards of Newman Lake, Wa. Coming out of a short hiatus, Marc Groskreutz will also pilot a local entry in the event.
Late Model Challenge Series cars will be in the hunt. Speedway ace Jim Johnson, Mark Sundberg, and Darrel Tidrick will suit up for the endurance.
The regions next generation of drivers, Jay Sauls a LMCS competitor, along with Northwest Late Model 4 champion, Kameron McKeehan of Lewiston will try for the title.
Winged Sprint car driver Tony Berry will attempt double duty over the weekend making his INSSA debut on Friday night and Idaho 200 debut on Sunday, Saturday he’ll race his sprint car before jetting back into the stock car.
Rounding out the preliminary list of drivers is the 2003 Idaho 200 champion and only Idaho driver to win the event, Darren Rupinski of Hayden.
According to organizers, more cars are expected for Sunday’s 200-lap event. Officials have fielded unofficial calls and reservations from numerous teams in the past weeks for the INSSA, LMCS, and Idaho 200 events.
The NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 is a combination of INSSA and LMCS rules. Each has had a large turnout of teams at their series sanctioned events. The 200-lap main will start a field of 22, made up of cars from both series.
On Friday, the INSSA series will run their 100-lap ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Duel for the 200 qualifier. The top six finishing cars will advance to Sunday’s race with a “provisional.”
A series point race will also take place for the LMCS on Saturday with another 100-lap ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Duel for the 200 qualifier. The top six finishers of that event will also move on, with a “provisional.”
On Sunday, the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 will qualify all cars. The twelve “provisional” cars from Friday and Saturday’s events will have a guaranteed starting spot in the field. Eight other starting positions will be based on heat races. Two spots will be determined by the promoter to make of the 22-car field for the 200-lap main.
Advance discount tickets for the 2005 NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 will be available for purchase this week, Saturday and Wednesday nights at the front ticket gate. The passes allow access to all three nights of racing for the weekend, including the Friday and Saturday’s ROCKSTAR Energy Drink Duel for the 200 qualifiers and fireworks show for the Inland Northwest Super Stocks and the Late Model Challenge Series. Also appearing at the event NW Pro 4 Trucks, Outlaw Compacts, Hobby cars, and Early Stocks.
Fans can also win tickets to the weekend by entering at any participating NAPA Auto Parts location in the Inland Northwest. Or, by watching “Good Morning Northwest” on KXLY ABC 4, for their chance to win passes.
For more information about Stateline Stadium/Speedway including coming attractions, schedule of events, and competition rules, log onto www.raceidaho.com or contact the event hotline at 208-773-5019.
