MINEGAR LEADS THE NAPA ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE SERIES INTO ROCKY MOUNTAIN RACEWAY FOR THE NAPA 125.

Source: M. Minegar
Date: 08/24/2006

Dave Minegar hopes to lengthen his lead this weekend in the NAPA 125 at RMR. Minegar holds a 144 point lead in the season championship chase over John Newhouse. With two events left Newhouse still has a chance to grab the championship. “We need to gain on John (Newhouse) the same way we have the last several events” says Minegar. “125 laps is a long race and we just need to use our heads and do what we have done all season”. Minegar has completed every lap so far this season. “In order for us to win the championship, Dave (Minegar) has to have some bad luck” states Newhouse. “He’s killed us with his qualifying” continues Newhouse. Minegar has qualified fastest at four events this season. Points are awarded for qualifying as well as racing.

Bruce Quale holds down the third spot 325 points behind the leader. He has struggled at the last three events. This has allowed fourth place contender Tom Hill to slowly close the gap. Hill sits only 26 points behind Quale. Fifth place competitor, Chris Ratterree is ready to bounce on both Hill and Quale if there are any mistakes made. He is only 45 points behind Hill and is well within striking distance of third spot. Ratterree has been running up front all season only to be besieged with bad luck.

This event marks the return of several competitors that can, and have, run up front. NAPA RMCS two time champion, Zan Sharp has a weekend off from the Nascar Northwest Tour and is planning his return to RMR. Team mate Jimmy Eaton looks to grab his third win this year at his home track. You could call that dominant. They will have to go through Lynn Hardy if they want a win this weekend. Hardy has proven time and time again that he can be king of RMR.

Last years winner, Rip Michels is heading to RMR with his Stock Building Supply Chevy Monte Carlo. Rip is coming with a lot of confidence as he is the current Nascar Southwest Series point leader. “I love RMR. It fits my driving style and there is lots of room to race.” states Michels. “You guys have developed a great series and these guys are tough to beat.”

Coming off of a great win at Meridian Speedway two weeks ago, 16 year old Tyler Monroe is leading the Walkers Stockcar Service Rookie of the Year. Tyler is the youngest winner in the history of the NAPA RMCS. He showed patience and tenacity on his way to his first late model victory.

Hoosier Racing Tire is the official tire of the NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series in 2006. RMCS contingency sponsors include: NAPA Auto Parts, ESI Construction, Maverik Country Stores, Dillon Racing Products, Five Star RaceCar Bodies, Quarter Master, A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning, Port City Racing, Integra Shocks, PPG Paint, Sharp Powder Coating, Walker Stockcar Service, and Frank’s Radio’s.

The NAPA Auto Parts Rocky Mountain Challenge Series is a regional touring series that allows competitors to gain experience on different types of asphalt oval tracks up to 3/8-mile in length. It is a high-quality, professional racing series that offers maximum opportunity at an affordable price serving the Intermountain West. The motto of the series is to “Race Hard and Have Fun!”

NAPA was founded in 1928 to meet America's growing need for a world-class auto parts distribution system. By providing excellent customer service for more than 75 years, NAPA has become the industry leader.

NAPA's strength is unrivaled, with 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, 58 Distribution Centers, over 12,000 affiliated NAPA AutoCare repair facilities; over 300,000 parts and accessories in inventory every day, and more ASE-Certified Parts Professionals than anyone in the industry.

In addition to being America's first choice for automotive parts and accessories, NAPA is also a leading supplier of specialty parts and equipment for the collision repair, heavy-duty truck, and industrial markets. And NAPA tools and equipment set the industry standard for quality and value. NAPA serves automotive consumers through the UAP division in Canada, Auto Todo in Mexico and with other locations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

Top Ten at a Glance:

1st Dave Minegar 1593

2nd John Newhouse 1449

3rd Bruce Quale 1268

4th Tom Hill 1242

5th Chris Ratterree 1197

6th Bryan Warf 1118

7th Chad Cannon 1037

8th Tyler Monroe 910

9th James Eaton 908

10th John Dillon 721

Fast Facts:

What: NAPA 125 Race 10 of 11 for the NAPA Rocky Mountain Challenge Series

Where: Rocky Mountain Raceways (West Valley City, UT)

When: Qualifying 5 p.m. MST, Racing at 6 pm Saturday August 26.

Track Record: Lynn Hardy 14.944 90.337 mph set 5/29/06

2004 RMR Winners: Eddy McKean, Zan Sharp, Lynn Hardy

2005 RMR Winners: Craig Bell, Jimmy Eaton, Bryan Warf, Rip Michels

2006 RMR Winners: Lynn Hardy, Jimmy Eaton, two wins

Track layout: 3/8-Mile Paved Oval

Race length: 125 laps

Format: Fast 20 qualifiers locked into main event with 4 “last chance” qualifiers from a consolation main event added to the rear of the starting field.

Track contact: (801) 252-9557

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