NASCAR announced Friday September 24 that 26 drivers are currently scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 500 at Twin Ring Motegi, Japan.
The event is scheduled for November 20 and is the last of the NASCAR Winston West points race and the first points race in the history of NASCAR to be held outside of North America.
Among the drivers are 20 NASCAR Winston West drivers, four international competitors, including 3 from Australia, and additional drivers still pending.
Butch Gilliland and Scott Gaylord are the only drivers to be making all four events held in Japan, they have raced both the Suzuki road course and the oval at Twin Ring Motegi.
Gilliland has had impressive runs every time he heads to Japan. Competing against NASCAR Winston Cup regulars, the road course veteran scored two top tens on the road course and came in with an impressive 16th on the oval last year.
"I love racing in Japan and seeing the enthusiasm in the fans and just meeting all the people there is the highlight of the year for me. There are a number of good drivers in Japan, but NASCAR racing is relatively new to them and they enjoy watching us put on a show. As for the track it is equal to the best we've been to. The racing is going to be awesome!"
Another masterful driver, Gaylord, who finished higher than any of his NASCAR Winston West competitors in last year's event is thrilled to be going back. "Each year has been exciting. The fans are some of the most enthusiastic I've seen. They are eager, polite and want to learn as much about NASCAR as possible."
When questioned about his plans for the race, Gaylord said, "I think we have a good chance of winning this year with the SMS Motorsport Ford, " he said. "We will definitely be going for the win."
Other drivers making a return trip to Japan include Joe bean, Sean Woodside, Austin Cameron, Brendan Gaughan and Gary Smith.
NASCAR Winston West drivers making their first trip include Mike Chase, Jason Small, Dean Kuhn, Brandon Ash, Steve Portenga, Eric Norris, Sammy Potashnick, Kevin Richards, Billy Turner, John Metcalf, Bobby Dotter, Wayne Jacks and Doc Faustina.
