FONTANA, California -- NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Tony Stewart will race in California Speedway’s Busch Series 300 as a salute to America’s supportive employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists on Saturday, May 1st.
Stewart’s role in the salute is the second of a five-race all-star showing of some of NASCAR’s top drivers compiled by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Kevin Harvick, Kerry Earnhardt, Bobby Labonte and Ricky Craven join Stewart in their respective part of the five-race tribute in the No. 29 ESGR Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
In addition to Stewart, a handful of other NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers are expected compete in Saturday’s Busch Series race along with Sunday’s Auto Club 500. Matt Kenseth will compete against the Busch Series regulars in hopes of defending his 2003 victory at the 2-mile, D-shaped oval. His victory last year marked his third trip to Gatorade Victory Lane in the Busch Series at California Speedway, more than any other driver.
Harvick, who set the Busch Series qualifying record last year with a speedy lap of 183.941 mph around the superspeedway, will compete in the No. 21 Reese’s Chevy on his way to defending the Owner’s Championship honors. Last year, Harvick finished third in the Busch Series race following closely behind second-place Michael Waltrip.
Waltrip, a two-time winner of the Daytona 500, returns to California Speedway to run in the Busch Series event in 2004 as he has done every year except in 2001 when he only competed in the 500-mile Cup event. In fact, Waltrip has completed more events at the speedway than any other racer, with 15 starts that have amassed 5400 miles.
Another racer who has gained considerable seat time at the speedway is Robby Gordon. He has competed in three CART Champ Car, three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and one Craftsman Truck Series events at California Speedway and will compete in his first Busch Series event on May 1st.
Come see these NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars as they challenge the Busch Series regulars in an all-out-chase for the checkered flag on Saturday, May 1st. The day starts early with the green flag for the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series King Taco 200 waving at 9:20 a.m. followed by NEXTEL Cup Happy Hour. The Busch Series 300 gets under way at 1:00 p.m. The infield musical performance begins at 5:00 p.m. with the Miller Lite Rock ‘n Roll Concert followed immediately by fireworks.
For ticket and event information call 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit the speedway’s website at www.californiaspeedway.com.
