MELTDOWN AT THE MELTDOWN FOR HAASE

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Engine failure for sixteen-year old Alex Haase, of Las Vegas, erased a last-chance effort for a starting position in the inaugural Mason-Dixon Meltdown at South Boston Speedway in Virginia last Saturday night, November 25, 2006. The Mason-Dixon Meltdown brought together the best Super Late Model drivers from across the country. Haase family friend and NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Kyle Busch sponsored Haase in the Richie Wauters-owned No. 6 Ford Taurus for the event, led by crew chief, J.R. Norris.

Haase qualified 28th out of 52 competitors and finished a close fourth in the heat race. Only the top three finishers go on to the main event, but Haase was able to make another attempt in a consolation race, where the top two finishers transfer to the main event. Haase finished third, but was given another opportunity with a win in the Last Chance event. While leading that event, Haase lost an engine.

"I would like to thank J.R. Norris, Kyle Busch and the crew from Richie Wauters' shop," said Haase. "Those guys gave me a great car and a great opportunity. It was unfortunate that the engine blew, because I had such a big lead. I think I could have won that [Last Chance] race."

In just his first year competing in a NASCAR Super Late Model, Haase racked up two top-ten finished in just six starts at Los Angeles' half-mile Irwindale Speedway and nine top-ten finishes in 15 starts at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For more information about Alex Haase, visit his website at http://www.alexhaase.com.

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