A FULL FIELD OF ACTIVITIES AT WENATCHEE VALLEY

(September 23, 2002) - When the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series visits the quarter-mile Wenatchee Valley Super Oval on September 28th, for the Northwest Racing Enterprises 150, it will mark the end of the season for one of NASCAR's most exciting touring series. The 150-lap race also marks the continued relationship between Northwest Racing Enterprises and the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval, a relationship that began when they sponsored the same race last season.

above: Colors and speed head for Wenatchee Valley's Super Oval and the 2002 Series Championship

(photo courtesy of NASCAR)

"There are a lot of great tracks in the Northwest, but being title sponsor to the season ending race is a wonderful opportunity. Garrett (Evans) has a first-class facility," stated Melinda Moulaison, owner of Northwest Racing Enterprises. "It has been wonderful watching all the improvements he made over the past couple of years. He certainly has given racers in the area a prime place to race and has raised the bar on what short track racing is all about."

The chase for the championship may be virtually locked up, with racer Kevin Hamlin simply needing to start the event to win. If successful, this will be only the second time in history that the RBNWS has seen a driver taking home back-to-back championships. Kelly Tanner accomplished the feat with consecutive championships back in 1997 and 1996.

Though Hamlin and the second place man in points, Gary Lewis, have a large cushion in effect securing their places in the title hunt, the third through tenth place drivers do not have such a luxury, with a very slim 174 points spread.

For the first time in NASCAR's half a century existence the race will be absent of the famous words, "Gentlemen, start your Engines." Instead the race will be started in American Sign Language. Through the overwhelming support of the racing community both in the Northwestern and the Southwestern United States 12 year-old Peter-John, profoundly deaf and legally blind will be signing the start engine command."

"I think it is a thrill not only for the track, the fans and the teams, but also all the handicapped fans that will be represented by Peter-John", said an enthusiastic Moulaison. "He will not only start the race, but he will be honored at the closing of the race when he stands with Hamlin and the race winner in victory circle."

Fans in the Wenatchee Valley, Washington area are in luck as they will be able to get up close and personal with some of the actual racecars and stars from the RBNWS before they hit the track, as they will be on hand at the at the Wenatchee Valley Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 28th. The Car Show and Autograph Session will be from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. The annual festival will take place in downtown Wenatchee at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

Radio listeners will also be in for a treat as both Hamlin and Joe Benedetti are scheduled to appear on local radio stations in the area. In addition to the RBNWS race, Troy Conrad will be participating in the Friday night event at WVSO.

Race fans from far and wide are invited to come out to take part in and enjoy all the activities that are planned around the Wenatchee Valley Apple Festival and the various participations by the premier drivers of the RBNWS, the local stars from Wenatchee Valley Super Oval and to watch 3 days of racing excitement at the track's season ending extravaganza.

Wenatchee Valley Super Oval is offering a discounted ticket package for fans that want to take advantage of enjoying the entire weekend schedule. Please visit the track's website for more information on the plethora of racing they have scheduled.

Gates will open at 5pm on Saturday, September 28, 2002 for THE NORTHWEST ENTERPRISES 150. The event will be tape-delayed ane will air on Speed Channel, October 14, 2002. And just maybe that is the biggest news yet, for it will be the first time that a NASCAR race from the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval will air on nationwide TV, allowing all to see the prestigious short track, the talented drivers in the Northwest region and the beautiful Wenatchee Valley.

For More information visit:
Wenatchee Valley Super Oval: http://www.wvso.com
Wenatchee Harvest Festival Info: http://www.wenatcheevalley.org
Northwest Racing Enterprises: http://www.northwestracing.com

View the Northwest Series on NASCAR.com with Results - Standings & Driver Profiles