MORGANTOWN, WV (March 2, 2009) – Change? Hope? A stimulus package?

No, it's not a presidential platform or politics at all. We'll call it:

“The Mountain State's King of the Crates: Road to the FASTRAK Grand Nationals”

It's no secret in the north-central West Virginia racing scene that bold moves to control the costs of racing as well as level the playing field among competitors in the semi late or limited late division has taken place beginning this 2009 racing season with both Elkins (WV) Speedway and Tyler County Speedway showcasing their Crate Late Model division under the FASTRAK banner.

In a nearly unprecedented manner, the two tracks will be working very closely together in an effort to reward and encourage the FASTRAK racers in our area to become even more competitive by offering a “stimulus” package to the combined highest points man with a $1,000 bonus being awarded to the winner. The bonus is intended to be used to help pay for the points champs effort to compete at the FASTRAK Grand Nationals at the end of the season.

Only FASTRAK members who have competed in at least 12 FASTRAK-sanctioned
events will be eligible for the bonus, as well as competing in the FASTRAK Grand Nationals.

Scott Strode, the “S” in BDS Promotions at Tyler County Speedway said, “The move to work together on a joint FASTRAK championship is one that will show commitment from both Elkins and Tyler County promoting teams towards crate racing and the FASTRAK series.”

Daniel Patterson, also of BDS Promotions continued, “Tyler County and Elkins have some of the best racers on the east coast and we look forward to sending a worthy representative to the FASTRAK Grand Nationals and an opportunity to bring home the $30,000 first prize back to the Mountain State.”

A.J. Rockwell, new promoter of the Elkins Speedway came away from the FASTRAK meeting at Tyler County Speedway knowing that it was a sanctioning body he wanted to be a part of.
Said Rockwell, “ I like how the teching is set up in such a way that the penalties are a big deterrent for cheating. The more economical the class is, naturally the more of an opportunity for growth in the class exists. Besides that, we have some outstanding racers, who, with a little more crate experience, just might bring that big $30K check back here at home!”

“First and foremost, I am a race fan. And I gotta tell you I'm excited about this “Road to the FASTRAK Grand Nationals” deal.”, commented Jimmy Henry of Elkins Speedway. “I really feel like it is something we can build on, especially having Elkins and Tyler County working so closely together. One of our guys will be heading to the FASTRAK Grand Nationals...and I guess it is going to be the race team that wants it most! Having the two tracks work so closely together is definitely unique and exciting.”

“We are just thrilled to be working with Tyler County and Elkins Speedways,” expressed FASTRAK Northeast Co-Director Vicki Emig. “The addition of these two great established West Virginia tracks has really propelled the growth in the Northeast plus has given all FASTRAK racers four additional higher than standard paying Touring Series events.”

“It's wonderful seeing tracks working together,” stated FASTRAK Northeast Co-Director Mike Leone. “ That's been our goal from day one with FASTRAK in the Northeast from standard rules to working with each other on scheduling Touring events. Now the news of this (Road to the FASTRAK Grand Nationals) program just takes that one step further, and what a tremendous incentive this will be for the Elkins/ Tyler County regulars. It just goes to show how working together benefits everyone.”

Congratulations to Angela Michaels of Greenwood, WV for winning the “Name That Series” contest. Angela came up with the name “Mountain State's King of the Crates” for the 2-track challenge and will receive the cash equivalent of 2 opening day general admission passes:
1 for Tyler County and 1 for Elkins Speedway.