CRA SUPER SERIES RETURNS TO SALEM SPEEDWAY FOR THE TOUCHSTONE ENERGY HOOSIER HILLS 100

SALEM, IN (June 18, 2009) – The speed and excitement of championship stockcar racing returns to Salem Speedway on Saturday night, June 27th, as the CRA Super Series returns to the high banks for the Touchstone Energy Hoosier Hills 100.

The Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks are set to join the CRA Late Models for what is shaping up to be an outstanding night of racing action.

Chuck Barnes Jr. of Louisville is looking to become the first driver to post back-to-back CRA wins at Salem since Canadian legend Junior Hanley won consecutive races on the .555-mile oval during the 2000 season.

Barnes, who will be making his first start of the season, captured the JayC Food Stores 100 last August at Salem for his fifth career CRA victory and first at his “home” track.

The former CRA Late Model and Salem track champion can expect plenty of stiff competition as the super-fast late models visit the high banks for their only 2009 Salem Speedway appearance.

“We’re expecting another outstanding field of cars and drivers for the Touchstone Energy Hoosier Hills 100,” said track general manager Richard Deaton.  “The CRA Super Series is one of the most competitive late model series in the nation.  A number of car-driver combinations are capable of visiting victory lane on a given night.”

Among those expected to battle Barnes on Saturday are former Salem winners Jeff Lane of Knightstown, Ind., and Kenny Tweedy of Greenfield.

Lane, a two-time winner in CRA competition at Salem, outdistanced an impressive field of 24 starters to capture the 2008 Hoosier Hills 100.

Other top drivers expected include Scott Hantz of Angola, Ind., and Johnny Van Doorn of Coopersville, Mich.  Hantz, a former series champion, and Van Doorn are currently tied (210-210) for first-place in the season standings.

Aaron Pierce, a two-time winner in winged sprint car competition at Salem, Rick Turner, Terry Fisher Jr., Boris Jurkovic, J.R. Roahrig, Jason Dietsch, Zach Hulvey, Jason Shively, John Heck, Brandon Fagin and Jeff Berg are also expected to be on hand for the Touchstone Energy Hoosier Hills 100, among others.

The Lucas Oil Super Stocks return to action on Saturday, June 27th following a three week break with defending series champion Skeeter Crum of Jeffersonville and Frank Kimmel II of Borden, Ind., tied (383-383) for the top spot in the standings.

Just 12 points separate the top six drivers in the current Lucas Oil Super Stock standings with Chris French of Vine Grove, Ky., in third place.  He is only two points back of Crum and Kimmel.

Papa John’s Rookie of the Year candidate Winston Wood of Bloomington, Ind., tops the Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks standings with a host of drivers in close pursuit.

Brian Bayer of Birdseye, Ind., is just eight points back of Wood in second place, with Brent Gardiner of Louisville and David Bayens of Memphis, Ind., tied for third place.  Those two are just two points behind Bayer.

County music singer Matt Hicks, one of central Indiana’s hottest young talents, is scheduled to perform prior to the start of the Touchstone Energy Hoosier Hills 100, compliments of the US Army/Fagin Motorsports CRA race team.

Hicks will be performing behind the main grandstand, where fans will also be able to see up close the US Army/Fagin Motorsports CRA Chevrolet show car.

Practice is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th, with qualifications at 5:45 and the first race at 7 p.m. (EDT).

Advance tickets, both reserved and general admission, are currently selling and may be obtained by visiting the Salem Speedway office Monday through Friday or by calling 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.

Salem Speedway is offering free admission to the Touchstone Energy Hoosier Hills 100 for all kids, age 12 and under, when accompanied by an adult.