Aaron's 199 to be Fast and Furious
Passing a Plenty at Peach State
Longs, S.C.-The Aaron's 199 at Peach State (Ga.)
Speedway may be shorter than the Aaron's 499 at Talladega, but the
on-track action will be just a frantic on Saturday, June 2 when
Hooters Pro Cup Series rolls into town for the fourth installment of
the Aaron's Southern Division season.
Over the past few years, the number of lead changes at Peach State
Speedway has resembled restrictor-plate racing stats. In last
year's two events at the high-banked, half-mile track, 28 lead
changes took place in 500 laps.
"You can run just about anywhere on the track," said
Michael Ritch, driver of the No. 28 Naturally Fresh/Jackaroo Ford.
"It takes a few guys to run the high groove before it comes in.
But once it does, I think it's the fastest way around the
track."
In addition to being a fast, multi-groove track, Peach State is also
known for being a driver's track, meaning the ability to conserve
tires will likely come into play.
"If you're not careful, you can spin the tires off the
corners all night," said Clay Rogers, who won the first of two
events at Peach State last season. "If someone wants to lead
early, you just let them go and ride."
And Rogers should know. Last season, Shane Huffman and Rogers spilt
victories in the Peach State events, but Rogers led the most laps in
both events.
Huffman, who has moved onto the Busch Series, will not be in the
event this weekend, but Rogers is planning on moonlighting from his
Northern Division gig to compete in the Aaron's 199. Rogers,
however, will be just one of nearly 50 entries for the
ultra-competitive event.
Among the early entries are seven Aaron's Southern Division
drivers that call the state of Georgia home. Matt Hawkins, Bill
Plemons, Mike Garvey, Dusty Williams, Justin Wakefield, Brett
Butler, and Buckshot Jones all hail from Georgia-and all would like
to keep the Aaron's 199 trophy in their home state.
The Aaron's 199 presented by Atlanta Freightliner is scheduled to
start at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. Fans are encouraged to get
to the speedway early to watch the Allison Legacy Series compete in
a 50-lap feature at 5:15 p.m.
Following the Legacy race, fans will be permitted on the racetrack
to mingle with the starting field for the Aaron's 199 during the
Wraps INK Autograph Session at 6:15 p.m. Pre-race ceremonies will
begin at 7 p.m.
Race Day Schedule
11:30 a.m.-USAR HPCS Practice Begins
1:30 p.m.-USAR HPCS Practice Ends
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.-Allison Legacy Series Practice
3:30 p.m.- Front Gate Opens
3:30 p.m.- Allison Legacy Series Qualifying
4:30 p.m.-Aaron's 199 Qualifying for the USAR HPCS
5:15 p.m.- Allison Legacy Series Race - 50 laps
6:15 p.m.- Wraps Ink on track Autograph Session for the USAR HPCS
7:00 p.m.-Pre-Race Ceremonies for the Aaron's 199
7:30 p.m.-Aaron's 199