ISCARS DASH Touring to Open Season at Lonesome Pine Raceway

Devon Holder/ISCARS PR
April 27, 2009

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - The International Sport Compact Auto Racing Series (ISCARS), sanctioned by American Speed Association (ASA), kicks off the 2009 season on Saturday May 9th at Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, Virginia. Two-time defending series champion Danny Bagwell looks to capture his third championship in a row this year. However, Bagwell will be challenged by series veterans, along with several new drivers.

One challenger will be 2008 ISCARS DASH Rookie of the Year Brad Queen. Queen finished runner up in the final standings to Bagwell last year and looks to improve in his second season on the DASH circuit. Queen has a new sponsor, Granitize Inc, on board for the 2009 season. Granitize manufactures many chemical and cleaning agents for different industries including automotive, aviation, and home cleaning use.

Another contender for the 2009 championship will be 2006 ISCARS DASH Rookie of the Year, Joey Jones. Joey picked up his first and second career wins last year at Senoia Raceway in August. Jones finished fifth in the 2008 standings. 2007 ISCARS DASH Rookie of the Year runner-up, Gary Young Jr., will also be in contention for the championship this year. Young Jr. finished fourth in the overall standings last year. 2007 Rookie of the Year winner Matt Johnson will also be looking for his first series win.

The 2008 rookie battle was one for the ages. Brad Queen and Chelsea Schillig battled week in and week out, with Queen edging Schillig out by a narrow two point margin for the rookie title after the checkered flag in the season finale at Hickory. This year’s rookie battle looks to be just as exciting as last years was.

Jessica Berrier will compete for Rookie of the Year honors driving the #21 Walker Racing Toyota. Jessica is the daughter of former NASCAR Nationwide driver Ed Berrier. Ed Berrier is also the 1981 ISCARS DASH Rookie of the Year. Jessica has been racing go karts since 2004.

Virginia native Tom Beckman will also compete for Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. Beckman made his debut last year at Dillon in September, but suffered a mechanical failure that caused him to crash hard into the frontstretch wall early in the race. Beckman has his car repaired and looks to claim rookie of the year honors this season.

Jason Shultz also plans to compete for rookie honors this year. Shultz made his debut in the season finale at Hickory, qualifying on the outside of the front row.

Also returning is 1986 Daytona 500 Champion Geoff Bodine. Bodine was busy during the off season with the US Bobsled team. He has also been working with his brother Todd in a NASCAR Sprint Cup effort.

Geoff Bodine, Danny Bagwell, Vincent Langan and Jessica Berrier are scheduled to sign autographs at the Food City store in Coeburn from 4 to 6 p.m.

2009 looks to be an exciting year for the ISCARS DASH Touring Series sanctioned by ASA. A good mix of veterans along with a fresh crop of rookies should make for exciting action on the track. Be sure to check out www.iscarsonline.com for all of the latest information on the ISCARS DASH Touring Series, including race results, schedule information, breaking news, and much more.

ISCARS DASH Touring is sanctioned by the American Speed Association. To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Florida-based Racing Speed Associates or the American Speed Association® including the ASA Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association®, visit www.asaracing.com.

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