Camping World & Whelen Mod. Entries - 8/20/2008
Carmichael, Earnhardt, and Park Highlight Camping World Entries at .Mansfield; Christopher, Pitkat, and Silk Headline Whelen Modified Entries.
Former motocross superstar Ricky Carmichael highlights a 24-car entry list for Saturday's NASCAR Camping World East Series Camping World 150 at Mansfield Motorsports Park. Other notable names on the entry list include Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of seven-time Sprint Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt, and former Cup Series winner Steve Park.
"There is a very competitive field of cars entered for this weekend's Camping World Series race," said MMP public relations manager Charles Krall. "Our phones are ringing off the hook and our inbox is filled with questions from fans asking about Ricky Carmichael. Anyone who has even casually followed motocross – or even just seen the results while watching the SPEED Report – knows his name. He's one of the best that's ever ridden and that competitive spirit has carried over into his stock car career.
"Jeffrey Earnhardt raced here last year and had a decent run but with another year of experience under his belt we all expect him to be much more competitive. And one of the biggest fan favorites in all of NASCAR will be here too because Steve Park is racing full-time in the Camping World Series."
Other notables on the official entry list include Trevor Bayne and Jesus Hernandez, Earnhardt's teammates at Dale Earnhardt Inc., Matt Kobyluck, last week's winner at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn. and last year's third-place finisher at MMP, Austin Dillon, grandson of Sprint Cup Series team owner Richard Childress, and Ashland, Ohio's Tim Cowen.
Twenty-seven cars are entered for the Whelen Modified Tour Whelen 150, headlined by two-time 2008 winner and the victor in the last series event at Thompson, Conn. Ronnie Silk. Woody Pitkat will take over the reigns of the car driven by last year's Mansfield winner James Civali, while former series champion Ted Christopher is also entered.
"The Modified entry list is pretty stacked with talent too," Krall said. "These guys are the hardcore racers. A lot of them still race two and three times a week up in the New England area where the Modifieds are centered. Ronnie Silk has had a good season so far and he has to be one of the favorites coming in to Mansfield. Woody Pitkat has picked up the ride in the car that won the race last year so he should have a good shot at it too. Ted Christopher is always strong and there's another dozen or so guys that will have a good shot at running up front."
Spectator gates open Saturday August 23 at 9 A.M. with a 90-minute practice for the Whelen Modified Tour on tap. A 90-minute session for the Camping World East Series will follow. Qualifying begins at 12:30 P.M. for both divisions. Pre-race ceremonies start at 4:50 P.M. and the green flag for the Camping World 150 is scheduled for 5:20 P.M. The Whelen 150 is scheduled for an 8 P.M. green flag.
Tickets for the NASCAR Touring Series Doubleheader, with twin 150-lap features for the Camping World East Series and the Whelen Modified Tour, are now on sale for $25 in advance and can be purchased via the track website, www.mansfieldmotorsportsonline.com. Fans can also call the track ticket office at (419) 525-RACE (7223), or visit the speedway office at 100 Crall Road. Tickets are $30 at the gate.