UARA-STARS Series Set to Kickoff Season on Saturday at Hickory

Series PR Report

Hendersonville, NC(March 12, 2012) — A mild winter has left UARA-STARS teams with plenty of time to prepare their racecars for the racing season, which starts on Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway. The UARA-STARS will be joined by the Carolina Vintage Cars and the Renegade division.

A number of new faces will adorn the series’ starting grid this weekend, as the series is quickly earning a reputation as the premier training ground for drivers who aspire to NASCAR’s touring series and/or ARCA. The contenders for the prestigious rookie title includes a long list of names including teenagers Dillon Bassett, Ben Rhodes, Sean Rayhall and Tyler Laing. Other formal candidates for the title include Cory Joyce, Jeremy Pike, Brandon Jones and Devin Jones (no relation).

A number of series veterans are also entered into the traditional Hickory kick-off event, including Scott Turlington. Turlington is entering his fifth season with the UARA but victory lane has eluded the perennial contender thus far in his career. After capturing two Sunoco Poles last season and a career-best runner-up finish at Kingsport, he is hopeful of a victory lane visit in 2012. Perhaps in a move to change his luck, Turlington has changed numbers from his famous “48” to “58” for 2012.

Another title contender promises to be Ronnie Bassett, Jr. Bassett captured two wins last season in a breakout year and ended the year seventh in series points. On the strength of last year’s momentum, in addition to two career Sunoco Poles, Bassett is one of the pre-season favorites for glory.

Fans unable to make the race will be able to catch all of the action from their personal computers or flash-enabled smartphones. By visiting MotorsportsBroadcasting.com, fans can watch all of the action as it happens no matter where in the world they might be. In an introductory, season-opening offer, pay-per-view tickets for the event are only $7.50, a discount of 50% from the normal $15 pricetag. For more information on the broadcast information, visit the UARA website or Facebook, or check out MotorsportsBroadcasting.com.

In addition to the UARA-STARS 150-lap feature, the Carolina Vintage Cars will compete for 20 laps prior to the UARA-STARS event. The Renegades  will follow the STARS with a 25 lap feature.

Tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for students 13-17 years old and children 12 and under free. A family pass for parents with their children under 12 is offered for $25. Grandstand gates will open at 4pm, qualifying begins at 5 pm with racing starting at 7 pm.

For more information on the UARA-STARS, visit them online at www.uara-stars.com or call (828) 692-3833. Fans are also encouraged to “like” them on Facebook under the United Auto Racing Association and follow them on Twitter @uarastars.