Series PR Report

Newton, NC(September 18, 2012) — For many racers in the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model division, Hickory Motor Speedway holds a special place in their hearts. After all, Hickory was the site of the very first PASS South race back in 2006. And, it has since hosted 12 exciting PASS South events, more than any other track on the circuit. In those events, only three drivers have managed to capture more than one Hickory Motor Speedway checkered flag; Ryan Lawler, Ben Rowe and Preston Peltier.

While the Easter Bunny 150 has become the Spring’s premier Super Late Model event, the Over The Mountain 150 has carved out its own niche in the Fall. In 2007, journeyman driver Heath Hindman took a surprising and popular win. Preston Peltier became the only driver thus far to sweep events at Hickory in 2010, winning both the Easter Bunny 150 and the Over The Mountain 150. And, last year,

Ben Rowe took a car that was barely strong enough to make the field to the win and equal Peltier as PASS South’s winningest driver.
This year’s 6th Running of the Over The Mountain 150 will once again play host to a thrilling fight for the PASS South championship.

Less than fifty points separate the top four drivers in points: Kyle Grissom, Jay Fogleman, Peltier, and Brandon Ward. For Grissom, Hickory is a special place for him and his family. His dad, Steve, was a Nationwide Series winner there in 1993. Kyle began his career in stock cars at Hickory driving Late Model Stock cars in the early 2000’s. Last year, Grissom made his PASS South debut at where else? Hickory. And true to form, he made his intentions for a PASS South championship clear this year with an impressive victory in the Easter Bunny 150. Since then, he has embarked on a record setting season winning five races, including the last three.

“Well, Hickory is my favorite track and the Over The Mountain 150 is always exciting because a lot of good cars always show up,” said Grissom. “It’s a tough track and setup is very important for the long run. I’m just hoping our good luck continues this weekend.”

You could also surmise that Hickory Motor Speedway is a favorite for second year PASS South driver Landon Cling. The Tempe, AZ native finished third in last year’s Over The Mountain 150 behind veterans Ben Rowe and Andy Loden. And he bettered that this year, starting 24th and charging to a runner-up finish in the Easter Bunny 150.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to a track where our team has run very well the last two races,” said Cling, a development driver for Brad Keselowski Racing. “After having some difficulties the last few times out, I think we can turn it all around this weekend at Hickory.”

Another driver with high hopes for the Over The Mountain 150 is 14-year-old Gray Gaulding. The 2011 PASS South Rookie-Of-The-Year is having a career season on the strength of three top five finishes the last four races.

“Really excited to be getting back to Hickory, it’s my local track,” said Gaulding, who currently lives in nearby Statesville, NC. “We have always been fast, just never had the luck for a good finish, but Randy [Renfrow] and all the guys on this Krispy Kreme/Coulter Motorsport Toyota team have been working hard to do well this weekend.”

Hickory Motor Speedway always attracts a strong field of PASS South Super Late Models and this weekend will be no exception. In addition to the championship contenders, other drivers who have pre-entered include: Ross Kenseth, Nate Caruth, John Batten, Bill Catania, Jimmy Doyle, Scott Hensley, Clete Caywood, Van Knill, Jared Marks, Brandon Johnson, Jody Measamer and Kevin Powell . Anderson Bowen will make his PASS South debut and Chrissy Wallace returns to drive Robert Hamke’s potent number 74 at the track she cut her teeth on in Late Model Stocks.

Action gets under way this Friday afternoon with rotating practice for the PASS South Super Late Models, Super Limiteds, Allison Legacy and Legends cars from 1-6:45 PM. On Saturday, rotating practice starts at 2 PM, with qualifying at 4:30 PM, and main event racing slated to go off at 6 PM. For more information, please go to ProAllStarsSeries.com. For technical information on any PASS division, please contact Scott Reed at 207-625-3230. For marketing or media related questions, please contact Alan Dietz at [email protected] or 704-231-2039. And, be sure to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook.