FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2010

PITTSBURGH’S PA MOTOR SPEEDWAY & FASTRAK SEAL THE DEAL; MONSTER HALF-MILE CONTINUES MONUMENTAL GROWTH IN NORTHEAST

By Mike Leone
Pulaski, PA…The monumental growth of the FASTRAK Late Model Racing Series just continues as Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway is the latest facility to join the Northeast fold. The Imperial, Pa. speedway made the decision today that their strong Crate Late Model division will become FASTRAK-sanctioned for the very first time!

Pittsburgh becomes the 17th confirmed FASTRAK-sanctioned speedway in the Northeast for 2010. They join Hesston, Sharon, New Egypt, Brewerton, Fulton, West Virginia Motor, and Beckley Speedways as new FASTRAK-sanctioned speedways for the upcoming season. Two other Northeast speedways are still in negotiations to become weekly-sanctioned.

“The addition of Pittsburgh is a huge asset for FASTRAK in the Northeast,” explained fourth year co-director Vicki Emig. “Pittsburgh was the pioneer in the region for Crate Late Model racing building up a strong, cost-effective division, and I’ve always respected what Miley Motor Sports have accomplished. Pittsburgh is another top notch facility that we’re thrilled to align ourselves with.”

Pittsburgh’s Crate Late Model division averaged 21 cars in 2009. Those racers will now be eligible to take part in the National Weekly Series Championship and the season ending Grand Nationals by simply becoming a FASTRAK member. With Pittsburgh’s cars now utilizing FASTRAK rules, these racers will also have an opportunity to compete in Northeast Touring Series races without any changes to their cars. It will also give Pittsburgh a boost allowing for other FASTRAK racers to compete in their weekly program.

“We are extremely excited to be part of the FASTRAK team in 2010,” stated Pittsburgh co-owner Matt Miley. “Miley Motorsports has supported more cost effective engine packages for many years with the introduction of the economy motor followed by the GM 602 Crate Motor for the Crate Late Model Division. We often have felt like we were on an island trying to get more cost effective engine packages to be accepted. It feels great to step off the island and join the world of FASTRAK Late Model Racing. The timing seems right to give the race teams at PPMS an opportunity to show their stuff in the FASTRAK deal!”

FASTRAK Northeast and Speedway officials are working to secure a Northeast Touring Series date that is conducive to both parties. Already 20 events plus Night 1 of the Grand Nationals make up the 2010 Northeast Touring Series slate with events ranging from $1,200 to $6,000 to-win.

In 2009, Pittsburgh hosted their first ever FASTRAK Late Model race as part of the Northeast Touring Series. Despite an 80% chance of rain and drizzle falling throughout the night, a strong field of 29 cars still turned out with Max Blair outdueled Mike Pegher, Jr. and David Scott to win one of the season’s most exciting events.

“The year 2010 will be my 41st year in racing,” continued Miley. “The opportunities for regional teams to run special events in just about every division of racing and the cooperation between speedways are unprecedented. I watched a few racing tapes recently, from what I often perceive as the good ole days for a little reality check – the racing today is better than it’s ever been! The FASTRAK rules package should provide exiting three-wide racing at Dirt’s Monster Half Mile! Miley Motor Sports is proud to be a part of it. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors out to your local speedway to enjoy some of the greatest short track racing in the country!”

Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway is a ½-mile oval located minutes from Noblestown Exit off Routes 22 and 30 at 170 Kelso Rd, Imperial, PA. For more information, call 412-279-7223 or 724-695-3363 on race day. The track’s website is www.ppms.com.