CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Announces Triple Crown Series

(Halifax, NS, April 29, 2009) The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour has added a Triple Crown mini-series to the 2009 racing schedule. The Triple Crown Series is an amalgamation of the three most prestigious racing events in the Maritimes; Riverside International Speedway's IWK 250, Scotia Speedworld's Atlantic CAT 250 and Speedway 660's Peterbilt 250. These three races will comprise the Triple Crown of Maritime Pro Stock Racing. In addition to receiving show points toward the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour Championship, drivers will also be racing for more than $250,000.00 in total purse money for the three events. Should one driver pull off the hat trick and win all three Triple Crown races they will receive an additional $50,000.00 bonus! With this kind of purse money and bragging rights on the line, fans can expect to see the most intense racing ever witnessed in the Maritimes.

"We're excited, and we think the fans are really going to be excited about this announcement," commented Scott Alexander, Race Director of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. "The Triple Crown is going to bring racing in the Maritimes to the forefront. We have always had great racers from these parts, now we are giving them a stage to perform on and an opportunity to compete with some of the best racing talent on the planet."

First up on the Triple Crown bill is the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body at Riverside International Speedway on July 18th. Riverside recently announced that NASCAR superstar David Reutimann, who currently sits 11th in Sprint Cup points, will be on the starting grid for the IWK 250; as will defending IWK 250 Champion and NASCAR Sprint Cup competitor Regan Smith.

Next up in the Triple Crown series is the 3/10th mile oval at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax on August 7th and 8th. Friday night will be qualifying for Saturday's main event and a trackside party that will feature an autograph session, live music and lots of interactive activities for fans of all ages. Although the CAT 250 is no longer a PASS North event, organizers are expecting numerous competitors from South of the border to make the trip to vie for their piece of the purse.

The Triple Crown finale will take place in Fredericton at Speedway 660 on September 6th with the Peterbilt 250. The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour was very interested in partnering with Speedway 660 to add the event to the schedule. "The Peterbilt 250 is one of the most anticipated races of the year, the team at 660 works really hard to put on a great show for fans and drivers alike," said Alexander. "We are really looking forward to partnering with Chris Johnston and his team to make the Triple Crown a huge success and hopefully something that folks can look forward to for many years to come."

Over 35 local drivers have indicated intentions of racing on the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour this season. Among those drivers include last year's champion — and his fifth Maritime Championship of his career — #44 Wayne Smith. Also returning and hungry for a Tour Championship are the remaining two of last year's podium finishers, Lonnie Sommerville and Shawn Turple, as well as last year's Rookie of the Year Craig Slaunwhite. Previous Tour Champions who will be running with the tour full time this season are Shawn Tucker and Rollie MacDonald. John Flemming, also a previous Tour Champion, plans to run at least part time and will run all three Triple Crown races. Click Here for full media release.

Stay tuned to www.maritimeprostocktour.com for all of the latest Triple Crown news, ticket information, and more!