SPEEDWEEKEND Ahead

(Fredericton, NB)- The time has come. SPEEDWEEKEND 2009 is just a few short days away. After last weekend when we finished off the regular racing season by crowning points champions, it is time for the biggest event of the season, SPEEDWEEKEND 2009 with the main event being the 9th Annual Peterbilt 250. Fans and drivers come from all over the country for this event. Over the past several years, fans have seen many big NASCAR names in attendance. Names like Johnny Benson, Terry & Justin Labonte, Ron Hornaday and Travis Kittleson have come to battle against the best Pro Stock drivers in the Northeast. This year we are expecting upwards of 50 cars will take a crack at making the 28 car starting field.

In attendance this year will be the one and only Sterling Marlin. Sterling is perhaps best known as only the third driver in Cup history to win back-to-back Daytona 500s, joining Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough as the only drivers to earn that distinction after winning in 1994 and 1995. Sterling Marlin is most recognized for his #40 Coors Light sponsored Sprint Cup car. Sterling Marling is currently running a part time schedule in Sprint Cup and some late model shows. Marlin has competed in 747 Cup races and has had much success. Sterling Marlin will be driving a car prepared by Hal O'Neal and the OGC Racing Team. Hal O'Neal is a long time weekly driver at Speedway 660.

Also back again this year to try to compete for the win is Travis Kittleson. Travis comes to us from Mooresville, NC where is currently resides. Lonnie Sommerville is preparing Kittleson's car. Lonnie was also a weekly driver at the speedway and it is currently running successfully on the Carquest Maritime Pro Stock Tour.

In addition to the Peterbilt 250, fans will see the O'Leary Pontiac Excitement Sportsman 150. This is one of the biggest Sportsman events in the Maritimes and always provides edge of your seat excitement. Upwards of 40 sportsman cars are expected to be in attendance on Saturday night.

Fans will get a chance to see all kinds of racing in the Coast Tire Street Stock division with the Fredericton Hyundai 50 going on Sunday, Legend Cars also on the schedule for Sunday. Saturday night under the lights with the O'Leary Pontiac Excitement 150 will be the AOW Series. So there is lots going on and it all kicks off Friday night @ 7p.m. for the Harvey's Family Corn Boil that will take place in the infield of the speedway.

Not only are there a lot of cars at Speedway 660 for SPEEDWEEKEND but there are tons of campers. Total number of campers onsite has grown every year since 2001. Campers have been rolling in since Sunday night and will continue all the way until Saturday afternoon.

The Peterbilt 250 is also the third race in the 2009 Triple Crown. The first two legs of the series were run at Riverside Speedway (IWK 250) and at Scotia Speedworld (Atlantic CAT 250). The purse for the Peterbilt 250 is over $70,000 with a potential of up to $28,000 going to the winner. Each lap in the Peterbilt 250 is sponsored by companies, fans, or in memory of someone, with the driver who leads the lap, receiving the prize money.

The full schedule of events can be found by going on www.speedway660.com. You can also purchase advance tickets or reserving a campsite by calling the events office @ 454-RACE (7223). Spots are going fast so be sure reserve you spot now.

Don't miss it race fans. It will be WicKID family fun.