FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   


AUGUST 19, 2009
Contact: DICK JORDAN


2009 FORD FOCUS PAVEMENT NATIONALS
SEPTEMBER 19 AT COLUMBUS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

 



    USAC Ford Focus participants will compete for the right to have their name emblazoned on the Henry Ford Sweepstakes Trophy September 19, emblematic of the Nationals pavement championship. The pavement Nationals will be held at the Nuckles family’s Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway.



    This year marks the first time that the pavement and dirt Nationals are “split,” creating National championship for each. The dirt Nationals are on tap November 21 at the Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.



    The “Jegs Crown Midget Super Nationals” at CMS will feature USAC Mopar National Midgets, Ford Focus Midgets and the burgeoning USAC .25 Midgets in an action-packed day of family fun at one of America’s premier pavement short tracks.



    It all culminates for the Ford Focus series in a 30-lap contest on the challenging 1/3-mile paved oval, following qualifications and two 15-lap “qualifying races.” The top six qualifiers will be guaranteed the first six starting spots, but will start inverted.



    A track-sanctioned open practice is slated from 4-7 pm on Friday, Sept. 18. Saturday’s race-day timetable has practice on the 1/3-mile beginning at 5 pm, followed by racing at 7 pm. The .25 Midgets will compete on the 1/20-mile oval located behind the 1/3-mile and will be hosted by the Buckeye Quarter Midget Club.



    Past USAC Ford Focus National Champions include Alex Bowman (2008), James Robertson (2007), Michael Faccinto (2006) and Robbie Ray (2005). Bowman finished fourth in this year’s “Night Before the 500” USAC National Midget race in Indianapolis, Ind.