Texas Speedzone - USRA Houston Late Models Prove Worthy of Spotlight.

For Immediate Release
Contact: United States Racing Association
Press and Public Relations Department
Bobby Chaffee, Public Relations Director
Ph: (903) 576-4144 (512) 557-7393
Bobby@digitalgrease.com
Terry Barden, VP of Race Operation
Ph: (210) 827-4524 Email: Terlinbarden@yahoo.com

USRA Houston Late Models Prove Worthy of Spotlight.

Houston, Texas (July 11, 2005) – The United States Racing Association (USRA) not only had the USRA Texas Asphalt Modified Series (TAMS) at Houston Motorsports Park, the sanctioning body also showcased the USRA Houston Late Model Series in a 50 lap feature.

In qualifying Dean Baker came out late in the session and set the fastest lap at a mark of 14.635 seconds. Points leader Ray Drews ended qualifying in second spot with a lap of 14.672. 12 racecars took the green flag after nearly an hour and a half rain delay. The 12 car starting field would be the largest car count of the season for the Houston Late Model Series.

At the green flag start of the race, Baker would jump out to an early lead. Drews dropped back at the start of the race and fell in line and stayed with the race pace. The race kept the fans entertained. The excitement of the racing rose to a new level with around five laps to go. Kristen Bumbera would try to take the lead from Baker coming out of turn four. To void contact she pinched her car down and spun out.

The caution flag bunched the racers together for a late-race restart. With three laps to go new second place driver Ed Mann got into Baker and brought out another late-race caution. Mann was placed at the rear of the field. On the final restart Ray Drews had worked his back up into second place. With two laps to go Drews was able to get a great run and pull even with Baker. The crowd was brought to their feet in excitement as the two cars ran side-by-side for the entire lap. As the white flag waved at the speedway, Drews completed the pass and went on to take the win.

“This is a great win”, stated Drews. “I really wanted to win a race with Dean (Baker) here. Man this win is just awesome. He raced me clean. I like it when people race clean. Anybody can race dirty. I really look foreword to watching the Houston Late Model class grow. My goal this season is to have fun and race. I want to go for three in a row. I was with J.C. when he won at San Antonio last time out. Now I’ve won and we are going to Kyle for another race with J.C.”

Baker has won the last two USRA Houston Late Model races in a row. The win keeps Drews in the points lead for the season standings.

For more information on the United States Racing Association please visit the series’ website at www.USRASpeed.com.

For information on the Houston Motorsports Park Speedway please visit www.houstonmotorsportspark.com.

For public relations questions please contact USRA Public Relations Director Bobby Chaffee at (903) 576-4144, (512) 557-7393 or by email Bobby@digitalgrease.com.

For all USRA technical issues please contact USRA Technical Director Wayne Norrell at (210) 825-9531.

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