Texas Speedzone - Retired NBA Star Derek Strong taking on San Antonio Speedway Challenge

For Immediate Release
Contact: Debbie Williams
San Antonio Speedway Vice President & Asst. Gen. Mgr.
(210) 648-7373 (office); (210) 685-0400 (cell)
debwill@sanantoniospeedway.com

Retired NBA Star Derek Strong taking on San Antonio Speedway Challenge

San Antonio, TX (October 18, 2006) – Derek Strong hung up his NBA jersey just a few years ago and has decided to channel his energy into racing instead – and he’s headed to the high banks at San Antonio Speedway this weekend.

Strong will be piloting his #41 ASA Late Model Series racecar in the AT&T Twin 75 ASA Shootout presented by Mercedes Homes – the highlight of racing action this Saturday night at the asphalt, half-mile oval speedway.

This former basketball star began his National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1990. Strong’s basketball career was spread among several other NBA teams – the Washington Bullets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. He retired from the NBA’s LA Clippers at the end of 2000-2001 season.

It didn’t take long for Strong to try something very different following his retirement from the NBA. Starting in 2003, Strong began his racing ventures by competing all over the state of Florida. He raced primarily at the New Smyrna Speedway (FL), as well as Orlando Speedworld (FL). Strong has also made select appearances in the Southern Automobile Racing Association (SARA) Late Model Series.

San Antonio Speedway’s President and General Manager, Rick Day, has already seen Strong’s performance on the racetrack. “I had the opportunity to watch Derek race at DeSoto Speedway (FL) while I was managing the SARA series,” said Day. “He finished in the top ten, so I’m looking forward to seeing him race again – this time in Texas.”

In October of last year, Strong raced in a NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division Southwest Series competition at the now closed Mesa Marin Speedway (CA).

Strong made his debut in the ASA Late Model Series earlier this year and has competed in ASA races at Adirondack International Speedway (NY), Florence Motor Speedway (NC) and Iowa Speedway (IA). He plans to pursue the ASA’s coveted Rookie of the Year award in 2007.

ASA drivers from several states in the southern part of the nation will be joining Strong to compete in two 75-lap events. The first race will determine the final points’ positions for the ASA LMS Southern Division drivers.

Saturday night’s agenda will also include the Texas State Sportsman Championship race, which will be a 50-lap competition by some of the top Sportsman and Street Stock drivers from racetracks throughout the state of Texas.

The grandstand gates open at 4:00 p.m., and fans will be given the opportunity to meet James and the other ASA LMS drivers during an autograph session that begins at 6:05 p.m. The racing action gets started promptly at 7:30 p.m.

San Antonio Speedway is located at 14901 State Highway 16 South (towards Poteet), 3.5 miles outside Loop 410. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and military and spouse (with ID) and $5 for children 7-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free.

For more information, call the Speedway’s hotline at (210) 628-1499 or log onto their website at http://sanantoniospeedway.com. To find out more about the ASA Late Model Series, visit their website at http://asalatemodels.com.