(Savannah, GA)  The 8^th Annual Showdown on the Coast at Savannah’s historic half mile speedway, Oglethorpe Speedway Park, continues to show a steady increase in competitor entries.  Speedway management raised concerns over rapidly rising fuel costs and that it may force some racers and race fans to stay home the weekend of October 19, 20, 21 and 22 instead of traveling to Savannah for the area’s largest motorsports event of the year.

            “Gas prices have effected some events in this area over the past month,” said OSP’s Ted Austad.  “It has not shown an effect on the Showdown.  It may be due to the tradition of coming to this race each October.  The number of people that mark the Showdown dates on their calendar as a ‘must attend’ event has increased over the past four or five years.”

            Oglethorpe Speedway Park’s unique dirt late model race for the National Late Model Series is a grueling 150-lap, pedal to the metal race that includes infield pit stops for the dirt late model teams.  The combination of a very fast speedway (speeds over 130 mph), thirty-six car starting grid and the strategies involved in when to pit to change tires make it a ‘must attend’ race for many fans of dirt late model racing.

            “We have had some last lap lead changes and drivers charging from the back to the front,” explained Austad.  “The mid-race strategy is crucial to put your race team into position to fight for the $10,000 top prize for winning the 150-lap race.  You have to be fast.  But, you have to be smart too.”

            Former winners of the Budweiser 150 are already entered and ready for the four day shoot-out on October 19, 20, 21 and 22 at Oglethorpe.  Eighteen-year-old Jordy Nipper will be back to defend his title from 2004.  Also on the ticket is ‘Locomotive’ Johnny Collins has a ride ready for the Showdown on the Coast.  Collins was the 2003 winner.  Plus, 2002 winner Ivedent Lloyd is coming back.  The only two-time winner Tuck Trentham (2000-2001) and three-time OSP late model champion Bobby Oglesby, who also won the Showdown on the Coast main event in 1999.

            “The list of those attending to compete for the Budweiser 150 title continue to grow,” said Austad.  “All of the former winners will be at OSP along with some very strong competitors that have not had the chips fall their way to win this amazing race.”

            The fuel prices in the southeast also have not shown any effect on the participation for the nine other divisions competing at this year’s Showdown on the Coast.  Drivers are currently registered from seventeen states and Canada for the event that is offering a $70,000 purse this year.

            Also on the racing card for the weekend of October 19, 20, 21 and 22 is the Crate Late Models.  All cars powered by GM Performance crate engines are eligible.  They will race in a one night event during the Showdown with their main event paying $3000 to win and the winner receives a new GM Performance engine.  Drivers participating will also have the opportunity to win an additional $100,000 in cash bonuses as the track is part of the recently created “Top Tracks” program for crate late model racers.

            “Last year there were over 100 late models on the property for this event,” Austad said.  “That number should remain the same for this year as the cash outlay is better and the interest in the race has become better for competitors in the Crate and National Late Model race cars.”

            The newly created Super Street Stock Shoot-Out will give racers in the area Super Streets a chance to compete against similar cars in the Street Stocks.  There will be two separate shows for the very popular divisions of stock car racing.  Thursday, October 20 is “Round 1” paying $1,000 to win.  Saturday night is “Round 2” and pays $2,000 to win.  Interest is at an all-time high for this division at the Showdown.

            “We have been working with Swainsboro and Cochran Speedways in our area to create a series for these similar rule divisions,” Austad explained.  “Modoc Speedway is also working with us to create a good series for these stock car divisions to race and run for some better purses at the season end.  This will create a great show for fans and drivers.”

            Other divisions competing at the 8^th Annual Showdown on the Coast on October 19, 20, 21 and 22 is the Mini Stock Open  with wide open rules and paying $2,000 to win.  The Pure Stocks, regular Mini Stocks, 440 Series and two female only divisions of Queen Bees and Lady Pure Stock.

            “It’s a full weekend of racing,” said the always promoting Ted Austad.  “Where else are you going to see 300 race cars, ten features and all the added entertainment we offer for a weekend ticket price of only $40?”

            Race fans also plan for the Showdown on the Coast because of the free carnival rides for the kids, free race car rides, free vintage race car display, free racing collectibles show and flea market, slot car racing tournament, golf tournament, race fan pit stop challenge, music parties after the races, huge bonfires and the awesome display of fireworks on Saturday night prior to the Budweiser 150.

            “It’s more than just another race,” added Austad.  “It’s an event for the whole family to enjoy.  It’s a racer and race fan’s tradition to end the regular season.”

            For additional information on the 8^th Annual Showdown on the Coast, contact the speedway offices at 912-964-8200 or visit www.ospracing.net.