For Immediate Release March 2, 2008 - From Erica Bicknell - Lucas Oil Shoot Out Public Relations - 905-685-7223 (Winter Office) 

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario (March 2) … Four local DIRTcar sanctioned race tracks announced the 4th Annual Lucas Oil Shoot Out by Dirt Track Digest.com for the Sportsman and 358 Modified Divisions February 28th at the Best Western Cairncroft Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 

Ransomville, Merrittville, Genesee and Humberstone Speedways will once again host an event for the Sportsman while the three tracks that host the 358’s will feature one event each. 

“The Shootouts continue to provide fresh and exciting events for both our race teams and fans,” relates Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell, adding, “in the 2009 series – each track continues to showcase our local drivers in a very unique way.” 

Last season, the third edition of the Lucas Oil Shootout by Dirt Track Digest.com for both the Sportsmen and 358 Modified Divisions crowned new champions – Tyler McPherson and Pete Bicknell respectively. 

“It continues to be unique to the Southern Ontario and Western New York racing communities … bringing the tracks and there race teams together,” informs DirtTrackDigest.com’s Adam Ross, “as the Shootout unfolds … the points should again be so close … anyone will have a shot at the title … local Dirt Racing is what we’re all about – we’re just as excited about what the new season will bring” 

Ransomville Speedway and the Friesen family were represented by Jeff Anstett while Pete Nancy and Erica Bicknell, Mike Lauterborn and Bob Davidson were introduced as promoters of their respective facilities – Merrittville, Genesee and Humberstone Speedways. 

For the Sportsmen Division – it all starts at the Genesee Speedway with a 50 lap event Saturday June 13th, continuing with Merrittville Speedway (50 laps – Saturday June 20th), Humberstone Speedway (50 laps – Sunday July 26th), concluding at Ransomville Speedway with a 50 lap event Friday August 7th. 

“The support continues to amaze us,” relates Humberstone GM Bob Davidson, “with the Sportsmen in particular – it’s just incredible … 78 drivers competed in at least one of the events … and it all leads up to the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup at Brighton once again.” 

The 358 Modified Division kicks off Monday May 18th at Merrittville Speedway with a 50 lap event followed by another at Ransomville Speedway – Friday May 22nd. After much of the summer taking care of weekly racing, the 2009 edition will conclude at Humberstone Speedway Sunday August 23rd. 

Ransomville Speedway driver James Friesen won the 2008 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup last fall – earning his Friday Night home track a Lucas Oil Sportsman Event this season. 

“Race Teams can look forward to quite an event,” relayed Ransomville and Shoot Out Race Director Jeff Anstett, “with Lucas Oil’s help … look for a huge event on our schedule … complete with a purse for the B Main.” 

During the meeting all drivers that were in attendance were entered into a draw for a pair of pit passes to their respective Lucas Oil Shootout Events and for the Sportsman – Brad Rouse was picked for the Golden Pass. 

Now a rookie in the 358 Modifieds, James Friesen was the driver picked for the Golden Pass for that division. 

Returning for each Shootout Series in 2009, a Point Fund will be awarded to the top 10 at the final event of each series which doubles for the 358 Modified Division. 

Brighton Speedway’s Mark Rinaldi was introduced to the gathering to reveal plans for the conclusion – the third year that both series will conclude on neutral territory. 

“When they arrive,” revealed Rinaldi, “each Sportsman driver will have to declare a home track … the race winner will take home the Lucas Oil Cup to that track once again.” 

Cornwall Speedway’s Ron Morin was also introduced with the eastern tracks playing host to the Lucas Oil Canadian DIRT Challenge for the 9th season for 358 Modified Teams from Eastern Ontario and Quebec. 

Once again, drivers from that series will meet up with those from the Lucas Oil Shoot Out at the Brighton Speedway. 

Brighton Speedway’s Applefest Weekend is Friday and Saturday September 25th and 26th. 

Also returning as part of each Shootout is another bonus for drivers in the Sportsman Series that attend all 4 of their events will share in a 4 for 4 $2500 Series Bonus for their perfect attendance – for example if 10 Sportsmen drivers attend all 4 events – the 10 drivers each will earn $250.00. All point fund and bonus money will be in Canadian Funds. 

Points at each series event will be awarded according to the driver’s finishing position – i.e. if the driver finishes 1st – that driver will receive 1 point, for 10th – 10 points, 15th – 15 points etc.  

Between the Series events for each Division, Point Fund and 5 for 5 Bonus Monies for Sportsman – the 2008 Lucas Oil Shootout by DirtTrackDigest.com will award Southern Ontario and Western New York Race Teams more than $70,000. 

Ross and Clint Geoffrey closed the meeting by fielding questions after thanking the race teams, race tracks and Lucas Oil’s Steve Snowden for their continued support.

Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry featuring a premium line of oils, greases and problem-solving additives. 

Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top selling additive in the industry. Lucas Oil Products was established by Forrest Lucas in 1989 in the United States and wasn’t introduced in Canada until 1997.  

Race fans can look for Lucas Oil Products in Canada at all PartSource locations and in Western New York at any Advance Auto Parts location or on line at either www.lucasoil.ca or www.lucasoil.com. 

Since 1999, DirtTrackDigest.com has been one of the few racing news web sites to have a professional feel, easy navigation, fast loading and high content – DTD presents a unique experience for users. 

DirtTrackDigest.com features all the news on DIRTcar including sanctioned tracks – Ohsweken, Ransomville, Merrittville, Genesee and Humberstone. In addition to breaking news and features by some of the top internet columnists, Dirt TrackDigest.com also features Photos, Classifieds, Links, Contests and more. 

For further rules and information on the 2nd Annual Lucas Oil Shoot Out by DirtTrackDigest.com – race teams can contact Merrittville’s Erica Bicknell at 905-685-7223 leading up to the season or at 905-892-8266. Ransomville’s Jeff Anstett can be reached via e mail at jeff@anstettracing.com or visit www. DirtTrackDigest.com.