BULLS GAP, Tenn. — Volunteer Speedway will begin its 35th season of exciting dirt-track racing by hosting the Knoxville, Tenn.-based Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series in its inaugural visit to the track for the running of the $10,000-to-win "10th Annual Spring Thaw 100" on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 29-March 1. The Spring Thaw will be the first of three scheduled Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series events at "The Gap" in 2008.

Defending and four-time Spring Thaw 100 race winner Scott Bloomquist from nearby Mooresburg will be present to defend his title, along with fellow Team Zero (Bloomquist Race Cars) members Jimmy Owens of Newport, Kerry Jones of Bristol (2001 & '07 Volunteer Speedway track champion), Shanon Buckingham of Morristown, Chris Madden of Gray Court, S.C., and John Blankenship of Williamson, W.Va.

Leading the Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series contingent of regional drivers from the Volunteer State will be three-time series champion Anthony White of Clinton, Rick Rogers of Knoxville, Tommy Kerr of Maryville, Randy Weaver of Crossville, Kayne Hickman of Soddy Daisy, Mike Weeks of Friendsville, Dan Tipton of Kingston; plus out-of-state competitors Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., Ray Cook of Brasstown, N.C., Brandon Kinzer of Allen, Ky., Damon Eller of Crumpler, N.C., Tommy Bailey of Corbin, Ky., David Payne of Murphy, N.C., and others.

East Tennessee drivers tentatively scheduled to be present include four-time Volunteer Speedway track champion Vic "The Thrill" Hill of Morristown (1997, '98, 2000 & '05), Mike Smith of Rogersville, Dale Ball of Johnson City, Jeff Maupin of Greeneville, Bryan Hendrix of Knoxville, Herman Goddard of Knoxville, Mark Douglas of Knoxville, Billy Ogle Jr. of Knoxville, Mike Marlar of Winfield, Michael Jackson of Greeneville, Greg Burchett of Church Hill, Shane Roberts of Blountville, Bobby Mays of Jonesborough, Bobby Giffin of Maryville, David Crabtree of Maryville, and many more.

On Friday, Feb. 29 the Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series Super Late Models will qualify (Powermaster Time Trials) and run heat races, along with Crate Late Model and Mini Stock features. Adult grandstand admission on Friday is $12, youth ages 7-14 $4, with 6-and-under admitted free. Pit passes and backside tier-parking $30.

Highlighting the Saturday, March 1 racing program will be the Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series Super Late Model $10,000-to-win 10th Annual Spring Thaw 100. Two Sunoco Dashes from preliminary qualifying events (heat races) on Friday night will determine the first six rows of the Spring Thaw 100, with two last chance West Haven Speed Equipment B-mains determining starting positions 18-22, and the final two (23-24) starting berths series provisionals based on 2007 final point standings. Also racing will be Hobby Stocks in a 25-lap feature. Adult grandstand admission on Saturday is $25, youth ages 7-14 $5, with 6-and-under admitted free. Pit passes and backside tier-parking $35.

The pit gate will open each day at 3 p.m., with the grandstands opening daily at 5 p.m. Hotlaps are tentatively scheduled to begin each evening around 6 p.m., followed by qualifying and then racing action.

To learn more about Volunteer Speedway visit the track's website at www.VolunteerSpeedway.com

Volunteer Speedway: (423) 235-5020
Track Office (Weekdays Only): (423) 378-5942
Phyllis Loven: (423) 676-9081
Robert Walden-Media/Public Relations Director: (423) 928-9644 robwald@prodigy.net
Jimmy Meade-Marketing and Sales: (423) 817-0925

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 19, 2008

Ray Cook Claims First Victory of ’08 at Winchester!

(BRASSTOWN, NORTH CAROLINA) The Ray Cook Racing team picked up their first victory of the young 2008 racing season on Saturday night, February 16 at the Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Tennessee! Ray Cook timed in second quickest in his group (and overall) during the qualifying session, which earned him the sixth starting spot for the 'Winterfest' feature event. The Brasstown, North Carolina native then used the high-line around the Volunteer State oval early in the A-Main and passed the top five cars in the first six laps to take the lead. Ray then held the point for the remainder of the 40-lap affair to record the $3,000 triumph over Riley Hickman, Lamar Scoggins, Eric Hickerson, and Brandon King. You can view full results from the 6th Annual 'Winterfest' online at www.winchesterspeedwayonline.com.

“I am really pleased to get a win this early in the season and hopefully this one is not our last in 2008,” quoted Cook earlier in the week via telephone. “Things really went our way during the feature, as all of cars up front hit the bottom of the track early in the race. That allowed us a clear lane up top and I was able to get the lead by using the high side of the track. After that, the car worked to perfection and we were able to stay out front. I have to thank the good Lord first of all for everything that he gives us each day. Then of course, I also have to thank my dedicated crew, family, and sponsors for all of their help and support!”

Ray Cook and his #53 team will be back in action this coming weekend during the annual ‘Bama Bash’ at the Green Valley Speedway in Glencoe, Alabama. The unsanctioned event will start with qualifying and heat race action on Saturday, February 23. The last chance races and the $10,000 to win, 75-lap A-Main will then highlight the racing activity on Sunday afternoon. You can learn more about the 11th Annual ‘Bama Bash’ online at www.greenvalleyspeedway.com!

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

February 23-24 | Green Valley (AL) Speedway, Bama Bash | $10,000 to win

February 29-March 1 | Volunteer (TN) Speedway, AAPTS | $10,000 to win

March 7-8 | Clarksville (TN) Speedway, Toilet Bowl Classic | $10,000 to win

March 15 | Cleveland (TN) Speedway, OSAS | $7,500 to win

Ray would like to thank all of his supporters including: Bill Elliott Racing, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Grover Racing Engines, Hamrick's of Gaffney, Youngblood Concrete Special, Jacky Jones Automotive Group, Southeast Dealer Services, Engines, Inc., A+ Moving and Storage, James Cook Construction, Arvil Cook Property Investments, Maytag from Elliott Heating & Cooling, Alturna Mats, American Race Tire, Bert Transmissions, BRT Racing Products, Custom Craft Headers, Delph Communications, Demon Carburetors, Frankland Racing Supply, ISC Racers Tape, JB Performance, K&N Filters, Mason Racin', MSD Ignition, Ohlins Shocks, Out-Pace Racing Products, Outerwears, Inc., Oval Craft, PPM Racing Products, PRC Racing, Race It, Real Wheels, Schaeffer Oil, Scott Performance Wire, VP Racing Fuels, Wiles Driveshafts, and Wilwood.

For the latest news and schedule information concerning the Ray Cook Racing team, feel free to visit their official Internet home at www.raycook53.com.

Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications