SPEEDWEEKEND 2005 BIGGER - AND BETTER - THAN EVER

By Joan Roué, Scotia Speedworld

HALIFAX, NS (2005 July 26) - Speedweekend 2005 at Scotia Speedworld is just over two weeks away and it is shaping up to be the biggest - and best - yet! Day one, on Friday, August 12, will feature The Lockhart Truck Center 100. Day Two, Saturday, August 13, will see the running of the sixth annual Atlantic CAT 250.

Both events will see newly added elements for the fans and the racers to enjoy, starting with a Big Rig Show'N'Shine from 5 until 7 on August 12. This inaugural happening is presented by Lockhart Truck Center in support of Feed Nova Scotia. All truckers that enter their big rigs in the Show'N'Shine will receive complementary admission tickets as a guest of Lockhart Truck Center. Those that intend to participate are encouraged to pre-register by calling Marilyn at (902) 468-5900. The on track show begins at 7 p.m. with racing action in three divisions: Miller Tire BFGoodrich Thunder & Lightning divisions, two rounds of qualifying for The Atlantic CAT 250 for Pro All Stars Series, and qualifying heats and The Lockhart Truck Center 100 for the C&R Auto Supply Sportsman Super Series.

Audience members that bring a non-perishable food or cash donation for Feed Nova Scotia on August 12 will be eligible to be the Grand Marshall for the evening festivities, getting to give the start engines command, wave the green flag to start the feature, and also get a ride around the track in a Lockhart Truck Center Big Rig.

On Saturday, August 13, The Atlantic CAT 250 Victory Lane Tailgate Party has been added to the agenda. Once the racing stops, the party starts and audience members will enjoy the music of Triumph, a popular local band featuring lead singer Paul Eisan. The Tailgate Party will be the culmination of what has become the biggest event of the year at Scotia Speedworld and indeed one of the most prestigious stock car races in eastern Canada: The Atlantic CAT 250.

Racing action begins at 6 p.m. on August 13. The format includes championship points racing in two Budweiser Weekly Racing divisions, the RV Contacts Legends and the Nova Automotive Hobby Stock. Then the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) will take to the track for the Atlantic CAT 250, where the best short track stock car racers in the Maritimes and New England will battle for the $6000 U.S. winner's cheque, the honour of having their name etched on the Scott Fraser Memorial Cup - and the everlasting prestige of winning this race.

A special Pepsi Pre-Race Show will kick things off at 5 p.m. August 13, with a sneak preview of Triumph, an autograph session and the Atlantic CAT Equipment Parade.

Special two-day grandstand admission tickets are just $35 for adults and $6 for youth aged 8 to
15. Friday only tickets are $15 for adults and $2 for youth aged 8 to 15. Saturday only tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for youth (8 to 15). Children 7 and under are admitted free both nights. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pit admission is $45 for a two-day ticket, $20 for Friday only and $35 for Saturday only. Pit admission is restricted to those 16 and older.

HST is included in all admission prices.