J&J Steel returns as sponsor for Iron Man award, Challenge race

WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa (Jan. 10, 2007) – J&J Steel will recognize the accomplishments of competitors in the Deery Brothers Summer Series for IMCA Sunoco Late Models again this season.

The West Burlington chassis, race car parts and accessories retailer will award $100 product certificates to the driver advancing the most positions in each Deery main event.

Perfect attendance throughout the 21st annual tour also qualifies drivers for the J&J Steel Ironman Challenge, to be held on opening night of the Pepsi USA Nationals Friday, Sept. 14 at 34 Raceway.

The race pays $750 to win and a minimum of $200 to start. Rob Toland topped the inaugural Challenge last season.

Other drivers who raced at every event in 2006 were champion Jeff Aikey, Jerry Dedrick, Darrel DeFrance, Eric Gustaf, Ron Gustaf, Sam Halstead, Greg Kastli, Boone McLaughlin, Ben Nading, Terry Neal, Matt Ryan, Robby Warner and Joe Zrostlik.

DeFrance has competed at all 300 events in series history.

Two J&J Steel decals must be displayed on the race car for drivers to be eli­gible for the Iron Man contingency award. Information about products available from J&J Steel is available by calling 319 754-4310.

Hamilton County Speedway at Webster City hosts the series opener on Saturday, April 7. The 17 dates on the 2007 schedule include the tour’s first ever visit to South Dakota.

“With the tremendous success of the J&J Steel Ironman Challenge race this past year, all drivers with perfect Deery Brothers attendance in 2007 will again qualify for that special event on Friday, Sept. 14,” said Kevin Yoder, IMCA marketing director. “Johnny Johnson and J&J Steel have been long-time supporters of this series, and that involvement will continue again this year.”