The World Dirt Racing Leagues Invades Freeport Raceway Park
By: Dave Brobst

FREEPORT, IL (July 26, 2006) - The thunder and lightning of The World Dirt Racing League’s PolyDome Late Model Series will storm into Freeport, IL on Thursday August 10th. The Gilman City, MO based series will invade Freeport Raceway Park for the “4th Annual Pretzel City Showdown”. The highlight of the evening will be the “Out-Pace Race Products/Champion Auto Glass 40” paying $5,000 to the winner. Also on the card that night will be the open wheeled modifieds competing in a $600 to win 20 lap main event.

This will be the series’ sixth appearance at the half-mile speed plant. Previous event winners include Steve Francis of Ashland, KY, Darren Miller of nearby Milledgeville, IL. and 2004 series champion Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI. "I love this place; it's awesome," exclaimed a jubilant Smith following his dramatic duel with runner-up Steve Kosiski of Papillion, NE in winning the 2004 Spring Nationals. "You can't ask for a smoother race track," he added. "That's the first thing you have to have is a smooth track to race on, and there were definitely some good grooves out there. I hope the fans loved it because we sure did."

A superb field of super late models is expected as the WDRL historically brings a strong presence to the Northwest Illinois facility to do battle with the Freeport Raceway Park regulars. Top drivers from 7 states are expected including current WDRL point leader Brian Harris of Davenport, IA will lead a host of top competitors from throughout the Midwest. Joining Harris will be defending champion Denny Eckrich of Tiffin, IA, two-time series champion Kyle Berck of Marquette, NE and rookie sensation Trent Follmer, of Elk River, MN. Recent Freeport Raceway Park track champions Craig Jacobs and Jeff Larson are expected to be on hand to defend their home turf along with current track point leader Dan Shelliam of Hazel Green, WI.

Also, on the line will be a $250 HammerDown bonus presented to the late model driver that advances the most positions in the 40 lap main event. Freeport Raceway Park regulars will have an added incentive to be on hand as a provisional has been added to the field for them. The top driver in track points that doesn’t qualify for the A-Main will start shotgun on the field in the 25th position.

Racing will get underway at 7:00PM on August 10th for the “4th Annual Pretzel City Showdown” with hot laps taking to the track at 6:30PM. Spectator gate will open at 5:00PM and the pits will open at 3:00PM. Admission prices for the evening are $20 for adults, $18 for Srs. and students (13-18), $5 for kids (6-12) and children 5 and under are free. For more information, go to www.dbpromoinc.com  or call 815-541-3460.