LIST OF NASCAR DRIVERS CONTINUES TO GROW FOR MACON SPEEDWAY NIGHT OF NASCAR STARS JUNE 14
by: Tonya Moschell

MACON, IL  (June 11) - Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, is celebrating several firsts in the 2007 season. Now in his fifth season on the NEXTEL Cup circuit, Mears in his 156th NEXTEL Cup Series start, won the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway to earn his first victory at NASCAR’s highest level. Another first will happen on Thursday, June 14, when Casey Mears joins the star-studded lineup and makes his first appearance at Macon Speedway for the Night of NASCAR Stars.

On this special Night of NASCAR Stars at Macon Speedway, SPEED TV will tape a one hour program devoted to grassroots racing. This program will be highlighted by NASCAR drivers racing UMP Modifieds on the 1/5 mile dirt oval at Macon. In addition, SPEED will be portraying grassroots racing in America with attention to the Street Stock and Hogan Grain/Kubota Sportsman divisions that will also be racing on June 14. Sportsman drivers will be racing for qualifying positions in the Wynn’s Sportsman Nationals to be held Sunday, August 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL.

US Army is the sponsor for this unique opportunity to see NASCAR drivers racing head-to-head on dirt. June 14 is the ARMY Birthday and local representatives are planning a special celebration at Macon Speedway.

The growing list of NASCAR Stars confirmed for Thursday includes, in addition to Mears, Marcus Ambrose, Kyle Busch, Ray Evernham, Bobby Labonte, Jason Leffler, Stephen Leicht, David Reutimann, Kenny Schrader, Kenny Wallace, Mike Wallace, Steve Wallace and JJ Yeley. This roster includes several drivers with strong dirt racing backgrounds. Additional drivers are being confirmed and will be announced as soon as plans are firmed up.

Casey Mears grew up watching and learning from some of the best. His dad Roger was an off-road racing superstar, and his uncle, Rick Mears, won the Indianapolis 500 four times.

Mears began his motorsports career in 1982 at the age of four. He started out racing BMX bicycles and then ATVs at his hometown speedway in Bakersfield, Calif. His resume’ lists a wide variety of racing success stories leading up to his NASCAR career. Mears started racing go-karts then went to Indy Lights, followed by a few years with CART and IRL until he was presented with an opportunity in 2002 to start on the NASCAR circuit.

Mears has only been on the NASCAR circuit five short years, but his performances each year have steadily improved. His victory in the Coca Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway marked his first NEXTEL Cup win.

Tickets are selling fast for the Night of NASCAR Stars, but many good seats are still available for the June 14 event at Macon Speedway. Seats are $30 for adults - $5 for children 12 and under. Order tickets by calling 217-764-3000 or 217-764-3200.

Gates to Macon Speedway will open at 3:00 PM on Thursday, June 14. NASCAR drivers will qualify in the Modifieds at 6:30 with racing scheduled to start at 7:00. NASCAR drivers will not be available for fan interaction. NASCAR racers will work from a secure pit area at Macon Speedway that cannot be accessed without appropriate credentials.

NASCAR Stars Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart and local Promoter Bob Sargent purchased Macon Speedway in January of 2007.

Macon Speedway – racing every Saturday Night – is proud to be part of the $100,000 Contingency Connection program for the 2007 season. Macon Speedway is located 9 miles south of Decatur, IL on US 51 then .6 miles west on Andrews Street, then south on Wiles. For information, call 217-764-3000 (track), 217-764-3220 (information hotline), or contact Tonya Moschell via email at tonya.trackenterprises@yahoo.com  or visit www.maconracing.com .