MORE THAN DRIVER TO WIN BRAGGING RIGHTS AT MOPAR MILLION

ROSSBURG, OH (Aug. 30) -- There is little doubt that the loudest bragging rights that accompany a victory in the upcoming Mopar Million Sprint at Eldora will go to the winning driver, but there are many “battles within the battle”.

The anxiety continues to grow in anticipation of this unprecedented September 19 and 20 event at Ohio’s legendary Eldora Speedway. And rightfully so. With one million dollars in prize money on the line for the 150 entered non-winged Sprint Car teams, the event will enter the history books as the richest event in Sprint Car history, whether non-winged or winged.

Lending a watchful eye to the Earl Baltes created promotion is the United States Auto Club (USAC), who has granted Special Event status to the Mopar Million Sprint at Eldora.

There are many manufacturers and suppliers hoping to attach their name to the driver who walks on to Eldora’s hallowed victory stage September 20 to collect $200,000 as a result of winning the 40-lap Mopar Million.

Perhaps the stiffest competition for those desired bragging rights reigns supreme among the chassis, engine and tire manufacturers.

In regards to the chassis department, the Twister Chassis, as represented by current USAC Sprint point leader J.J. Yeley and a host of others, may be the hot ticket going into the Mopar event. Yeley’s strong and successful season to date has prompted many phone calls to the Twister office.

However, many of the other chassis companies are stepping up their programs in an attempt to get their nameplate recognized as a propellant to that lucrative victory. Familiar names gracing various victory lanes in recent weeks include, among others, Stealth, Eagle, Maxim, J & J and Schnee.

Then there is the power plant.

While the Chevrolet name tag has been dominant over the years, Ford has stepped into the Sprint Car scene, as has Mopar, who, without question, would love to see their nameplate attached to the winner. As far as engine builders, Gaerte Engines have been around Sprint Car racing for many years and have powered many teams to high-dollar wins, but the competition for engine supremacy has become tougher in recent seasons. Among those spicing up the ‘engine wars’ are Kistler, Fisher and Wesmar, to name just a few.

And probably the hottest competition among the dirt Sprint Car fraternity is that between the tire manufacturers. While no longer a key player, the fabled Goodyear tire still appears occasionally but the big battle is between the American Racer (formerly McCreary) and Hoosier brands. For years, McCreary dominated the non-winged Sprint scene, but in recent years, Hoosier has spearheaded an effort to dethrone that effort.

Without a doubt, the driver that sits atop the field after 40 grueling laps in the Mopar Million Sprint at Eldora will become a household name in the racing world, and the manufacturers that helped in that effort will make their presence known as well.

Only a few weeks remain before the September 19 and 20 running of the Mopar Million Sprint and Eldora, and the resultant earning of ‘bragging rights’.