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Checkered Flag Falls on Polar Bear 150 Open Practice
12:31 AM EST on Sunday, December 14, 2008
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. – Sixteen cars from all over the east coast came out of winter hibernation to get an early jump on their competition by practicing for 2009’s first race, the Polar Bear 150 at the Rockingham Speedway.
The race on New Year’s Day will feature up to 99 street stock cars from the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Series which features cars made up of stock appearing American made models built between 1960 and 1988, powered by all-cast iron engines no larger than 410 cubic inches.
“There is going to be nonstop action during this race,” said Joey Meier, Spotter for Martin Truex Jr. in the Sprint Cup Series. “I went out and drove high, low and in the middle so I think there will be multiple grooves here for these cars. It is a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to the race.”
The unofficial fastest time of the day was set by Clint Watkins in his No. 91 Joe Metcalf Race Motors Camaro at over 119 mph.
Bryan Silas will be making a unique feat by racing in all three of the major races held at Rockingham this race season. Silas has already raced in the Carolina 500 and American 200 and practiced today for the Polar Bear 150.
“This is by far the most fun car I have driven before,” said Silas. “With the wing on top it took a while to get used to but I had a blast driving it.”
Many race fans also took the opportunity to see these cars at Rockingham Speedway for the first time and helped collect food for the needy in the process. Fans were admitted to the grandstands for free by donating a can of food for the United Way of Richmond County’s “Race to Overcome Hunger” food drive.
Over 50 cars have already entered the race at “The Rock” which will see up to 99 cars starting three wide for 33 rows. Among the entrants so far is Red Bull Racing Crew Chief Jimmie Elledge, David Bryant the Car Chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as well as ARCA drivers Brett Hudson and Bryan Silas.
The Polar Bear 150 kicks off on December 31st with practice during the day and a New Years Eve celebration in the garage area of the track starting at 6:00 p.m. Fans can join the drivers and teams for the celebration for only $10.
The Polar Bear 150, which will start up to 99 Street Stocks will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday January 1st with general admission seating only $15 when purchased in advance and $20 the day of the race. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult.
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| No. | Driver | Hometown | Sponsor | Make |
| 1) | 31 | Bryan Silas | Stuart, FL | PBG | Chevy Monte Carlo |
| 2) | 91 | Clint Watkins | Maggie Valley, NC | App. Amusement Center, Joe Metcalf Race Engines | 1978 Chevy Camaro |
| 3) | 29 | Jason Leatherwood | Waynesville, NC | App. Amusement Center, Joe Metcalf Race Engines | 1978 Chevy Camaro |
| 4) | 71 | Bobby East | Mooresville, NC | Dallas Metal Products, K&K Insurance | 1971 Dodge |
| 5) | 371 | John Whaley | Goldsboro, NC | C&G Auto, H&H Body Shop | 1979 Chevy Camaro |
| 6) | 8 | Randy McAnulty | Concord, NC | Randy McAnulty Race Cars, RM Machine Shop | 1978 Chevy Nova |
| 7) | 72 | Frank Oriti | Hinckley, OH | Mars Trucking, Shaker Valley Foods | 1988 Chevy Monte Carlo |
| 8) | 3 | Billy Ammons | Deatsville, AL | Ray Givens Roof Consultant, Ammons Truck Repair | 1984 Chevy Monte Carlo |
| 9) | 1 | Joey Meier | Mooresville, NC | Robby Fuller Motorsports, Jeff Spraker Racing | 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo |
| 10) | 64 | Gary Davis |
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| 11) | 8 | Phil Gould |
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| 12) | 462 | Mike Meimar |
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| 13) | 15 | Tim Treadwell |
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| 14) | 99 | Rick Erwin |
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| 15) | 58 | Larry Latham |
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| 16) | 17 | JD Frey |
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