Qualifying for Saturday nights even postponed due to rain showers

CONCORD, N.C. — November 3, 2011 — After crisscrossing the country on one of the most grueling schedules in racing, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series began their final weekend of racing in the fifth annual Lowes Foods World Finals presented by Tom’s Snacks, Coca-Cola and Nature’s Own. Before they could find out who would be taking the final checkered flags of the season, 55 drivers and teams had to time in for Friday and Saturday night’s event in the Kellogg’s Qualifying Night. When the dust settled, it was Sam Hafertepe Jr. timing in quickest for Friday night’s event.

“This was probably the best car I have ever had here,” said Hafertepe Jr., a Sunnyvale, Tex. native. “Having a good car tonight means a lot and also means we will probably have a good car for the rest of the weekend. The track was in excellent shape.”

(Click here to listen to an interview with Hafertepe Jr.)

Qualifying for Saturday night’s field was nearing the halfway point when excessive rain showers forced it’s postponement. Time Trials for Saturday night’s event will now be held Friday evening after hot laps.

Heading into the final two events of the season, Jason Meyers has already clinched his second consecutive World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series but will try to once again sweep the Lowes Foods World Finals. The Clovis, Calif. native won both races last season ending weekend at the Dirt Track at Charlotte to lock up his first series title. Second in the championship standings and fighting to hold off 20-time series champion Steve Kinser is Donny Schatz. The Fargo, N.D. resident is looking to add to his win total at the Dirt Track at Charlotte which currently sits at four. Kinser, a Bloomington, Ind. native, sits third in the series points and is well within striking distance of his Tony Stewart Racing teammate.

Joey Saldana, Paul McMahan, Cody Darrah and Brad Sweet will look to put Kasey Kahne Racing in victory lane once again at the Dirt Track at Charlotte. McMahan won the Outlaw Showdown in May, the first of four victories during the 2011 season.

Regular series stars like Kraig Kinser, Craig Dollansky, Jason Sides, Lucas Wolfe and several more drivers from across the world will look to race their way into victory lane in the fifth annual Lowes Foods World Finals presented by Tom’s Snacks, Coca-Cola and Nature’s Own. Tickets are still available by going to www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com. Saturday night’s season ending event will be telecast live on SPEED starting at 8 P.M. EST. Veteran motorsports personality Ralph Sheheen will have the call with color commentary provided by Brad Doty and Shane Andrews. Bobby Gerould and Roger Slack will be patrolling the pits in the live, four hour broadcast.

Kellogg’s Qualifying Night Results:

The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: Armor All (Official Car Care Products), STP (Official Fuel Treatment), Goodyear Tires (Official Tire), Chizmark Larson Insurance , Factory Motor Parts, VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel), Vicci (Official Apparel); in addition to contingency sponsors, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, RacingJunk.com KSE Race Products, Racing Electronics, S&S Volvo and R2C Performance; Engine Builder’s Challenge participants Don Ott Racing Engines, Kistler Engines, Shaver Specialties and Speedway Engines; and Chassis Builder’s Challenge participants J&J Auto Racing, Maxim Racing and XXX Race Company.