CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Returns to Meridian Speedway

May 16, 2012 - PRLog -- The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series returns to Meridian (ID) Speedway this weekend for the first of three races to be staged at the historic quarter-mile paved oval this season. And while this season features a new mix of drivers, local fan favorite Craig Bell returns to the driver's seat in search of victory in the NAPA Auto Parts Treasure Valley "100".

Bell cut his racing teeth at Meridian Speedway and his family is synonymous with winning at the challenging and tricky oval. Bell has amassed countless wins and championships over the years and was a mainstay on the RMCS tour for six seasons. He was last in an RMCS car a year and a half ago, but do not let his absence fool you. He is eager, prepared, and focused on winning Saturday night.

Bell last visited victory lane back in August of 2009 at Meridian Speedway and has five career RMCS victories to his credit along with 33 top five and 43 top ten performances in his 52 career series starts.

The event this weekend also marks the return of several local competitors to the series including Dylan Caldwell and Lee Hackney. Hackney scored a series win back in 2004 and has competed in 13 series events. Caldwell was a series regular a couple of seasons ago and has always been fast at Meridian. He is sporting a new ride for this event so look for Caldwell to turn some heads.

A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning Rookie-of-the-Year leader Tyler Bailey, multi-time track champion John Nesmith, Tyler Monroe, and Steve Jones from Meridian are anxious to return to familiar territory this weekend.

Making the long tow to each RMCS race this season is northern California's Steven Gannon. Gannon is a second generation driver from the Redding area and his family has created a racing legacy in the region that is second to none. The Gannon family operates one of the most successful Outlaw Cage Karting programs in the country in Red Bluff and they have been equally successful behind the wheel of full bodied stock cars.

Gannon is committed to the RMCS this season and is currently sixth in the point standings after two races with finishes of 5th and 12th. Joining Gannon from California is 15-year old Jeremy Doss from Upper Lake, CA. Doss won the season opening event for the RMCS at Magic Valley Speedway last month.

In ten previous series races at Meridian Speedway, only two-time RMCS series champion Dave Minegar has scored multiple wins. Minegar won the only race staged at Meridian last season was victorious the first series race at Meridian back in 2005. Joining Minegar with victories at Meridian Speedway are Thane Alderman, Brett Thompson, Craig Bell, Jeff Jefferson, Tyler Monroe, Tom Hill, Chad Cannon, and Zan Sharp.

Minegar is the track record holder at Meridian Speedway with a quick lap of 13.145 seconds set on June 26, 2010. Thane Alderman has three consecutive top three finishes at Meridian while Bell and John Nesmith each have five top five finishes to lead all drivers.

In last year's event, Dave Minegar captured the victory over Thane Alderman followed by Rick Fowble, Dan Rhodes, and Tyler Bailey. The second five were Bruce Quale, Zan Sharp, Eric Rhead, Jeff Hillock, and Jody South.

Steve Jones (378) leads the current point standings followed by Bruce Quale (353), John Nesmith (322), Thane Alderman (275), Tyler Bailey (270), Steven Gannon (248), Rick Fowble (239), Travis Monett (236), Jeremy Doss (206), and Lynn Hardy (204). Lynn Hardy is the most recent series winner two weeks ago at RMR outside SLC, Utah.

A full slate of racing action is planned including the Pepsi Sprint Cars, Mini-Stocks, Thunderdogs, and Spectator Drags. Box Office Tickets: $15 Adults, $12.50 Senior/Military, $11.00 Kids (age 7-11) 6yrs and under FREE. Easy Tix online: $13 Adults, $10.50 Senior/Military, $9.00 Kids (age 7-11) 6yrs and under FREE. Easy Tix online: w/ NAPA promo code : $11 Adults, $8.50 Senior/Military, $7.00 Kids (age 7-11) 6yrs and under FREE. Promo code available at participating area NAPA Auto Parts Stores.

The RMCS utilizes a racing format not found in ANY other regional touring series around the country. The RMCS inverts up to the top 20 from qualifying putting the fast qualifiers at the back to start each race. This format ensures race fans see what they paid for and that is passing. Each driver is awarded three points per position gained in the event. Points are also awarded for qualifying and heat race finishes. Through the history of the series, the winning driver has averaged a 15th place starting position. To ensure competition, the RMCS pays it purse based on total point accumulation for the event and provides several special performance awards at each race.

CarbonX, the world leader in fire protective clothing, is title sponsor of the RMCS for the fifth season and along with Century Boatland, based in Twin Falls, which is also back with the series for the third year providing significant event and series support. Since 1985, Century Boatland has been the Magic Valley headquarters for new and used recreational, pleasure, and fishing boats.

The series is supported by a great family of sponsors including: CarbonX, Century Boatland, Project Filter, ESI, A-1 Heating & Air Conditioning, Sharp Powder Coating, Five Star Racing Bodies, Hoosier Racing Tires, Frank's Radios, Performance Solutions, Kidd's Performance and Dyno, Joes Racing Products, PPG Paint, Circle Racing Wheels, and Mike Minegar's Auto Body.  

About The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series
The CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series is a regional touring series that allows all competitors to race and gain experience on different types of racetracks. It is a high-quality professional racing series that offers maximum opportunity at an affordable price serving the intermountain West. The motto of the series is to "Race Hard and Have Fun!" For all the latest news and information regarding the CarbonX Rocky Mountain Challenge Series log on to our website at http://www.rmcsracing.com.

About CarbonX  
CarbonX® non-flammable fabrics offer the best level of fire and heat protection in flame-resistant clothing for the most extreme conditions. Based on patented blends of oxidized fibers, CarbonX is the only fabric able to withstand the direct flame of a blow torch without melting, igniting, or burning-even when exposed to the flame for up to 20 times longer than the leading competition. CarbonX flame-resistant fabrics also retain this level of persistence and protection against molten metal and arc flash, leaving it as the only choice for professionals working in conditions where safety matters most. Our non-flammable fabrics can be found in flame-resistant clothing for industrial, fire, motorsports and tactical industries, although its uses in safety are endless. CarbonX FR fabrics are the non-flammable fabrics that save lives-accept no substitute. Log onto http://www.carbonx.com for full details.

About DJ Shannon Enterprises LLC
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