Punta Gorda, FL - Charlotte County Speedway and Keels and Wheels Magazine present the Keels and Wheels Mid-Season BLOWOUT Weekend on July 8 and 9 at Charlotte County Speedway. The weekend promises to be full of fun and action packed racing excitement as drivers in the seven regular racing divisions vie to become the Mid-Season Points Champion.

There are tight points race in each division including a tie between Glenn Morris (Bokeelia) and Chris Libak (Fort Myers) in the Cat Country Limited Late Models that will be broken by the end of their feature race.

Chris Dean (Fort Myers) has a 10-point lead over dual 1999 Points Champion Chris "Big Fish" Turner (Naples) in the Oldies 95 Open-Wheel Modifieds. Ten is the magic number in the points spread between fellow Arcadians, 1999 Points Champion, Raymond "Super Frog" Jones and James Dubose in the Marlow Werner Sportsman.

Q Country Pure Stock Points Leader Chuck Sweet (Port Charlotte) is running away with the points lead with Mark Ludvigsen (Fort Myers Beach), a distant second.

Last year Big Wheels Mini-Stock Point Leader lost the Mid-Season Points Championship after going into the last race the points leader, and is hoping he has better luck in this year's race between himself, Rookie Johnny Allen (Lehigh Acres) and 1999 Rookie of the Year, Steve Arnold (Cape Coral).

Denny Ray (Naples) has led the points in the Road Warrior division most of the year, but a late challenge is coming from second place Mike LeBeau (Port Charlotte).

The same can be said for Cowboy Cadillac Points Leader Don Vanacker who has totally dominated the division with wins, but Cheryl "The Pearl" Weaver (Port Charlotte) has run a second consistent in points as she did in the pure stock division last year.

The Mid-Season BLOWOUT takes place on July 9 at high noon at the Speedway. The Mid-Season Champions will receive their trophies amidst fun and games for both children and adults.

Special events including a dunk tank; bicycle races in three age divisions including adults; a scavenger hunt; horseshoe tournament for the adults; games and poster contest for the kids; Tug of War contests between drivers, teams and racing officials; and a "Creeper" race beginning at 1 p.m.

Live entertainment will be provided by local band, "Loggerhead." The cars and stars of CCS will be on-hand for photos and autographs. Camping will be permitted on Saturday evening following the races on the Speedway grounds. However, there will be no fireworks or open fires permitted, due to the drought conditions in the area.

Tailgate parties in the pits on Sunday are encouraged; the Speedway and Pepsi Bottling of Ft. Myers will also be giving each child attending a hot dog and a soda. The inside pit concession stand will be open as well. Admission is free for this family event.

Charlotte County Speedway is located at 8655 Piper Road, I-75 exit 28, and follow the Charlotte County Airport signs. For more information, call 941/575-2422.

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