ARCA driver Howard "20/20" air date

Youngest ARCA driver to be showcased on "20/20"
ABC to showcase Shelby Howard on November 29.

Indianapolis, IN (November 20, 2002) - Greenwood, Indiana driver Shelby Howard, the youngest driver to ever compete in the 50-year history of the ARCA RE/MAX Series, will be featured on ABC's prime-time show 20/20 on Friday, November 29th at 10 p.m. Eastern time.

The renowned news magazine show went behind-the-scenes with the Howards to show the sacrifices that Howard and his family have made in order to advance his racing career. ABC also sent the 20/20 production crew to follow his progress at Kentucky Speedway this past July, and, in addition, traveled to his home for a more candid angle.

Howard, who debuted in the ARCA RE/MAX Series on September 9th, 2001 at Salem Speedway, was barely 16 when he qualified 4th and finished 6th, actually leading a handful of laps in his first race. Howard chased the ARCA RE/MAX Series tour full-time in 2002 finishing an impressive 5th in the championship point standings, posting a career-best 2nd place finish on the heels of series champion Frank Kimmel at Winchester Speedway in August.

In 2000, the 17-year-old Howard, who has been racing since he was 10 years old, became the youngest driver to ever win at Winchester (built in 1920) by capturing an ICAR Modified touring series event, breaking the former record held by four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon who had won there in USAC competition.

Howard turned heads immediately by leading the first race of the 2002 season at Daytona International Speedway. In addition, he contended for wins at Salem (IN) and Winchester (IN) and had strong runs at Atlanta, Pocono, Kansas, Talladega, Kentucky, and Nashville.

A sponsor may prove to be the catalyst Howard and his team needs to be a serious threat for the 2003 championship battle, so the national exposure will be a boost to their off-season search for a corporate partner.

-www.shelbyhoward.com.