Drive Diversity update 2007-05-07

DRIVE FOR DIVERSITY PARTICIPANTS FIND SUCCESS IN NASCAR WHELEN ALL-AMERICAN SERIES

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 7, 2007) -- Drive for Diversity participants Paul Harraka, Jessica Helberg and Peter Hernandez continue to find success in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. Harraka and Helberg were on track Saturday night at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. Hernandez raced Sunday at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C.

Harraka finished sixth in the 50-lap Whelen All-American Series event at All American Speedway in his Bill McAnally Racing Chevrolet after qualifying fourth.

"The car had a significant push in the turns during qualifying," said Harraka. "We were happy to qualify fourth."

Harraka was shuffled back to seventh before he could drop down to the low groove. He battled a loose car for much of the race, and struggled with the long green-flag runs. Harraka was able to overcome these challenges and raced his way to a solid top-10 finish.

"This weekend was a learning experience," said Harraka. "The whole Bill McAnally Racing organization has been great -- we're making gains and learning more and more every week."

Helberg, who finished 12th Saturday, also races for Bill McAnally Racing and the Richard Childress Development Program.

Hernandez, who entered the night tied for the points lead at Caraway Speedway finished eighth in Sunday's 100-lap late model event. Driving for Spraker Racing Enterprises, Hernandez qualified 10th but dropped back two spots in the outside lane at the start. He was able to work his way back through the field, earning his fifth top-10 finish in five starts this season.

Hernandez, of Blue Island, Ill., will be back in action at Caraway Speedway on Sunday, May 20.

Harraka, of Fair Lawn, N.J., and Helberg, of Rohnert Park, Calif., continue their season at All-American Speedway this Saturday, May 12.

-credit: drivefordiversity.com