SWS: Raudman plan Irwindale win

Rancho Santa Margarita, California (June 5, 2001) -- Craig Raudman, driver of Dave Reed Racing's #2 Yerf-dog Fun Karts/ITPS/Kingston Chevrolet in the Featherlite Southwest Series, NASCAR Touring and NASCAR Winston West Series, is, without a doubt, on a tear this season.

He has added two wins and four top five finishes to his stat sheet, as well as a record-breaking string of five consecutive Bud Pole Awards as of his most recent effort last weekend at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, Calif.

"That was some pressure," Raudman said of his record-setting qualifying run. "We knew we were good, but everyone was getting faster toward the end."

Raudman looks toward this Saturday's Food 4 Less 150 at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway as an opportunity to extend his new record for consecutive Bud Pole Awards and bring home another first-place trophy.

"We finished in second-place when we were at Irwindale in April," Raudman said. "We're looking to improve that finish by one position."

Raudman finished a close second in the April 21st Food 4 Less 150, after leading more than half of the race and following a dogfight to the finish with eventual winner M.K. Kanke.

Raudman and the team have a full off-track program planned for this weekend as well.

Raudman and the team will welcome Carlos Ito of Los Alamitos High School as an honorary crew member for race-day, a prize won during a recent round of Yerf-Dog/Dave Reed Racing appearances at Orange County high schools to recognize "Automotive Career Day." The program familiarizes high school automotive students with racing as well as the automotive technology programs available at local colleges.

Additionally, race fans will have an opportunity to meet Raudman personally at Sam's Club, 951 N. Milliken Ave., Ontario, Calif. on Friday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Compliments of Irwindale Speedway, the first 150 people at the Sam's Club event will receive a free ticket to the June 9th races at Irwindale Speedway as well as a complimentary Yerf-Dog Racing t-shirt to wear to Saturday night's race.

k-Dave Reed racing