IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2002

Photo attachment provided by Chuck Gafrarar Raceworks

Gafrarar's return to Southern National a rough one...

[A lapped Rookie error's driving under #52 car...major pile up!]

MOORESVILLE NC- Chuck Gafrarar's return to Southern National Speedway, Kenly NC was a rough one. On Saturday July 27th Chuck qualified the #52 Highlands Motorsports Team car in 17th position. A carb problem set back his qualifying time for the 150-lap event.

At the race start, Gafrarar was on the move from 17th spot to 7th in six laps! He maintained 10th spot until lap 30 and then shuffled from tenth to 11th spot for several laps.

By lap 50 several cars chose to pit, while the Highlands Motorsports car opted to stay out. Gafrarar took over the lead, his first of the season, and maintained it for the next ten laps. A caution was thrown and Gafrarar darted into the pits for fuel and a chassis adjustment. On rejoining the field, Gafrarar was in 14th spot. The chassis adjustment did not work and by lap 110 the #52 went a lap down to the leader.

On the re-start with 13 laps to go Gafrarar was in tenth spot again and one lap down to the field. A lapped car (#11) Brandon Ward, made a rookie error and drove under the rear bumper of the Highlands Motorsports car. That incident started in turn one causing Gafrarar to turn and slide partway into turn two, causing a major pile up between the turns. Gafrarar was not injured however, a caution was brought out to bring the cars in and clear the track. Gafrarar was unable to finish the race due to left front end damage to the front end of the 52.

Gafrarar stated " I always think the best way out of difficulty is through it." "So this race is over for us, but we work towards the next one." "We will be back in the hunt next weekend at South Boston Speedway."

The 19th place finish for Gafrarar throws a small set back in the 2002 points race for the team. However, Gafrarar continues his seventh place position in the points race as well as maintaining his first place in the Rookie of the Year points challenge!