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Immediate Release
September 17, 2002
Photo provided by: CGR PR
Gafrarar’s return home to
PA filled with mixed emotions.
[Qualifies 4th, Starts Pole – motor
fails]
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Smithton PA - A racers life is filled with ups and downs and that was
true for Pennsylvanians own Chuck Gafrarar. Gafrarar, driver of the
Icehouse/Highlands Motorsports Goody’s Dash Car #52, lives in
Mooresville NC. He left North Carolina heading home to Pennsylvania
with great expectations for the Friday, September 13th event at the
Motordrome in Smithton PA.
Gafrarar qualified the Pontiac Sunfire in 4th position, the best qualifying
effort this season. One would think things would only move forward,
but a racer knows there are no sure things - only a positive attitude.
In the pre-race ceremonies, once again, the officials decided to invert
the start with the drawing of positions for the first four cars. Gafrarar
drew and ended up starting on Pole!
At the start of the 150 lap race, Gafrarar’s car was tight and
Justin Hobgood took the lead as Gafrarar settled in fourth spot. Gafrarar’s
tires started to come in and by lap ten he was setting his pace to
the front. Fans saw a small puff of smoke from the 52 as it went into
the first turn. By the third turn racing luck went sour and the engine
seized on lap 18! The Icehouse/Highlands team finished in 22nd spot
due to engine failure. Gafrarar said,
“we have all
seen headlines with racing luck, frustration, brutal, hopes dashed,
etc but nothing can describe this feeling.” Chuck
said,
“we all look forward to the next event and
will focus on Atlanta.”
Before the race, members of Gafrarar’s team tossed a selection
of Icehouse
t-shirt’s, hats and several treats for the little fans! Gafrarar
stated
“I would like to thank all the friends, family
and fans for the great support this weekend.” He
went on to say
“I only wish I could have brought
home a better finish for my Team and home State of Pennsylvania.” He
said
“we received such great fan support here and
I was able to reach another goal…of racing again in PA.” Gafrarar
sponsors are: Icehouse Beer, Lopez and Associates LLC Highlands Motorsports
Inc., Refrigeration Services INC., I.H. Caffey, Inc., MeadWestvaco
Inc., Weaver Race Cars, Pro Image Computer Graphics, Food Country USA,
Allan Powell Race Engines, Lincoln Welders, and Shields Electronic
Supply Inc.
Fans are encouraged to stop back later this week and check out the
contest we will be holding here at
www.chuckgracer.com.
Don't miss out on a chance to win a prize box just for sending the
correct answer to a Trivia question. The prize boxes will be delivered
by US mail to the winners. The contest should be up and running by
the weekend.
The next race on the block is the two day event October 24th and 25th
at Atlanta GA. This will be the last event of the Dash season. Gafrarar
is leading the Mag-Clip Rookie of the Year points challenge and is
presently 8th in the point’s race.
