Charter 250 - Mike Wallace Notes

MIKE WALLACE RETURNS HOME AND HOPES TO SEIZE WIN IN ST. LOUIS

Mooresville, NC (April 28, 2004) - St. Louis native, Mike Wallace is excited to return to the Gateway International Raceway for Saturday’s running of the Charter 250. “I grew up winning a lot of races just 10 miles north of there at Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, IL,” said Wallace. “It would mean a lot to win a race in St. Louis. It’s my hometown and I won so many races right up the street from there.”

Wallace, who won more than 300 Short Track events in the Midwest during the 1970’s and 1980’s, looks to improve on a 16th place finish in 2003.

“St. Louis is a tricky race track,” he explained. “You downshift getting into turn one and up-shift in the middle of the back straightaway, so your car’s got to do a few more things than at a typical oval. It runs like a road course because you’re braking, downshifting, and up-shifting. It’s a very challenging track.”

The 1990 Mid American Regional Champion returns home sporting the colors of primary sponsor, Sport Clips. “We are very excited to have Sport Clips onboard this year,” said Wallace. “It’s great to be involved with such a great organization.” The Georgetown, TX-based enterprise currently has 170 stores in 22 states, including six in the St. Louis area.

The Sport Clips crew will have their work cut out for them on Saturday as Gateway poses problems not found at any other venue on the NASCAR Busch Series schedule. “If you shift too quickly in St. Louis you can wheel hop the car getting down into the corner. You’re coming off a long straightaway so you’ve got to get the car slowed down and shift at the proper time; which causes more wear and tear on the transmission.

“Also, you’re up-shifting, so there’s stress on the clutch effort there. Knock on wood, we’ve never had any problems at St. Louis with shifting, but anytime you move the gearbox in a car there’s a chance something can happen so you’ve got to be real smooth on the shifts and braking, so you don’t break any of the parts.”

Wallace, who finished 13th in the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series point standings, hopes lady luck will be on his side in more ways than one. “After we qualify on Friday, and qualify in the top ten, we’ll go over to the Casino Queen and I’ll play a few slot machines and win myself $30,000 to $40,000 off my $40 or $50 investment, at least that’s my plan,” laughed Wallace. “Then Saturday we’ll head back to the Gateway International Raceway and win the race for Sport Clips!”

Wallace will also spend time signing autographs for fans on Thursday night. “We’re going to a charity event at the Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri for a family member of Kenny’s wife. Fox High School is where I graduated and there are quite a few drivers coming out to help the cause. I encourage everyone to come out between 6 and 8 for an autograph and to help out this cause.”

Wallace will also make an appearance at Sport Clips, 14169 Manchester Road in St. Louis (Manchester Commons, next to Mattress Giant), from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, May 7th. For more information, call (636) 230-9400. To find the Sport Clips nearest you, please visit www.sportclips.com.