For Immediate Release
July 7, 2010

Davenport Takes Aim on Carolina Speedway's Southern Nationals Event

GASTONIA, NC - Carolina Speedway is set to host the Ray Cook Southern Nationals for the second year in a row next Tuesday July 13th.

Ray Cook's Southern Nationals Series kicks off on Monday night, July 12 at the Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia! The popular Southeastern Dirt Late Model mini-series will once again sanction ten events in a matter of only thirteen days in the states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. The ultra-competitive tour has five events on the schedule that will pay $5,300 to win and five shows that will pay $3,500 to the winner.

One driver with this date circled on his colander is Jonathan Davenport. The 26 year old Blairsville, GA native scored a pair of big wins last season at Carolina Speedway and will be looking to continue his breakout season.

"Last year at this point we had just put our team together and our victory at Carolina Speedway's Southern Nationals event was our first win together," said Davenport. "Ever since the first time I raced at Carolina I really enjoyed the track. I like the configuration and it really fits my driving style. The fans will be in for a real treat at that event with the tough field of cars expected but we like our chances of success".

Davenport has already visited victory lane over 10 times this season with win totals nearing $100,000. "We have been on spot just about all season long," said the driver of the Barry Wright Race Cars house car. "The communication between the team has been great and we are gaining confidence every time we unload."

Davenport is quick to thank the sponsors and team members for his success in 2010. "We could not do it if it were not for Baird Transport, Elite Concrete, Mega Plumbing, AES Racing, Cabinets by Design, Clements Racing Engines, Nichols Plumbing, En-Compass Solutions, JRI Shocks, Hoosier, LaJoie of Seating and all the other supporters we have."

"We are very excited about this event," said Carolina Speedway's Clint Elkins. "The Southern Nationals bring in some of the best Super Late Model drivers in the country and offer our fans a chance to see some drivers not normally seen in this area. Davenport will definitely be one of the favorites on hand but he will have his work cut out for him if he is going to tackle 'the action track' for the second year in a row."

Also on the card for Tuesday night July 13th will be a special $1,000 to win NDRA GM Performance Late Model event plus the Bea's Gift Basket Open Wheel Modifieds will battle for $750 to win and finally the 'wild and wooly' Tilley Harley Davidson Renegades will pay $500 to win.

Pit gates open at 4:00 pm with grandstand gates opening at 5:00 pm. General admission is only $20. For more information please visit www.carolinaspeedway.net.