BY TEAM FORD RACING CORRESPONDENT

Fontana, Calif. — Before TFR takes the advice of heading west we need to close the book regarding Bristol — more specifically the track itself.

Bristol Motor Speedway’s aged concrete is on the radar of owner, Speedway Motorsports and there’s a fluid plan to take care of its high maintenance needs. While there is nothing specific in the works, BMS Vice President, Jeff Byrd, told www.teamfordracing.com last weekend that he is hopeful within the next couple of years that he’ll be able to announce a resurfacing to one of the toughest tracks on the tour.

Byrd says the BMS concrete requires constant attention to stay in fighting trim and could be ready for a resurfacing within the next couple of years. He added, “I really like what they did with Homestead [-Miami Speedway],” referring to their new progressive banking.

A feasibility study to implement such technology is underway Byrd said.

Working plans on the drawing board to raze every building in the infield. Byrd suggested a new infield medical center would be part of the plan, as well as a subterranean media center. Specifics as when this plan would start to unfold weren’t provided, but 2005 sounded like a good working date from several sources with which TFR spoke.

WESTWARD THINKING
The inaugural running of NASCAR’s Labor Day event in SoCal is full speed ahead, with plans for driver appearances and a mini version of Michigan’s Woodward Dream Cruise planned for the local residents.

Fontana's monthly Cruise Night will get a visit from NASCAR on Friday, from 6-9 p.m. Everyone will get a chance to see some spectacular classic cars and cruisers at the intersection of Arrow Blvd. and Nuevo Rd. NASCAR drivers will make special appearances that evening. As an added bonus, Cruise Night participants will have the opportunity to bring their cars to California Speedway on Saturday where they can take in all the NASCAR action, the Miller Lite Rock 'n Racing Concert sounds and take their cars out on the track for a cruise.

Making an appearance at the Cruise Night is the last Ford driver to win a Cup event, Greg Biffle.

To ensure that the fans are protected against the mosquito-born West Nile virus, local officials sprayed the area with pesticides.

"It just seemed like a wise precaution, given the large number of people that will be at the Speedway," David Wert, a spokesman for San Bernardino County, told the Associated Press.

The Pop Secret 400 will be a rare twilight event, finishing under the lights here on the West Coast.

HOLD ‘EM — FOR CHARITY
The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities will host its inaugural Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament on Oct. 23, 2004, in The Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The day of cards for kids begins with registration from 2:30-5 p.m. The tournament begins at 5:30 p.m. Buy-in is $250 and entrants will receive $1,000 in tournament chips. Each entrant will receive complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. The awards ceremony will be held inside The Cannery’s nightclub.

First prize is a party suite at The Orleans Arena (event to be determined), including: 30 suite tickets, exclusive access to the premium concourse level, 10 VIP parking passes, concierge service and catering.

Second prize is the ultimate racer’s experience: a King’s Package from the Richard Petty Driving Experience and a Checkered Flag Experience from the Mario Andretti Racing Experience.

Third prize is a golf twosome each month for one year at the Aliante Golf Club in northwest Las Vegas.

For information and entries, please contact Lesley Albers at (702) 632-8253.

Last December, the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities distributed $250,000 to 41 local causes directly connected with children in the Las Vegas and southern Nevada region.