AHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers To Host NASCAR Truck Series Drivers Friday

March 6, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Thursday, March 6, 2003) Craftsman Trucks and hockey pucks will be the theme at Cricket Arena in Charlotte on Friday, March 7, as several stars of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series take center ice.

The drivers won't be challenging the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League to a game. These NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers will do just what they do best - race.

During the first intermission of the game between the Checkers and the Dayton Bombers, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Jon Wood and Travis Kvapil will challenge each other in a match race. But instead of climbing behind the wheel of their 3,400-pound tough trucks, Wood and Kvapil will be steering the remote for two remote control monster trucks. Dennis Setzer, driver of the No. 46 ACXIOM Chevrolet, will serve as flagman.

"I'm ready to race on the ice Friday night," said Jon Wood, driver of the No. 50 Navy Ford. "We've had so much snow and ice in Charlotte this winter that I feel like I might have an advantage. I'll be much better racing a truck on the ice than if somebody made me put on a pair of skates."

Wood will be going up against some pretty tough competition. Kvapil, driver of the No. 16 IWX Motor Freight Chevrolet, has raced on the ice before. In fact, Kvapil won a Zamboni race last year at another hockey game.

"I'm pumped about going to the Checkers game. Those hockey players make more contact than we do," Kvapil said. "As far as the race, I have some experience on the ice and experience racing trucks. If I can put the two together, I think I've got the race in the bag."

Two lucky fans will be paired with Wood and Kvapil for the race. The winning driver's fan will win a 76 Gasoline gift card worth $25. Following the race, one driver will draw the name of another fan who will be the lucky winner of four tickets to the upcoming Craftsman 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Darlington Raceway on Friday, March 14.

The action on center ice won't be the only chance for fans to see the stars of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Fans also will have the opportunity to meet the drivers at an autograph session before the hockey game from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the lobby of Cricket Arena. Game time is 7:35 p.m.

Drivers scheduled to attend include Wood, Kvapil, Setzer, Carl Edwards, Phil Bonifield, Randy Briggs, Lance Hooper and T.J. Bell. "We're very excited to have the NASCAR Craftsman Truck drivers here as our guests at a Checkers game," said Mary Beth Chambers, vice president of ticket sales. "These drivers are the up-and-coming stars in NASCAR, and we will be watching them for years to come. We invite fans to come out and enjoy a thrilling hockey game and have fun with this promotion." For tickets to the March 7 Charlotte Checkers hockey game featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers, call (704) 522-6500 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Craftsman, the Official Tools of NASCAR, has sponsored the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since it began in 1995. According to a 2001 EquiTrend survey, Craftsman is rated the No. 1 brand in the nation for overall quality. Sears sells more than 1,800 Craftsman hand tools, all made in America and guaranteed forever. Sears offers Craftsman tools, merchandise and related services nationwide through its Full-line stores, Sears Hardware stores, Sears Dealer stores and Orchard Supply Hardware stores, as well as through specialty catalogs and online at www.sears.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2003


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