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David Smith, Jr.

NCRA Press and Contingencies

(405) 740-4769

[email protected]

Daniels Picks Up First Career NCRA Modified Title

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Midwest City, Oklahoma - November 21, 2009 - Veteran Dan Daniels of Humboldt, Kansas finally accomplished a feat he has attempted for several years, obtaining the O'Reilly/NCRA modified championship. In capturing his first ever series title, he became just the sixth modified driver to obtain an O'Reilly/NCRA modified championship in the divisions twelve year history.

Despite being shut out of victory lane, Daniels used four, top five finishes in the eight races held and five heat race victories to his advantage in the final outcome. His best Hard Rock Hotel-Casino feature finishes were second (twice) coming at 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas on July 4^th and the first night of the annual Hutchinson Nationals in Hutchinson, Kansas.

"I was told that I needed one of these championships to make it all complete," said the former Fall Jamboree feature winner, who came into the season finale with a slim 45 point lead over Wichita's Brian Powers. What made it even more dramatic was a strong field of 35 cars was on hand where a bad finishing position could have seen the point lead change. "I was really nervous coming into the last night but just kept our pace, finished and finally got the title."

Helping him tremendously has been the support of his sponsors, Cactus Jack Cattle Company, Johnson's Cattle Company and Hughes Race Cars. "I also want to thank my crew guys Todd and Jim for their hard work all year long as well."

Three straight appearances by the division at the series home track, 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas in April, May and July found former five-time O'Reilly/NCRA modified champion Brian Franz pick up the points lead and it appeared he would be headed for a sixth title. However, a disappointing 20^th place finish at the Belleville High Banks over the Fourth of July weekend saw him lose the points lead. The annual stop to the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, Kansas saw the running of the 53^rd Annual Hutchinson Grand Nationals where Scott Green took home the Friday night victory while Brent Burkhart brought home his second career Nationals championship. The master of the High Banks, John Allen of Chanute, repeated his earlier Hard Rock Hotel-Casino feature victory from July 5^th as he took home the Labor Day honors as well. The last event on the schedule would come on October 17^th at 81 Speedway where Daniels came into the night with a slim 45 point lead over Powers. Powers led the entire distance and needed to finish several spots in front of Daniels to pick up his first championship. However Franz sneaked by underneath Powers exiting turn four on the final lap to pick up his fourth win of the season. This, coupled with Daniels third place finish behind Powers locked up the division championship for the Humboldt veteran.

94 drivers from four states competed in at least one O'Reilly/NCRA modified event in 2009 with an average of 36 cars per event. Nine drivers made all eight events on the schedule. They included Daniels, Powers, Don Renfro, Casey McClaskey, defending series champion Marc Hurd, Jason Schniepp, Ross Shipman, Marlin Farr and Jim Pearcy. Pearcy, from Springfield, Missouri, made his long haul from the "Show-Me" state pay off by capturing the divisions rookie of the year honors.

This concludes the 12^th season for the O'Reilly/NCRA modified division with sights already set on 2010, which will be the 40^th year for the series. The series currently sanctions five divisions, consisting of not only modifieds but 360 sprint cars, late models, Oklahoma modifieds and sport modifieds. In years past the series has sanctioned the old 100 inch super modifieds and modifieds and outlaw sprint cars and point standings, series records, driver profiles and more can be found on the official NCRA website www.ncraracing.org. The series would also like to thank the following sponsors and contingency sponsors that climbed aboard as partners with the O'Reilly/NCRA modified division in 2009. If you are interested in climbing aboard for the 2010 race season, contact David Smith, Jr. (405) 740-4769 or [email protected]. If you're interested in hosting a late model event for 2010 or would like more information on the series, contact the NCRA office (316) 755-1781.

Official 2009 NCRA modified Series Sponsors: O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Hard Rock Casino-Hotel.

Finale 2009 O'Reilly/NCRA Modified Point Standings

Rank Driver Points

1 Dan Daniels 2155

2 Brian Powers 2115

3 Don Renfro 2005

4 Casey McClaskey 1995

5 Marc Hurd 1945

6 Brian Franz 1915

7 Jason Schneipp 1845

8 Ross Shipman 1765

9 Marlin Farr 1710

David Smith Jr.
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