By Van Cox, Special to NASCAR.COM
January 20, 2006
04:22 PM EST (21:22 GMT)
For race fans, the Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is one of the most anticipated publications each year. Whether you are a dyed-in-the-wool fanatic or just a casual observer, this 450-plus page magazine is practically required reading. UMI Publications touts its highly-anticipated annual offering as "The Racing Fan's Bible" -- and you'd be hard pressed for a better description. The Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is routinely used as a resource for members of the working motorsports press. It is the single largest annual racing publication in the nation and has been produced each and every year since 1986. The UMI Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is now on sale at the NASCAR.COM SuperStore, with delivery in time for the start of the new season. "This is the only season preview and press guide officially licensed by NASCAR," said UMI managing editor Ward Woodbury. "This year's edition is everything our readers have come to expect. The Preview and Press Guide gives fans the same information that is available to the media." The Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide 2006 provides a thorough documentation of the 2005 NASCAR campaign, with a look back at the sport's history and a peek ahead at what's ahead. All of the top stars from the NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck series are profiled. And of course, there's plenty of coverage on The Chase For The Nextel Cup. This year's edition includes two feature stories by yours truly: a preview of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season and a tribute to retiring superstars Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd. Each track on the NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule is showcased with information regarding things like track configuration, track records, previous race winners-even the phone numbers for ticket sales. If you're a stickler for statistics, this is definitely the publication for you. You'll find rundowns from all of NASCAR's touring divisions, as well as weekly short tracks. "These are the official statistics as compiled by NASCAR itself," said Woodbury. "We offer a recap and preview of NASCAR's top three divisions: the Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series. Plus, we cover NASCAR short track racing. Every track and every division under NASCAR sanction is included." The Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide is punctuated with photography that is second to none-and offers some fans their first glimpse of the season's new paint jobs. Who was the first driver to win back-to-back NASCAR championships? How many races did Tim Richmond win in his career? What number do you call to order tickets for the Pocono 500? Who was last year's track champion at Hickory (NC) Speedway? Where are your seats in Bristol's Alan Kulwicki Grandstand? If you have a question, the UMI Official NASCAR Preview and Press Guide likely has the answer. | 
