WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Bowman Gray Stadium is shaking things up in for the Fans’ Challenge this Saturday night.
Normally, the Fans’ Challenge is only up for grabs for 100-lap races but – this week – drivers will get a possible two chances at $6,000 in the Elite Underground Utility Twin 50s.
Here’s how it works: the top-four time trial qualifiers will get a chance to take the Fans’ Challenge and win the money by dropping to the rear and trying to get back into the top four when the checkered flag falls. If no driver wins the money in the first race, the top four drivers after the field inverts in the second race will then get a shot at the prize.
“(The Fans’ Challenge) is something that’s fun for the fans, but it’s really an adrenaline boost for (the drivers) to see if you can actually pull it off,” says Mike Speeney, who comes off his first win this season in last week’s second QRC Twin 25 race.
Burt Myers, who just tied Tim Brown’s all-time wins record in the Brad’s Golf Cars Modified Seres, says it’s tough to sacrifice track position.
“I think we all want to put on a show for Bowman Gray,” Myers said, “but if you win the pole for the first race, it creates a situation where ‘would I rather take the money or the win?’ It’s hard not to go for the win when you have a great car.”
Gates open at 6 p.m. Saturday night with racing action to start at 8 p.m. Fans can get tickets online right now at www.bowmangrayracing.com. Tickets are $12 for adults and $2 for kids ages 6 to 11.