TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD OF QUINNESEC BACKS NORWAY SPEEDWAY SHOW

NORWAY, MI - In what will mark the 2003 season opener for the Dickinson County Racing Association, Town and Country Ford of Quinnesec will sponsor this Friday night's racing at the Norway Speedway. Following a rainout last Friday night, track officials anticipate a large turnout for the first round of the 2003 campaign. As in the past the show will feature four divisions - late models, super stocks, slammers, and Fab Four's - with the first race slated to take the green flag at 7:30 pm.

Town and Country Ford offers a full line of Ford Automotive products as well as service for nearly every make and model of car made. Located just minutes from the Norway Speedway the dealership has been a long time backer of stock car racing in the Upper Peninsula. "The extra week really doesn't affect the way we do things but it should help with the car count a little bit," said DCRA President John Ostermann. "You always have a few guys that struggle to get there stuff done. It doesn't matter what day you post as an opener. "Town and Country Ford has been a friend to racing in Michigan for a long time. It's great to have them on board with us in 2003. Sponsorship is a key to a successful racing program and it's great to have so many backing the Norway Speedway."

Few changes were made to what was one of the most successful programs in the Upper Midwest during the past three seasons. Large car counts have generated a huge comeback in attendance and also bolstered sponsorship support, according to Ostermann. "It used to be like pulling teeth, so to speak, when it came to sponsorship dollars but it has gotten a little better. There is such great value in motorsports marketing. I think the Norway Speedway has been pushed into the limelight a little bit and some of the people that never would have thought to come on board are taking a second look. "That's what makes a Town and Country Ford special. The sponsors that have been in racing for a long time are really great."

Qualifying on Friday is set to begin at 6:00 pm. The Norway Speedway is located on Highway 8, just south of Norway, MI, at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds.