Champion staff ready for season

Jeb Onweiler, general manager of Champion Motor Speedway, has announced his 2003 staff is good to go and ready to meet and greet the masses for the upcoming 40th anniversary celebratory season.

Race director Robert Kline will take charge of all on track and back gate activities during racing events and practice sessions. Kline has been involved in motorsports more than 35 years. His racing resume includes seat time in go karts, drag racers, hobby stocks, street stocks and late models.

He moved to Carson City in 1977 and spent several years working on various NASCAR Winston West and Southwest Tour teams. In 1999-2000 he served as race director at the speedway.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity once again to contribute to motorsports in Carson City," Kline said.

"I feel confident we've built a strong racing program and will be presenting exciting action every Saturday night. Champion Motor Speedway is a fantastic facility and it has a tremendous amount of potential. Right now, we're tweaking the last minute items and we'll be ready for the season opener on April 27.

"Jeb's created an exciting program and one thing is for sure -- race fans are in for a thrill. I feel very confident that 2003 will be a banner year at Champion Motor Speedway."

Carson City native Greg Hein will serve as competition director. His duties will include implementation and enforcement of all rules and regulations. Hein's background also includes competition in bombers, hobby stocks, late models, and he spent several years as a crewmember in the NASCAR Southwest Tour.

Hein's primary focus has been making sure all divisions are safe, competitive and economical. It appears his hard work will pay strong dividends, as car counts are expected to improve in all divisions.

Dawn Lee recently joined the staff and will serve as office manager. Ms. Lee has several years of motorsports experience and will be responsible for managing the CMS speedway office and staff.

Rejoining the crew are emergency medical technicians Joy Evans and Eric Hanks. Pete Baker and the Warren Engine Company crew will handle fire and rescue issues. Deidra Ritter is ticket office director and will be assisted by Melody Price, Carrie Powell, Denise Bauer and Tina LeClaire.

Eleven-year veteran Elnette Metcalf will again assume control of all scoring duties, and will be assisted in the tower by Scott Weisenthal and Julie Peterson.

The new Speedway Souvenir Shoppe, "Nics Nacs" is under the direction of Nicolette Konder. The souvenir shoppe will feature many new items sporting the CMS logo. Other collectables will also join the existing inventory.

Chris Wyatt has become the new food and beverage manager at CMS. Wyatt brings several years of experience to the speedway, and is currently food and beverage manager for Mallards Restaurant located at the Empire Ranch Golf Course. Wyatt promises great quality, competitive prices and an expanded menu. New entrees include tri-tip sandwiches, carne asada burritos.

Announcing duties will be handled by veterans Eric Breeze and Jeff Moses. Breeze will be the play-by-play man and will keep the fans updated with on-track action and sponsor information. Moses will be the new music man.

Moses has been working hard during the off season installing racing-oriented music and crazy sounds into the 360 System "Instant Replay" machine -- the same music machine used during NBA and NFL games.

Coors and Coors Light also join the speedway team in 2003, and they promise to provide ice-cold beer and other adult beverages.

VIP season passes are available for $199 for adults and $149 for military with ID, and seniors 55 and older. Both VIP season pass offers are good for all regular and special events on the 1/3 mile oval. Also available in 2003 will be regular race Family Passes -- two adults and three kids for $25.

"Robert and Greg have done a great job getting the racing program prepared for the new season," Onweiler said.

"Most of the staff has returned, along with a few rookies. We plan on presenting some high-energy shows and we'll need the very best people at all positions to pull it off. With Robert in charge of the racing operation on Saturday nights, I can concentrate on the show-biz side of the program, and have more time to spend with our VIP guests, sponsors and media.

"The entire staff understands how important it is to be friendly and courteous to not only the fans in the stands -- but the racers and crews in the pits. They're anxious and ready to get started. It gives me a great sense of security knowing that Robert and Greg are handling the action on the track and in the pits. I have every confidence that they, along with the rest of our staff, will do a great job."

Be sure to include the Champion Motor Speedway on your 2003 motorsports itinerary. For information, log on at www.ChampionMotorSpeedway.com or call 267-0505.

For information on CMS rules and regulations, call Kline at 882-0557 or Hein at 883-8098.