New Hampshire Motor Speedway Announces the Return of the ACT Invitational in 2010

LOUDON, N.H. (November 25, 2009) - The American Canadian Tour (ACT) and New Hampshire Motor Speedway have reached an agreement for the Second Annual ACT Invitational to take place at the only superspeedway in the Northeast on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

"The overwhelming success of the inaugural ACT Invitational this past September made it an easy decision to have the short track stars of our region return again next September," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway.  "I really appreciate NASCAR's Mike Helton and his team for working with us again this year to add the Invitational to an already jam-packed schedule."

Thirty-six teams from all six New England states, Quebec, and Ontario took part in the inaugural ACT Invitational during the SYLVANIA 300 weekend this past September.  One of the largest Saturday crowds in the 19-year history of the speedway was treated to an action packed tripleheader of racing featuring the American Canadian Tour Late Models, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

"We really thought things went great at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the first ACT Invitational last season," said Tom Curley, president of ACT.  "I would expect things to be even more fun for our teams and fans in 2010.  We will add some laps to the event, and are discussing the possibility of allowing a tire change during the event.  We will also add some positions to the starting field."

Teams were qualified for the first Invitational by winning ACT and ACT Castrol Series events in the United States, Quebec, and Ontario.  Additional teams qualified through special events such as the Oxford Plains Speedway TD BANK 250 in Oxford, Maine, and the Vermont Governor's Cup at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vt.  Individual track champions from ACT affiliated tracks were also invited to attend the inaugural Invitational.

"We plan to change some of the qualifying procedures as we continue to make this one of the most unique and exciting short track events in the country," said Curley.

"It is no secret that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is my very favorite track of all time," said 2009 ACT Champion, Brian Hoar from Williston, Vt.  "I can't tell you how happy I am that we are going back."

Race fans from throughout the short tracks of the Northeast will now need to circle the weekend of September 17-19, 2010.  The first of the qualifying events for the 2010 ACT Invitational will be held just down the road from New Hampshire Motor Speedway at the Lee USA Speedway in Lee, N.H.  Over 50 teams are expected to try and capture the first invitation at the opening 150-lap event on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

To purchase tickets for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and SYLVANIA 300 weekends, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.

From Fred Neergaard / NHMS