March 28th, 2002
It appeared that for the first time since 1984 that the name "STARS" would be
missing from the Late Model racing scene. But, Carl Short, the founder and owner of the rights to the
organization "STARS" which has sanctioned dirt Late Model races across the country for 17 years has
reached an agreement with the newly formed "Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by
Arizona Sport Shirts" to use the STARS name for the upcoming 2002 season which will be the first for
the series based in Kentucky. Short along with race directors Spencer Wilson and James Essex have
announced an agreement to call the series the "STARS Battle of the Bluegrass presented by Arizona
Sport Shirts" "I see a tremendous need for a series of this type for the hundreds of regional drivers that
can race for a good payoff and points fund, yet not have to travel across the country to race" said Short.
Short also stated he himself may be promoting some races with just the "STARS" sanction in 2002, but
nothing has been set yet. Short the creator of the "Dirt Track World Championship," one of the country's
most prestigious Late Model events held each October will also use the "STARS" name as he prepares
for the 2002 version of one of Americas’ biggest Late Model events. "I did not want a season to go
by where the name "STARS" was not a part of the Late Model scene," said Short. "I feel that Spencer
and James will do a good job in keeping the "STARS" name in good standing with fans and drivers in
2002." As for the future of "STARS", Short, Wilson and Essex are formulating a regional and national
series for 2003. "Work has begun now to lay the groundwork for something that is desperately needed
in the Midwest for Late Models and Modifieds," commented Wilson. "This will be a lengthy process,
but several things have already been accomplished that could unite Late Model and Modified racing
in the Midwest for years to come and put everybody under one roof." said Essex. "We will take the
spring and summer to fine tune what we are trying to get done." The "STARS Battle of the Bluegrass
by Arizona Sport Shirts" tentative schedule is posted on their website and more information regarding
the series can be seen via their website at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or e-mail at
boblatemodeltour@aol.com. Persons can receive more info by writing to the organization at 1100A
Centurian Road, Lexington, KY 40517 or by phoning (859) 271-4501.
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