ACT Invitational to Return to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2010

Race distance and starting field to be expanded, Goodyear to develop new tire for event

From American-Canadian Tour press release

LOUDON, N.H. -- The American-Canadian Tour 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.

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 ACT 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 Late Model Tour and ACT Castrol Series events in the United States, Quebec, and Ontario. Additional teams qualified through special events such as the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains (Me.) Speedway and the Vermont Governor’s Cup at Thunder Road Int'l Speedbowl in Barre.  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.

2009 ACT Champion Brian Hoar from Williston said, “It is no secret that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is my very favorite track of all time.  I can’t tell you how happy I am that we are going back.  They tell me Goodyear is making a tire for us just for New Hampshire, and that will be a good thing.  I really think I could have been in the battle to the great finish that Eddie (MacDonald), Nick Sweet, and the kid from Ontario (16 year-old Brandon Watson) had going on at the end of the race.  But I just ran out of tire. I now know what one of my goals for the RPM Motorsports team is going to be in 2010.  I can’t wait.”

The first qualifying event 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.