Simko Prepares For A Platinum Run In Music City

“Michigan Native Excited About Heading South�??

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (March 27, 2007) - - Sitting 11th in American Speed Association (ASA) Late Model Challenge Series points, Michael Simko and his Auburn Racing Enterprises team head south for Saturday’s running of the Music City Spring Clash 200.

Simko heads into the second event of the season looking to improve on a very solid 11th place finish in the season opener earlier this month at San Antonio Speedway in Texas. The Clarkston, Michigan native ran a very conservative race adapting to the new cars and his fellow competitors. Now, Simko is ready for business.

“The whole Auburn Racing Enterprises team is really looking forward to going to Nashville,�?? explained Simko who will pilot a brand new No. 45 Howe SS Chassis sporting the Monte Carlo body. “The Music City Motorplex is just awesome, extremely historic facility and I really think it lends to our strong suit of fast half-mile tracks.�??

“In the first race of the year, it was quite the beginning to an ASA season. We were decent in practice and qualified right in the middle of the pack, 15th,�?? Simko recalled. “Early in the race we were just riding when there was a wreck in the top-10 that I was slowing down to avoid and got booted in the rear and sent into the wreck. We made several pit stops, remaining on the lead lap, and the crew did an awesome job to get the car fixed. Restarting 28th, we were able to make a march back finishing 11th. We were able to bring the car home in one piece with some body damage, but all in all not a bad first race of the year for us.�??

While never having the opportunity to compete at the Nashville based track, Simko’s relying on prior short track experience in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, a series where the Simko name is considered a threat. “Heading into the event this weekend, we really think we have a car that can contend for a top-five finish and hopefully a victory. In having a good showing at Nashville, it will be great momentum heading back to what I consider my home track, Toledo Speedway.�??

Local Michigan corporations Mound Steel & Supply, Howe Racing Enterprises and Diamond Pistons will all take sponsorship roles this weekend in the Music City. “It’s great to continue to have the support and backing of our local sponsors,�?? explained Simko. “It’s very important to me for our race team to look professional on and off the track and continue to give them the exposure and run they are looking for.�??

In addition to running in the ASALMS (American Speed Association Late Model Series) Simko will also return to competition in the ARCA RE/MAX Series later this spring.