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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series No Fear Challenge Preview

14 October 1997

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
No Fear Challenge Advance
California Speedway


FONTANA, CA - More than 20 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams last week 
concluded testing at the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., which will 
host the Oct. 18 No Fear Challenge. The 2.0-mile superspeedway is the longest 
venue on which the series for American-manufactured, full-size pickups will 
compete. 

NASCAR fans from coast-to-coast will be able to enjoy the historic event, 
which will be broadcast live by ESPN2 (4 p.m. EDT) and radio affiliates of 
the NASCAR Truck Network. Additionally, ESPN will re-air the No Fear 
Challenge on Tuesday, Oct. 21 (7:30 p.m. EDT). 

Among teams testing at Fontana were all of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 
championship contenders, including leader Jack Sprague, current runnerup Rich 
Bickle, third-ranked Joe Ruttman; 1996 NCTS champion Ron Hornaday and Mike 
Bliss, who earlier this year won the series' fastest Busch Pole (175.667 mph) 
at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

While no official times were released following the Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford 
manufacturer-conducted tests, random times suggested that California Speedway 
speeds will be in the 170-plus range. 

The Oct. 18 event is the opening half of a NASCAR doubleheader. The NASCAR 
Busch Series will make its first California appearance on Oct. 19. The 
Kenwood 300 will be broadcast live by ESPN (4 p.m.) and MRN radio.

By NASCAR Public Relations