Pinkerton accepts Musco Challenge, will start last on Wednesday for shot at $5,000 bonus

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (June 13) -- After winning Monday night's preliminary feature to position himself near the front of the starting line-up for Wednesday night's $5,000-to-win race, Brad Pinkerton was looking good in his bid to win his third straight Musco Lighting Great American Stock Car Challenge title at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa. The New Sharon, Iowa, driver was set to start first in Tuesday night's Pole Dash to determine the first six starting spots for the inside row for Wednesday's USRA Stock Car main event.

Pinkerton rolled the dice on Tuesday, however, as he accepted the Musco Challenge and will start last in Wednesday's finale. If he can win from the back row in his No. 17p machine, Pinkerton will pocket an extra $5,000 bonus, bringing his total winnings to $10,000.

On Monday night, Pinkerton used the low side of the racing surface and a late-race caution to capture the checkers in the 25-lap prelim after starting 18th on the grid. He will start no better than 23rd on Wednesday, but will have 35 laps to track down the leaders.

Tuesday night's preliminary feature winner will also have the opportunity to accept the Musco Challenge and join Pinkerton at the rear of the pack when the green flag waves to start Wednesday night's finale.

"Every driver here will tell you that Brad is the man to beat at Oskaloosa," said event promoter Todd Staley. "Thanks to several great sponsors and Brad's acceptance of the Musco Challenge, the heat is really turned up for Wednesday's championship race."

The big winners are the fans and the other 23 drivers in the main event field. But Pinkerton just may have the last laugh. Last year, Pinkerton started on the pole and led every lap en route to his second straight Musco Lighting Great American Stock Car Challenge victory. In 2004, he started 15th before passing 14 cars and pocketing the top prize.

In addition to Musco Lighting, sponsors of the Musco Challenge bonus include the Doug's 4-Wheelers, Pro-Line Buildings, Wayne Larson Racing, Harris Auto Racing, Quick Time Performance Products, RL Promotions and the Southern Iowa Fair.

The 3rd Annual Musco Lighting Great American Stock Car Challenge continues on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 13-14. Tuesday will feature another full program of USRA Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks on Mike's Tire & Alignment Qualifying Night. Wednesday night's program will feature last chance races for Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks, with line-ups determined by points accumulated during the first two nights. A full program of Musco Lighting USRA Modifieds are also on Wednesday's card, which culminates with the $1,000-to-win, $400-to-start Hobby Stock main event and the $5,000-to-win, $1,000-to-start Stock Car championship race.

Gates open 5 p.m. both nights, with hot laps at 7:15 and racing at 7:30. On Tuesday, admission is $12 for adults while Wednesday's tickets are $15. Juniors (13-18) and Seniors (62+) are $10 on Tuesday, $12 on Wednesday. Children 12 and under get in for FREE both nights and pit passes are $25. There are no reserved seats for this event. All grandstand seats are general admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Southern Iowa Speedway is located 0.5 mile west of US 63 on SR 92, then 0.3 mile north on N. I St. (at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds). For more information call the track hotline at (641) 673-7004 or visit www.sispeedway.com online.