Kenny Schrader to return to Berlin Raceway;
will race with Benson in Mysliwiec Memorial

July 2, 2002 MARNE, MI -- Berlin Raceway's second annual Chester Mysliwiec Open Invitational Memorial 100 Race, scheduled for August 14, received a boost today as NASCAR Winston Cup star Kenny Schrader committed to compete, joining Johnny Benson and the Berlin Raceway Coors Light Late Model field in a 100-lap special event.

Benson was again instrumental in securing a Winston Cup driver to join the field of local Coors Light Late Model drivers and Benson himself. Schrader, Benson's Winston Cup teammate, raced in last year's Mysliwiec Memorial race, marking the first time in track history that two current Winston Cup drivers have competed in the same race. On June 11, Tony Stewart came to Berlin and won the Festival 100.

The open invitational is a tribute to Berlin Raceway founder Chester Mysliwiec, who passed away in 1999. The Mysliwiec family owned Berlin Raceway Inc. for 50 years.

The $10,000-to-win ($70,000 total purse) open invitational, sponsored by Comerica Bank, also serves as a fundraiser for the Berlin 4-H program. One dollar for every ticket sold will be donated. A total of $8,416 was donated to the Berlin 4-H program last year.

The Wednesday night show format includes two 50-lap qualifying races, followed by the 100-lap Late Model feature. Gates open at 11 a.m. and racing action begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $21 in advance or $22 on the day of the race for general admission and $25 for pit passes. Children ages 3-12 are half price and 2 and under are free. A special Chester Mysliwiec Memorial T-shirt will be given away to 1,000 fans courtesy of Comerica Bank.

Schrader finished seventh in last year's race, which was won by Grandville's Tom Thomas.