9/21/05
From a press release:

Ford Quality Checked-Backed Chris Carr Brings '05 AMA/Ford QC Flat Track Title To DuQuoin Mile To Close Out Season

Even though title's wrapped up, Carr focuses on finishing with win

FLEETWOOD, Pa., (Sept. 21, 2005) - Having wrapped up the 2005 AMA/Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship series title at the second-to-last race of the season by winning the legendary Springfield Mile, seven-time flat track champion Chris Carr doesn't plan on backing down when the series concludes next week at the DuQuoin (IL) Mile.

"I race for paychecks," said Carr. "There's $50,000 on the line at DuQuoin to motivate me. And heck, it's a hidden gem of a track - one of the best tracks in the country, rivaling that of Springfield and Syracuse."

And not only does Carr plan on being in the hunt for the win, he's also jetting in early to help the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) - which promotes the DuQuoin Mile - with some pre-race PR help.

"I'll be bringing the rig and bikes over to display at the DuQuoin grade school and middle school on Thursday, Sept. 29, talking with the kids, answering questions and handing out some number plates and signing posters," said Carr. "Should be a good way to promote the sport of flat track to a younger crowd."

Carr says that next weekend's race will be "High speed ballet on XR750s." He adds that the track, which is also used for trotter horses, ARCA races and midget and sprint cars is one of the better tracks they'll race all year.

"It's that good 'ole southern Illinois yellow/red clay - great for growing corn - and also one of the fastest tracks in the world," said Carr. "We drift a lot wider on this track than the others, occasionally brushing a hay bale or two."

Carr said that since the title's wrapped up he'll be able to work on some things for next season with longtime tuner Kenny Tolbert. "We'll likely be trying a few new combinations in an effort to shake down the XR750 for 2006," said Carr. "You can't beat the results you get from testing in an actual race situation."

Prior to Saturday's mile, Friday night will feature what Carr calls a "Bar-bangin' good time" with an indoor Hot Shoe short track race.

On a side note, during the Labor Day weekend the IMDA collected $6,754.54 from flat track racers and fans for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in the name of AMA/Ford QC Flat Track Fans. Anyone else interested in contributing to the fun can send their donations to the following address:

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
c/o Illinois State Band and AMA/Ford QC Flat Track Fans
322 E. Capitol Ave.
Springfield, IL 62701


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