2007: Cook First On Top In Nascar Whelen All-American Series

 5.22.07

Cook First On Top In Nascar Whelen All-American Series

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 22, 2007) – Rodney Cook picked up his first win of the season Friday night at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. He found out Tuesday that he is leading the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in points.

"It's always good to be number one," Cook said. "It's a long season … (but) it's good for everyone on the crew who helped out. It's good to be on top early in the season."

Entering its 26th season – and the first in a long-term partnership with Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering – the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series features the best in short track racing across North America. The new point system for 2007, which in addition to crowning a national champion, will honor state and track champions and rank the top 500 drivers.

Under the simplified point structure, the race winner will receive two points for every car in the event up to 25 cars. Second place will receive two fewer points, and so-on through the field. For example, if there are 25 cars, the winner receives 50 points, second gets 48 and third 46. If there are 15 cars, the winner receives 30 points, second gets 28 and third 26.

Competitors will count their 18 highest point finishes through Sept. 30. The national champion will earn a reserved spot in the 2007 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway in October.

"The performances will get better as the races go on," Cook said.

Cook, who is fifth in Late Model points at his home track in South Boston (Va.) Speedway, has nine top five finishes and 11 top 10s in 15 starts this season. It gives Cook 334 points, outdistancing second place Andy Loden of Hickory Motor Speedway in Newton, N.C., by 26 points.

Drivers from Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C., occupy the next four spots, led by Jamey Caudill with 304 points.

Cook will be tested this Saturday at South Boston by a former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion when he competes in the Sam Ard Night 150. The benefit event for former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard, will also feature 2005 national champion Peyton Sellers.

Cook doesn't plan on changing his approach.

"Hopefully we'll get in a win on Saturday," Cook said.

For more information about South Boston Speedway's 50th anniversary season, phone the speedway at 434-572-4947 or 1-877-440-1540.