FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 21, 2016

Ray Cook Eleventh in Gateway Dirt Nationals Opener; 411 Closes Out 2016 Campaign

(CLINTON, TENNESSEE) Ray Cook and the Advanced Motorsports team returned to dirt-slinging competition together on December 15-17 in the inaugural running of the 'Gateway Dirt Nationals' inside of The Dome at America's Center in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. A 1/5-mile dirt bullring was constructed inside of the spacious dome and a large crowd was on hand to witness the historic weekend of indoor action. Things kicked off for the Super Late Models on Thursday night with two rounds of qualifying and Ray was able to lay claim to the thirteenth quickest lap of the 97 competitors in attendance.

On Friday evening, Ray scored an impressive win in his loaded heat race and later drew the seventh starting spot prior to the drop of the green flag in the $5,000 to win preliminary feature event. The Brasstown, North Carolina standout then ran inside of the top ten through much of the 25-lap sprint before eventually winding up eleventh in the final finishing order. Ray was then in a coveted transfer position in his B-Main on Saturday before being unfortunately taken out by another competitor. The "Tarheel Tiger" was officially placed fourteenth in his consolation race and was not able to transfer into the $20,000 to win 'Gateway Dirt Nationals' headliner, which was won by Scott Bloomquist. Full results from The Dome at America's Center can be accessed online at www.gatewaydirt.com.

Amazingly enough, the weekend in St. Louis will not be Ray’s final event of the 2016 racing season. He plans to unload his own #53 Capital ride in the 7th Annual ‘Hangover’ at 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tennessee on Saturday, December 31. The unsanctioned Super Late Model special will be overseen by CT Promotions and will boast a $4,000 winner’s check. Ray wound up on the podium of last year’s 40-lap feature at 411, as he crossed underneath of the checkers in the third position, while he took the triumph in the Crate Late Model portion of the program. Additional information concerning the ‘Hangover’ spectacular in the Volunteer State can be viewed by clicking on www.411motorspeedway.net.

Advanced Motorsports would like to thank the following group of sponsors for their continued support: Advanced Transportation, Keyser Manufacturing, West Haven Speed Equipment, Outlaw Graphics, Competition Racing Equipment, Vic Hill Racing Engines, Capital Race Cars, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil, and American Racer South.

For the latest news and schedule information concerning the #53 team, feel free to visit their official Internet home at www.RayCook53.com or click on www.StacyBolesRacing.com.

Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.DelphCommunications.com