Former Series Champ Norris to Compete at Fontana

06-21-2006 | TruckSeries.com Report

2002 West Series champion Eric Norris will reunite with his Norris Racing team for the "Relocate Here 200" at his home track, California Speedway, in Fontana, California on September 1, 2006.

Last time Norris visited the two-mile California Speedway under the Norris Racing banner was in 2002.  The Dana Point, CA resident dominated that event, winning the pole and leading all but 8 of the races 91 laps en-route to Victory Circle and the eventual Series Championship.

"I'm really excited to return to California Speedway with many of the teammates that were with me not only in 2002 but throughout my racing career" said Norris.  "We have always run really well at California and I think we can pick up where we left off and get our Ford Taurus up front for our sponsors and fans.  I'm really excited to get back behind the wheel."

Norris, who is currently working in Dallas, TX as the stunt coordinator for the FOX television hit "Prison Break," has periodically raced in the NASCAR Busch and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since winning the Championship in 2002.  Despite his successful career in the film and television industry, Norris is eager to return to the former NASCAR Winston West Series (renamed the Grand National Division) where he spent five years (1998-2002) competing against many of the same teams and drivers entered in the "Relocate Here 200".

"Everyone knows I want to race, full-time," explained Norris.  "It's just really competitive attracting the right sponsors to be able to do it full time and win races.  I hope we can find that sponsor and return to NASCAR for a full campaign in 2007.  But until then, I consider myself lucky to have a job in the film industry that is also exciting and truly enjoyable for me."

Following the race, the Norris Racing team will prepare the race car for use in educational seminars.  Long time crew member Scott Zelasko will display the race car at elementary and high schools across California in an effort to teach the nation's youth about racing and to promote the sport.  Zelasko will conduct seminars and share his experience about the various challenges and aspects involved in NASCAR racing, including race car preparation, pit stops and the teamwork that goes into building a Championship organization.

"Scott and I view this as a way to give back to our communities," commented Norris.  "Providing children an insider's view of NASCAR racing and promoting team work to the nation's youth is our number one goal."