Could NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers be making an appearance in
Allentown, N.Y.?

John Layfield has his fingers crossed.

Layfield, a well-known name in stock car racing for almost 30
years, is hopeful that Tony Stewart and other Cup drivers will
visit Allegany Memorial Speedway next August while en route to
Watkins Glen for a Nextel Cup race.

Layfield of Allentown, N.Y., discussed the possibility with
Stewart on Friday at Blackrock Speedway in Dundee, N.Y.

Layfield was at Blackrock to promote the Sept. 23 Bill Layfield
Memorial race, which will be held at Allegany Memorial Speedway, a
go-kart track located six miles west of Wellsville on Route 417
owned by Layfield.

John’s father, Bill, died last November. Bill raced stock cars
at area tracks for 53 straight years.

“I went to Blackrock to promote my dad’s race and while I was
there made it a point to talk to Tony,” Layfield said. “I sat down
and started talking to him (Tony). He’s my favorite driver on the
circuit. Once I started talking to him he showed a lot of
interest.

“Tony bought five laps for my dad’s Memorial race,” Layfield
added, noting Stewart was impressed with Bill Layfield’s dedication
to the sport. “He bought laps for a man who deserved it. My dad
dedicated 53 years of his life to racing.”

Layfield pointed out he has been in contact with Jeff Miles, an
employee of Bill Davis Racing Inc., and Betty Sherwood, head
director of the Spalding Foundation.

Bill Davis Racing Inc., located in High Point, N.C., and the
Spalding Foundation are instrumental in organizing special
appearances by Nextel Cup drivers.

The Spalding Foundation is a charity that assists racers who
have been injured.

“We will know in February 2007 if Tony will be at Allegany
Memorial Speedway,” Layfield commented. “Tony said he would see
what he could do about coming here next year. I believe it is going
to happen.”

John noted the Bill Layfield Memorial will be divided up into
three races – stock, super stock and open modified. The purse,
$3,420, is believed to be the highest ever in the northeast for
go-kart racing, according to Layfield.

“Everybody that gets in this race will get some money,” Layfield
admitted.

Layfield is the owner of Layfield Racing Connection Inc., one of
the largest go-kart parts dealers in the area. The race track is
located behind the business.