Bakersfield, CA – NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers Jimmie Johnson and Brendan Gaughan will be at Mesa Marin Raceway on Thursday, April 29th for Thursday Night Thunder. Thursday Night Thunder on April 29th will feature NASCAR Late Models, Street Stocks and the 911 Race for Youth Series.
   Johnson, driver of the Lowe’s Chevy on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit, placed second in the 2003 points championship and is currently fourth in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series standings. A native of El Cajon, CA, Johnson is in his third full Nextel Cup season with six career Cup series wins, including Darlington this year.
   Gaughan, from Las Vegas, NV, like Johnson cut his racing teeth on the off-road circuits of the western deserts before moving to stock car competition. Gaughan is a two-time NASCAR Winston West Series champion and has eight wins in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition with over $1.3 million in winnings.
   The April 29th event at Mesa Marin will be the first of four races scheduled on Thursday nights.
   “We saw a real opportunity in scheduling a few races on Thursday nights,” stated Mesa Marin VP, Larry Collins.
   “First, it allows Cup drivers, such as Jimmie and Brendan the ability to come to Mesa Marin before their busy race weekend schedule begins and it allows our competitors more free weekends during their busy race season.” Collins added.
   Tickets for the April 29th event start at $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating. Children six through twelve are $5, and five and under are free. Free children’s tickets will be available at Carl’s Jr.’s and Texaco Express Lubes. Gates will open at 5pm, practice and an autograph session begins at 6pm, with racing underway at 7:30pm.

For more information go to www.mesamarin.com, or 661-366-5711.