WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (April 27, 2011) - It isn't often an entire crowd at a short track comes to its feet. When Assembly Products and Dells Raceway Park introduced the Shootout last season, enough excitement was generated to keep fans buzzing for weeks.

The Shootout was so well received DRP and Assembly Products teamed for a second go-round later in the season. With the recipe for excitement well in place, Dells Raceway Park will host three Assembly Product Shootouts in 2011.

Assembly Products Shootouts will take place as part of the program on June 18, July 30 and Sept. 3.

Three chances to stir up a little more excitement is exactly what Assembly Products CEO Ed Szelagowski had in mind as architect of the Shootout. "I wanted to create a new level of excitement for the drivers and the fans and to continue through the whole season and to have something to build on," he said.

As the crowd held its collective breath in the stands during the first Shootout, the drivers had their adrenal glands working double-time. Shayne Poehnelt was victorious in the first shootout on July 17, and admits the win was the biggest in his career.

"I was shaking so bad after the race. My hands were shaking and my knees were shaking," Poehnelt said. "I was excited, nervous, in disbelief and I held my breath too much during the race - maybe (there was) a lack of oxygen. All of the emotions were there."

Szelagowski said he received great feedback from the idea instantanouesly. The second Shootout spawned from crowd response as Szelagowski presented Poehnelt his check in victory lane. Assembly Products hosted the second Shootout on championship night - the event was won by Jesse Bernhagen.

"It's a lot more exciting than just adding a little extra money every week," Szelagowski said. "It was pretty neat when (a driver) made the Shootout. It added excitement throughout the late models to make the Shootout, to be a Shootout driver."

Formatted to reward consistently fast drivers, the Assembly Products Shootout gives the best of the best 20 laps to get the job done. Drivers are given the incentive of a $1,000 pay day when the checkered flag falls.

"You can't wait to go, you have to go right now," Szelagowski said of his vision for the Shootout. "The drivers here have such a high professionalism in their driving techniques. There was not one crash in those two shootouts. It was outstanding racing."

In fact, Szelagowski was so impressed by the go-right-now mentality of two drivers in the Shootout he wrote two more checks at the DRP banquet in October. Both Rich Schumann and Corey Jankowski tore through the Shootouts and received an extra $500.

To qualify for a Shootout a driver must accumulate points through weekly dashes leading up to the Shootout. The top nine drivers who accumulate the most points through the dashes automatically qualify. One or more provisionals are added to fill the field, with several alternates on deck in case a driver is unable to participate.

Adding yet another twist, Szelagowski will use the third date as a Championship Shootout. Everyone who participates in the first two shoouts will be eligible. By virtue of their wins last season, Poehnelt and Bernhagen are gauranteed spots. The purse will be bolsterd for the final round with $2,000 going to the winner and an additional $2,000 to be divied up among the other finishers.

"I do it for the love of the sport," Szelagowski said. "This is a great place to host the Shootouts. When you pull into the pits, it's like coming home." Szelagowski added the length of the Championship Shootout will be no less than 25 laps and may be adjusted according to the number of drivers who qualify.

Poehnelt is already feeling the excitement of another Shootout appearance, but is ready to show that his win last year was no accident. "It's neat that I'm invited for the championship, but I want to earn my spot still, no matter what."

Qualification for the first Assembly Products Shootout begins on Opening Day, May 21, as Dells Raceway Park kicks off its 49th season of racing. The evening's events begin with the Automotion Burnout contest at 5:30. In addition, the Vintage Cars will be joining the four weekly DRP classes. Qualifying at 3:30, Racing at 6:30.

Dells Raceway Park is located at N1070 Smith Road five minutes north of downtown Wisconsin Dells, Wis., off highway 12-16. For more information including the latest news, the 2011 schedule and more visit www.dellsracewaypark.com.

Assembly Products is a manufacturer, distributor and importer of Fasteners for Industry. Headquartered in Westfield, Wis., the company supplies a complete line of fasteners, special cold headed products and precision parts manufactured to print in long or short runs, and standard products distributed from stock.

Assembly Products has direct mill shipments from overseas, full traceability with material and plating certification and contract polybagging available. All metals, all diameters and lengths and many standard and specialty finishes are available.

For more information visit www.assemblyproducts.com