TULSA, Okla. -- It was announced today that O'Reilly Auto Parts will be the title sponsor for the upcoming USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series Tulsa "100" to be held at the Tulsa Fairgrounds Motorplex. The O'Reilly Tulsa "100" will take place on Sunday, September 14.

"This is going to be a tremendous event and we're excited to be a part of it," stated O'Reilly Auto Parts spokesman Kevin Greven. Greven went on to say, "Emmett Hahn is bringing auto racing back to the Tulsa Fairgrounds after an extended absence, and there's a real buzz in the air about this race. And with the event being televised on Speed Channel later in the week, it's a great opportunity for O'Reilly's to be involved."

O'Reilly Auto Parts is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957 by the O'Reilly family, the company operates more than 1,000 stores within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

The O'Reilly Tulsa "100" marks the return of auto racing to the Tulsa Fairgrounds for the first time since 1984. Throughout the 1970's and early '80's, auto racing events at the Tulsa Fairgrounds typically attracted crowds of approximately 12,000 on a weekly basis.

The O'Reilly Tulsa "100" will be the eleventh of twelve scheduled races for the USAC Weld Racing Silver Crown Series in 2003. J.J. Yeley currently leads a tight points race, with Dave Steele, Dave Darland, Tracy Hines and Jay Drake rounding out the current top five.

The USAC Silver Crown cars last competed at the Tulsa Fairgrounds, then a 5/8-mile oval, in 1980, when Rich Vogler and Billy Engelhart split the twin 75-lap features. The track is now a ¾-mile oval.

Reserved seats for the Sunday, September 14, O'Reilly Tulsa "100" are available for only $31, with general admission tickets available for $26. General admission for children ages 6-11 is $11. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the ticket office at (918) 838-3777.

Additional information regarding the O'Reilly Tulsa "100" and the Tulsa Fairgrounds Motorplex is available at www.tulsafairgroundsmotorplex.com.