FANS INVITED TO DRIVERS MEETING AT FLORIDA DODGE DEALERS 400 HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 16, 1999) -- While the pre-race NASCAR drivers meeting is mandatory for all competitors and crew chiefs in Saturday's Florida Dodge Dealers 400, it will be optional -- free of charge -- for all fans attending the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Mike Wallace.

The drivers meeting begins at noon on Saturday, at the Brugal Rum Pavilion, located behind the main grandstands. Drivers will receive pre-race instructions, and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Prior to last year, drivers meetings were strictly limited to race participants.

Several of the top NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers, including Stacy Compton and Mike Wallace, have agreed to sign autographs prior to the session.

While the penalty for competitors missing the drivers meeting is starting at the back of the field, fans not in attendance will be missing a unique opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series' season opener joins the opening round of the 1999 CART FedEx Series Championship in an action-packed weekend of racing. The excitement begins Friday with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice and Bud Pole qualifying and CART FedEx Series practice, with tickets costing $10. Unreserved tickets for Saturday's Florida Dodge Dealers 400 and CART FedEx Series practice and qualifying cost $25. Tickets for Sunday's Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Toyota begin at $55, and will be available at the gate.