LOVES PARK, Ill. (Saturday, April 17th, 2010) -- There will be some new faces around Rockford Speedway for the 2010 racing season. NASCAR has announced a rules change that will allow 14- and 15-years-olds behind the wheel and behind the wall, giving the next generation more experience at a higher level. The rules change will only affect the Budweiser American Short Trackers, Bargain Hunter Sportsman, and Mtn Dew RoadRunners.

In order for the younger drivers to race, they will need a NASCAR Probationary License. To receive their License they will need to follow a series of steps in accordance with NASCAR and the track’s policies. First, the young driver must submit a racing resume that the track committee approves. After the approval of the racing resume, test laps on the track under the direct supervision of track officials can begin. If the driver completes these prerequisite steps and receives approval from the track committee, they will obtain their NASCAR Probationary License and may begin racing.

In 2007 NASCAR lowered the minimum age from 18 to 16 for its touring series, allowing a then 17-year-old Joey Logano, now a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver, to win the NASCAR Camping World Series East championship.

For more information on the upcoming 2010 season at the Rockford Speedway, including a full schedule of events and details on Spring Classic, visit the track website at www.rockfordspeedway.com or call the Speedway Box Office at (815) 633-1500