#17n - Mat Neely (Robinson, IL)

3rd Chili Bowl Appearance

Chili Bowl Main Event Starts: 0

2003 Chili Bowl Results:

Wednesday: 1st in Heat 9; 4th in B Feature 2; 20th in A Feature

Saturday: 17th in C Feature 2

Mat Neely had the distinction of being the only driver to beat Dan Boorse to a checkered flag in the 2003 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, as he beat Boorse to the line to win the 9th Heat race in Wednesday night's qualifying action.

Neely went on to score a handful of top-five feature finishes in USAC National Sprint Car action in 2003, including a third place finish at Lincoln Park Speedway on July 19, en route to Rookie of the Year honors.

Car Owner:  Mat Neeley

Chassis:  Twister

Engine:  Ford

Sponsors:  Twister, Lytle Electric, Maverick Energy, Simpson

Photo:  Mat Neely on the gas in USAC Sprint Car action.  (Photo courtesy of Jim Fisher)