Mega-Wars Special Features Archrival Indy, Stockcar and Dragster Teams

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- They don't speak to each other -- much less compete in the same race!  But JUNKYARD WARS has done the impossible.  Never before have the three main auto-racing sports competed against each other on such a uniquely level playing field.  It's a tough challenge, but the three diversely car-crazy teams are up to it.  Build a vehicle from the ground up, from only junkyard parts, and then compete against your arch-rivals on three courses: a drag strip, twisting road track and a half-mile oval -- all to win Junkyard Mega-Wars' Triple Track Trophy.

JUNKYARD MEGA-WARS: SPEEDWAY SHOWDOWN will have its world premiere on Sunday, May 25, 9-11PM ET/PT on TLC.  It will repeat at midnight on May 25, on Wednesday, May 28 at 9PM and on Sunday, June 1 at 6PM ET/PT.

This unique challenge brings auto-racing's "backroom boys," who are the brains and muscle behind racing heroes, into the spotlight.  These teams are no strangers to success: they've put drivers like Rusty Wallace, Larry Dixon and Helio Castroneves into the winner's circle.

Representing stockcar racing from North Carolina are the "Stock Car Stars," led by Gordon.  His team has built cars for NASCAR Winston Cup stars Ryan Newman and Rusty Wallace and includes mechanic "Peaches," a southern good ol' boy, Tom, who has worked on everything from shrimp boats to fire trucks, and Jim, who we are told can "make anything from nothing."

From the Indy world come the "Indy Idols," hailing from Pennsylvania. Their captain is Jerry, one of the auto world's best fabricators.  This team has helped racing champs like Gil de Ferran and Helio Castroneves rule the track.  His team has Grant as the brains behind their operation, Matt as mechanical genius, and Rick as crew chief for Castroneves.

Finally, from California, are the "Hot Rod Heroes" led by Willie, who has over 25 years of drag racing experience.  His team is the crew for the National Hot Rod Association's champion Larry Dixon, and includes driver John, organizer Donnie, and "scrounger" E.J.

Witness the teams dropping engines, setting the junkyard on fire and creating all sorts of havoc on the racetrack in their pursuit of the Triple Track Trophy.  Only one auto sport can win and prove its superiority -- which will it be?

Hosting JUNKYARD MEGA-WARS: SPEEDWAY SHOWDOWN are Tyler Harcott, Cathy Rogers and Karyn Bryant.

For an interactive online JUNKYARD MEGA-WARS: SPEEDWAY SHOWDOWN experience from May 25, log on to www.tlc.com and check out a range of features.  There is an interactive game that will allow users to build their own speedway vehicle from junk parts and then race it on three different courses -- just like the special.  The site also includes team and expert bios, special details of the challenges and a racing history trivia quiz.

The JUNKYARD WARS season is sponsored in part by RadioShack.  This special episode is sponsored by RadioShack and Dodge.  JUNKYARD WARS is co-produced by RDF Television and TLC.  For RDF, Cathy Rogers and Rupert Parker are executive producers.  For TLC, Kathy Davidov is executive producer.