The Southern Pro Late Model Series race at the New Senoia Raceway has been rescheduled for Saturday (March 21) with open practice on Friday afternoon 1:00-7:00. Saturday’s show starts with heats at 7:00 p.m. Qualifying for the late models is at 4:30. “The phone has been steady ringing for racers all over the southeast wanting to be the first winner of the new Southern Pro Late Model Series. But I guess Mother Nature won last weekend” states Charlie Edwards, promoter/owner of the New Senoia Raceway. Along with the SPLMS 100 lap pro late model event, New Senoia Raceway will also host racing in the Outlaw Late Model, Sportsman, and Mini Stocks. www.newsenoiaraceway www.splmseries.com
Lavonia opens with their second Late Model Mania Mar. 20-21, with the Southern All Stars LMs, Fastrak crates, and Southeastern Late Model Sportsmen all running Sat. night. Last spring, this was one of the biggest and best shows of the year.
Chris Madden, Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, Casey Roberts and Randy Weaver are expected to lead the list of OSAS drivers for the 50-lap event, which pays $5000 to win.
FASTRAK has three special prizes for this show: $250 Sleep Inn Long Haul Award- presented to the FASTRAK Racing Series team traveling the furthest to compete; $200 Modoc Speedway Top Gun Award- presented to the driver setting fast time during FASTRAK Qualifying; and RACEceiver Communications Hot Shot Award to the FASTRAK Racing Series driver recording the fastest lap throughout the entire event including practice, FASTRAK Qualifying, heat races or the night's FASTRAK Racing Series Late Model Mania feature event. Last fall’s FASTRAK show at the track, won by Shannon Buckingham, went all 30 laps caution-free.
The Lavonia regular season and points races start April 4, and includes an Easter Egg Hunt.
The Southern All Stars also race 40 laps for $5000 to win at Travelers Rest (SC) Speedway Sun. at 2:00 p.m., and there’s a $2000 to win FASTRACK show too. http://www.lavoniadirttrack.com/ www.southern-allstars.com
Boyd's Speedway has rescheduled the CABIN FEVER 250 for this coming Friday and Saturday nights. Racers and fans will have two-days of racing with the CABIN FEVER 250 WEEKEND event that was a long standing tradition of season opener races at the West Knoxville track - Atomic Speedway. Seven (7) divisions of raceteams will seek over $35,000. in posted prize monies. The CABIN FEVER will begin Friday night with heat races and open practice. On Saturday night, March 21st the event will be highlighted by a $3,000. to-WIN Super Late Model race. The Steel-Head Late Models and Crate Late Models will both race for $2,000. to-Win, while the A-Hobby, B-Hobby, Pony Stocks and Front Wheel Drives vie for $500. to-WIN. Races begin about 7PM EST with Hot Lap Practice. Admission Sat. $15, kids $5. www.boydsspeedway.com
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Mar. 20 (Fri.) Carolina Speedway 9th annual Skyler Trull Memorial, Carolina Clash LMs, $5000 to win. Adm. $20 http://www.carolinaspeedway.net/
Mar. 20-21 Lavonia Late Model Mania Mar. 20-21, with the Southern All Stars LMs, Fastrak crates, and Southeastern Late Model Sportsmen all running Sat. night. http://www.lavoniadirttrack.com/ www.southern-allstars.com
Mar. 20-21 Boyd’s CABIN FEVER 250 $3,000. to-WIN Super Late Model race. The Steel-Head Late Models and Crate Late Models will each race for $2,000. www.boydsspeedway.com
Mar. 21 Winder Barrow practice 1:00-5:00 (weather permitting)
Mar. 21 Lanier Open Practice 1:00-4:00
Mar. 21 Senoia Southern Pro Late Model Series - heats at 7:00 p.m. Qualifying for the late models is at 4:30. www.newsenoiaraceway www.splmseries.com
Mar. 21 Swainsboro SEASON OPENER RACING IN: DRIGGERS CONCRETE ROAD WARRIOR LOVE'S SEAFOOD MINI STOCK DANIELS CHEVROLET PURE STOCK SUNOCO SUPER STREET R & R ELECTRICAL CRATE LATE MODEL www.swainsbororaceway.com
Mar. 28 Watermelon Capital Speedway Parts Plus United Sprint Car Series (USCS) Asphalt Thunder Tour $2200 to win www.watermeloncapitalspeedway.com www.uscsracing.com
April 4 Lavonia Crate LM Challenge $800 to win ($500 bonus to top driver at Modoc/Lavonia)
April 4 Swainsboro Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series $10,000 to Win www.swainsbororaceway.com
April 4 Watermelon Capital Twin 125s featuring Georgia Asphalt Series and CRA Super Late Models Southern Division. Qualifying 5pm, Racing 7:30
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Green Valley Speedway (near Gadsden, AL) is about to make history, with the BIGGEST EVER Crate Late Model race Saturday, March 28th. The Alabama dirt track racing facility will see teams from around the United States invade for a total of 3-Days of on-track action that will culminate with the 100 lap “A” Main feature Saturday night. A Dennis Harker brain-child, estimated at over $90,000 in total purse money, with $25,000 for the winner of the GVS CRATE NATIONALS mega-event. On Friday Crate LM’s will see Qualifying and Heat Races to determine who is locked into Saturday’s “A” Main Feature. Saturday a series of Last Chance “B” Mains will set the Starting Grid. Prior to the 100 lap BIG SHOW, a pair of Non-Qualifiers races will hit the dirt offering a $1,000. prize or an “A” Main starting position, to the winners. www.greenvalleyspeedway.com
The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, in Concord, NC, hosts the Circle K Colossal 100 next Fri. and Sat. (Mar. 27-28) with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. The Purse and Awards total $200,000, with $50,000 earmarked for the winner. Each starter in the 36-car field for the 100-lap finale is guaranteed a minimum of $2,000. Tentative Schedule: < Friday, March 27 7:30 p.m. WoO Late Model Group Qualifying 8:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies 8:25 p.m. CRASHCar Feature (15 laps) 8:40 p.m. WoO Late Model Heat Races 10:10 p.m. C Features (Top 2 transfer to B Features) < Saturday, March 28 4:30 p.m. Driver Autograph Session (Guests must have ticket and a Thirst Buster Cup of any size) 6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies 7:20 p.m. B Features 8:20 p.m. CRASHCar Feature (15 laps) 8:40 p.m. CHARLOTTE 30 (30 laps) for non-qualifiers, $2000 to win 9:00 p.m. Circle K Colossal 100 Feature (100 laps) More than 80 of the nation's top dirt late model drivers are expected to compete in the Circle K Colossal 100. The entry list reads like a "Who's Who" of dirt late model racing and includes: Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Donnie Moran, Josh Richards, Steve Francis, Rick Eckert, Shannon Babb, Chub Frank, Clint Smith, Shane Clanton, Earl Pearson Jr., Darrell Lanigan, Dale McDowell and Ken Schrader. Steve Francis collected a $50,000 first-place paycheck as the 2008 Circle K Colossal 100 winner. The Ashland, Ky., driver started from the pole, and managed to stretch his fuel mileage to lead the entire race. Francis survived 16 caution flags to take the win and became the first driver to lead the Circle K Colossal 100 from start to finish. As Francis was cruising at the front, Chris Madden was charging through the field and settled for the $20,000 runner-up prize for the second-consecutive year, while Josh Richards started 13th and earned $10,000 for finishing third. Reserved tickets for both Friday and Saturday nights are $39 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are $15 for Friday and $35 for Saturday. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/colossal
The Lucas Oil Dirt Series visits Screven Fri., April 3, with a $7,000 to win show. Hot laps at 6:00, racing at 8:00. $20 adm. http://screvenmotorspeedway.com
The 32nd Season Opener at Talladega Short Track will now be held on Saturday March 21st. The season will kick off with racing in the Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, Sportsman, IMCA Modifieds, Thundercars, Street Stocks, and Hot Shots. Racing at 7:30. Grandstand admission will be $10 for adults. www.talladegashorttrack.com
Lanier National Speedway - Saturday March 21 - practice - 1pm until 4pm.
Fort Payne (AL) Motor Speedway has open practice Saturday, Mar. 21, for all divisions. Gates will open at 1:00, practice will be from 3:00 until 6:00 and 7:30 until 9:00. April4 is the season opener.
Matt Helton is selling his late Father Randy Helton's #27 race-ready asphalt sprint car. Reason needs the money. The car is a Maxim Chassis dirt car converted for pavement use by noted former USCS pavement racer and engineer Jim Rapitis of Engine Research, Inc. Complete with Engine, wheels, tires and wings! A STEAL! $12,000. safewayinc@windstream.net
One of the few tracks to race last weekend was Oglethorpe Speedway Park, near Savannah, featuring the National Late Model Series. Natl. Late Model Series at Oglethorpe: 1 johnny collins (led laps 15-50) 2 darrell padgett (led laps 1-14) 3 branden yawn 4 bo allen 5 cale simons 6 garrett shurling 7 jordy nipper 8 mitch fulford 9 robbie cowart 10 brandon cameron 11 chaz haskins 12 henry carter 13 brad comer 14 john greene 15 jason fitzgerald 16 eric register 17 bobby oglesby 18 donnie bazemore 19 kyle bridges 20 robert diekemper 21 tommy burrows 22 patrick williams 23 jim manka 24 steve jones (fast qualif.) 25 mark davis 26 j.r. Moseley “meat99” posted on 4m.net: “That was the worst race I ever been to if you even call it a race. They need to bulldoze that place & make a real racetrack. I seen more passing at the drag strip. What a waist of time & money. That track just SUCKS.” “ 44-19-21-39” posted: “Haven't been to a late model race there in several years, & won't until they rebuild the racing surface, move haulers from the infield, & get done before the curfew.” http://www.4m.net/showthread.php?t=101305 Pictures: http://www.carlsonracephotos.com/gal...lery2/main.php www.ospracing.net
Albany Motor Speedway is Back In Action Saturday March 21 Admission $10.00, 12 and under free - Race time 7:00 pm www.albanymotorspeedway.net
Tri-County race track, in Brasstown, NC, will race on Saturday nights starting April 11. On schedule this year are two Tennessee Thunder shows and a Southern All Stars East race.
USARacing’s four-time Champion, Bobby Gill is on a determined quest to get back to doing what he does best: winning races and capturing Championships in the Pro Cup Series. When the green flag drops at Concord (NC) Speedway on April 4 for USARacing’s season-opener, this intense driver’s main mission will be to add numbers to his ‘wins’ column and to become the Series’ only five-time Champion. A Dalton , GA, native who now resides in the Concord area, Gill is confident that he and car owner, Jamie Mosley, have assembled a competitive package that will put them in contention for that prestigious championship. “It would mean a lot to me to win another Championship, but it would mean more to win a second one with this team,” says Gill. “We’ve been working non-stop since the ’07 season ended, trying new things and hoping to hit on a perfect combination.” The series’ only scheduled stop in GA is at South Georgia’s half-mile April 25. Gill was second there in 2008, and Dusty Williams, of Guyton, GA, was fourth. www.usarprocup.com
The Parts Plus United Sprint Car Series (USCS) Asphalt Thunder Tour kicks off its' ten night 2009 schedule with the "Cordele Clash" 2009 season-opener on Saturday, March 28th at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele. The race for winged Outlaw style sprint cars pays $2200 in cash and merchandise awards to the feature winner with minimum of $400 to start the A-Main event. A special bonus of $200 is also posted for a driver that has never won a USCS Asphalt Thunder event to win the "Cordele Clash" 2009 A-Main event. Including the fast time award and trophy dash money, it is possible for one driver to take home $2600 for a clean sweep. Drivers from six states are already pre-entered for the event at the speedy 3/8 mile paved including several past series Champions. The race also serves as the 2009 racing season-opener for Watermelon Capital Speedway and the racing format includes four of the WCS weekly racing divisions. Those will include Super Street, Pure Stock, Mini Stock and Claimers. Al classes will run extra laps in their main events for the special Cordele Clash Championships. The is located 1/2 mile west of I-75 at Exit 104, just North of Cordele. Watermelon Capital Speedway will host a pre-season practice open to all divisions on Saturday, March 21st. www.watermeloncapitalspeedway.com www.uscsracing.com
Inclement weather, including the forecast for rain and temperatures dipping into the 30’s, has forced Anderson Motor Speedway to postpone the 2009 Season Opener. The season opening event has been rescheduled for Friday, March 20th. The 2009 season will mark the 47th year of operation of the 3/8 mile asphalt track. Seven divisions of stock car racing will highlight the race card each and every Friday evening, including the B Mini Stock, C Mini Stock, Stock Four, BM Modified, Legends, Renegades and Super Renegades divisions. Gates will open at 5PM and racing will begin at 8PM. Anderson (SC) Motor Speedway is located off Interstate 85 at Exit 27, north on Highway 81 1.5 miles. www.andersonmotorspeedway.com
The Pro Challenge Series, for scaled-down cars with a Kawasaki water-cooled engine, will race every other week at Lanier, starting Mar. 28, with four National-level races too. Sam Nelson, of Cumming, is now building the engines. http://www.prochallenge.net
The WoO late model tour has run 200 A-mains at 99 tracks since 2004, and visits Battleground Speedway (TX) this weekend for $20,000 to win. Senoia, Ga.’s Clint Smith registered by far his best WoO LMS finish of the young season, finishing ninth at Deep South (AL). “The way we ran in Florida (last month), a top-10 is an accomplishment.” Jonathan Owensby, who spent the past two seasons working for Shane Clanton, returned to the pit area as a member of Clint Smith’s team. Owensby left Clanton’s RSD Enterprises effort because he planned to relocate from Georgia to West Virginia and get a non-racing job, but the move fell through and Smith offered him an opportunity to go back out on the road. The raffle for rides in two-seater cars to start the race raised $486 for the families of victims of the south AL shootings. Shane Clanton has hired Brandon Bilskie, 25 of McDonough, as his second fulltime crewman working alongside chief mechanic Mark (‘Head’) Lloyd. Bilskie comes to the RSD Enterprises team after spending six years as a crewman with Clanton’s brother Joey’s asphalt efforts. www.worldofoutlaws.com
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Reed Sorenson, the NASCAR driver from Peachtree City, has a revamped website: http://www.reedsorensononline.com/ John Wes Townley had another “double” two weeks ago in Las Vegas, hitting the turn four wall with both 09 RAB Racing team cars. His 38th place finish puts him sixth in the Nationwide Series ROTY race. The team’s appeal of the $15,000 and 100 points fine from Daytona was rejected. He’s at Bristol Sat., where he failed to qualify last fall, driving the car Matt Kenseth drove to victory in 2006. www.teamrab.com
---- ---- ---- ---- You could win a VIP race experience for two at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Experience the action at the Pep Boys Auto 500 September 4-7, 2009! VIP Prize package includes: • Coca-Cola Racing Reunion Dinner 2009 • Race tickets (Saturday/Nationwide Degree V12 300 & Sunday/Pep Boys Auto 500) • Passes for trackside hospitality and race day show with driver appearances • Airfare & hotel • Coca-Cola racing souvenirs • $300 total spending cash • ...and more! Enter here: http://www.raceexperience.com ---- ---- ---- ----
“I may be completely wrong -- this idiotic cartoon character (Digger, Fox TV’s in-track camera) may be drawing in millions of casual fans that Brian France is trying to woo to his beloved sport. Maybe this sophomoric entertainment is exactly what the majority of people watching the races are now craving. But I sincerely hope that is not the case; because if it is, the state of the sport is in very dire straights.” - Mike Neff is a Senior Writer for Frontstretch.com Neff says there will be 15 minutes of Digger cartoons before each of Fox’s 15 NASCAR races. http://groups.google.com/group/TheFrontstretch?hl=en
Promotion idea: The BullRing at Las Vegas sells $10 tickets for Sat. shows for half-price, before 5:00 p.m. Friday. Hotdogs and Budweiser: both $1. Promotion idea: Michigan’s economy is in the tank. I believe they (indoor Arena Racing at the Deltaplex) started their season charging 15 dollars per adult. The admission price is now down to just $9.50 which seems like a bargain to me. www.ranlayracing.com Promotion ideas: from Chris Powell, President, Las Vegas Motor Speedway: “We've lowered our concessions prices on all beverages and soft drinks, and for those arriving early, have a $2 breakfast combo consisting of a breakfast sandwich and coffee. “We also want to know when you see something we need to improve on. Please call our Fan Assistance Hotline at 702-632-8006 or text to 37686. If you still need assistance after contacting fan assistance, then email me directly at generalmanager@lvms.com. I'll be carrying a Blackberry with me all weekend and will make sure someone responds to your needs in a timely manner.”
The annual GA Auto Racing Hall of Fame Assn. picnic, reunion, and car show is May 9 at Rick Inman’s farm near Fayetteville. Lots of pictures of some display cars from last year, and details, at http://www.garhofa.org
Stand 21 Racewear, a worldwide supplier of uniforms and helmets, now has a US branch at Road Atlanta in Braselton. The line now even includes fireproof boxer shorts. Top of the line gloves are $190, uniforms up to $2900, and helmets $2575. www.stand21.us
Dirt Nation’s interview with 17 year-old emerging dirt late model star Travis Pennington of Winston, GA: Pennington talks about his 2008 season, his family, his Hall of Fame dad, his mom’s side of the family, his career, asphalt versus dirt, his relationship with his dad, where he wants to see his career go, being the youngest winner in the 26 year history of the Southern All Stars and his plans for 2009. Pennington drives the #01 Milford Body shop sponsored Rocket. http://dirtnation.net/2009/02/09/travis-pennington-oreilly-southern-all-star-series-020909/ www.travispenningtonracing.com
Doug Turnbull, a WSB radio Atlanta traffic guy, is writing a NASCAR column, and he has some opinions worth reading: “NASCAR 39/10: This show is not entirely bad. Getting to see only the good parts of races is what many with TiVo try and accomplish every week. The idea of placing so much extra “fluff” footage from various SPEED shows in this broadcast was a bad idea, though, because it makes the program even longer. I get sick of watching that stuff while it is airing, and had trouble stomaching it again months later. The theme music to the show is also a complete misfit. The string music used for the theme sounds like some kind of riff from a Middle Eastern song. It is in a minor key, a key usually used for depressing tunes, which is proper, considering many were depressed with how 2008 turned out. The show also aired midday Wednesday and Thursday, so no one saw it… guess SPEED thought it was just as bad as I did.” http://www.frontstretch.com/dturnbull/22317/
Tyler Speer has been on a straight track toward his dream ever since he was 11 years old. He wants to be a NASCAR driver. On New Year’s Day, the 18-year-old Etowah High School student accelerated toward his goal by driving on one of the big super speedway tracks: Rockingham, N.C. Clocking around at about 130 mph, Speer, managed to finish 33rd out of a field of 67 drivers. And, it was a victorious outing for the young man, because he managed to place in the middle of the field even though he sat out 50 laps after a wreck that left his tire tracks on the side barrier of the racetrack. The Rockingham race was Speer’s first outing driving a full-size car, but he has been racing – and winning – for years behind the wheel of Legacy cars. More of a nice article by Gerry Yandel at: http://www.ledgernews.com/community/cherokee-life/102-february-11-2009/191-woodstock-teen-hits-the-big-speedway-time?e3845b4d05ccb29ff14c8cb27f028eb0=a175593bd00fd9ec66ca8ba10ab5e29b
With the closing of Birmingham International Raceway, the annual Early Bird race normally held there has been moved to two separate speedways. The Early Bird weekend will be held at Sayre Speedway in Sayre, Alabama on Saturday, March 28th and Huntsville Speedway in Huntsville, Alabama on Sunday, March 29th. The races will be sanctioned by BJ Parker's new Southern Super Star Short Track Super Late Model Series. # Sayre, March 28th, Practice @ 3:00 pm; Racing starts @ 7:00 pm # Huntsville, Sunday March 29th, Practice @ 12:00 noon, Racing starts @ 3:00 pm # Super Late Models, possible $3,500 to win for double header. # $1,500 to win each night, $500 bonus to win both nights. # No tire impound rule, no soaking at the race track. # Sayre will have all local classes including limited modifieds but no pro modifieds # Huntsville will have all local classes including trucks but no modifieds. www.superstarsracing.com
GAS officials have announced a "Triple Crown" for the 2009 season. Any driver who wins all three - GAS, Super 6, and the Lanier National Speedway Pro Late Model championships - will receive a $50,000.00 award. Anyone who may win two of the three championships will be awarded $25,000.00.
PASS South opens their season, and enjoys their 2008 Awards Dinner, at Dillon, SC, this weekend. Justin Wakefield, of Woodstock, ran 11 of the series’ 12 races, with two wins (Caraway and Dillon) and six top 10s - good for seventh in points. PASS South ran their super LMs at The ‘Melon last year, but has no GA tracks on the 2009 preliminary schedule.
Bob Atwood, of Snellville, who raced at Lavonia Speedway in the Hobby division died in late Jan. He will be dearly missed.
Financial report for the month: USA Today reported Jan. 5 that the NASCAR Sponsor Sprint Nextel stock price is down to below $2, an 85% drop in the past year. “The long-standing cliche is that the ecomony in sports in bulletproof ... but this has been a bazooka,” said Ed Policy, acting commissioner of the Arrena Football League, which has suspended operations for 2009 after losses of $20 million. (USA Today 1/15/09)
Donate to our racing team via Pay Pal, offers Jason Mayhan of Prattville, AL, at http://www.mayhansracin.com/Pictures.htm He finishd as high as 8th last season.
Doug Demmons, a writer and editor for the Birmingham News, reports that NASCAR truck series driver Rick Crawford is attempting to buy Mobile International Speedway in his hometown. Crawford’s son is racing LMs in the area.
Baker Curb Racing announced that they have reached an agreement with legendary engine builder Ernie Elliott, of the famous Dawsonville family, to provide the engines for the No. 27 Kleenex Racing Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2009 ... Ernie Elliott powered cars have 38 victories on the Sprint Cup Series along with 51 poles and 147 top five finishes. In addition Elliott engines have piloted drivers to two wins and one pole on the Nationwide Series and three championships and 37 wins on the ARCA/Re-Max Series. http://www.insiderracingnews.com
Comments from the WORST RESTROOMS poll at www.4m.com: http://www.4m.net/showthread.php?t=36514 Toccoa Speedway,im guessing that they've had the same restrooms since they first opened, their about as big as a parking space The worst "can" lately was at Talladega Short Track. I very tired restroom. The port-o-potties were more inviting. Worst: Talledega Worst: ANY TRACK WITH PORTA POTS!!! Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC, the worst I'd say Toccoa's can has been there since the beginning of the track. Give me a tree !! Worst; Toccoa GA worst west georgia speedway infield bathrooms Cherokee was horrible 20 years ago. A total disgrace today. For those that think it doesn't matter if the racing is good....if you can't take a kid or a female there because of it, then where will future fans come from? It ain't the good ole days anymore. If you think the bathrooms here are bad, go to Talladega, there toilets have about 2 inches between them & the door. Then you have about 4 foot of water to wade through. In the pits there isnt evem toilets, there is port-A-potties, which are sooo much better than the actual restrooms. My wife refuses to go to the track. the womens has walls with shower curtains as doors and holes with seats on em. Porta johns are more sanitary she says! The only way she'll go there is if we take the motorhome. Cleveland ain't bad, providing you don't mind 3 or 4 guys standing around, shoulder-to-shoulder, pi$$ing on a big slab of concrete about 4-ft. square by 18-in. off the ground! East Alabama...Nasty! East Alabama's are crappy. Screven's are good I haven't been to Cherokee in two years but they used to have a really nasty mens restroom Worst ... Rome Speedway, Cleveland Speedway, Toccoa Speedway, Dixie Speedway Toccoa is terrible. Not only do you pee in a trough, it usually backs up and you are peeing into about 30 gallons of everyone elses pee, It will make you gag!!!!!!!!! Why dont dirt tracks put just a little money into having nicer restrooms? “If the races are good, I'll ---- in a 5 gallon bucket!” posts Ohio race fan Cast-Iron-Junkie FreddyFan, from AL, writes: “Speedway owners: How about getting rid of curtains for stalls, and instead hang doors and make sure they always latch. Make the walls (and doors) between stalls at least eye level height. Finally, check the restrooms during the night ... is TP, soap, or clean-up needed. If you have to, charge me an extra dollar for the privledge of having a restroom that at least meets the minimum standards of common decency.”
More bad news: Leon Lowry, of Covington, died in December after being hit at his mailbox by a car. He was a big race fan, and “helped a good bit” with the racing efforts of grandson Kyle Lowry, the 2008 Legends Pro Champion at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kyle, age 18, has finished high school, and is in an apprentice program for plumbers. Lowry’s Legends car has been listed for sale.
A 6-year-old boy died and a man was injured when a piece from a truck flew into the stands at the Monster Jam monster truck show at the Tacoma Dome. Police and fire officials said the victims were taken to the hospital and KING 5 News received confirmation early this morning that the boy had died. Earlier reports that the two were related were incorrect. http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_011609WAB-monster-truck-accident-TP.498ce.html
"A tragic accident" is how Dane County (WI) officials describe the death of George Eisenhart Jr. at the Monster Truck Nationals show Saturday night at the Dane County Coliseum — the second death in just over a week involving monster trucks. Eisenhart, 41, of Chardon, Ohio, was hit by one of the giant-wheeled, thundering vehicles he loved when he stepped into its path near the end of the performance. He was pronounced dead two hours later at Univeristy of Wisconsin Hospital of major, "crushing" internal injuries, Coroner John Stanley said. Eisenhart owned of the company that presented the Monster Truck Nationals. http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/434670
Promotion ideas: O’Reilly Raceway Park will expand the popular Text Trax, text messaging service in 2009 following its successful launch last year. The facility will also continue to use services such as Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and Twitter to communicate with the patrons of O’Reilly Raceway Park.
Promotion idea, from Trackchaser Randy Lewis at The Kuna (pronounced “Q-na”) International Raceway (located inside the K Bar Arena Horse Center in Idaho), a short (1/8 to 1/10) mile flat dirt oval where cars are forced to pit outdoors in the parking lot. “The second most redeeming factor was the menu offered by the Upstairs Bar & Grill. They not only had real food, they had gourmet food. They didn’t have that stinking stuff that most racetracks limit themselves too such as hamburgers, hot dogs and nachos. The Upstairs Bar & Grill offered these items on their menu: ** Cowgirl Burrito (diced seasoned chicken, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, ranch dressing in a warm burrito). ** Chicken and Joe’s (chicken bites and seasoned Joe’s) ** Tri-tip plate (sliced Tri-tip, beans and tortilla) ** Bowl O’ Meat (when all you want is that dang good meat!) “The “Bowl O’ Meat” was several chunks of Tri-tip steak. It was probably about eight ounces worth served in a plain Styrofoam bowl. It seemed to have been marinated in some type of very tasty seasoning. This stuff was absolutely deeeeelicious and priced at just $5.50. It is outstanding for a racetrack concession as well as for a gourmet restaurant. Amazing!”
“At Lanier Speedway on Saturday Night” by Jonathan Jackson, the track’s theme song, is now available as a Ringtone for 99 cents at http://www.myxer.com/tag/454999/
West Georgia Speedway, owned by Sammy Duke, has a new website: http://www.geocities.com/westgaspeedway/ Pappy is still driving away at West Georgia. Ever since Pappy was 65 years old, his car number is the same as his age each year. This year Pappy’s car number is 85. That’s a true grit racer! (from www.GARHOFA.com)
Golden Isles Speedway has announced a $30,000 points fund for their late model drivers, with $10,000 of that going to the champion and all top 20 drivers share the remaining $20,000. The track will run LMs every other week, paying $1200 to win. They’ve revamped the track again, bringing in the back straight 30 feet. http://www.goldenislesspeedway.com
The NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, headquartered in Cartersville, has announced a 23-race 2009 National Touring schedule with up to nine more events to be announced in the coming weeks. NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series officials will be having their competitors race more with less travel in 2009. The initial schedule includes no GA tracks. The Series will visit 10 different race tracks, with the 23 races being contested over 13 weekends. Drivers will compete in two to three events on the same weekend at the same track, or different tracks within 50 miles of each other. Full schedule at http://www.georgiastockcarracing.com/
Andrew Smith, of Pooler, GA, started 2009 with two wins on the Legends infield road course at Texas Motor Speedway. His 2008 year was topped by winning the Legends Pro Nationals in Elko, MN, the $3000 to win Frank McKinney Memorial at the Watermelon Capital Speedway, and nine races in a row at The ‘Melon. He’s a student at Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., and turned 20 years old Feb. 23. www.andrewsmithracing.com
Kyle Fowler, of Smyrna, has added former driver Mike Garvey to his late model team. Garvey won over 20 events on the old ASA National Tour, including a pair of All American 400s. Serving as crew chief and driver coach, Garvey has taken Fowler under his wing and taught him much in a short amount of time. “He always knows what changes to make to the car,” said Fowler. “Being a former driver, he knows what to do to help you with the line on the track - more so than any other crew chief.” (from Speed51.com)
Steve Hixson reports that he is no longer the Cleveland and North Georgia announcer. He’s now doing PR and marketing for Boyd's and some announcing there with his bud Lil' Steve. Hixson gets a lot of attention, and appreciation, for his weekly national reports and rankings of dirt racing drivers. One of his real talents is getting the name of every driver’s sponsors into news releases. Off the track, he’s selling real estate.
Former NASCAR driver, and 1986 Dash Series Champion (with nine wins) Hut Stricklin is currently not involved in any racing adventures of his own. However, he is helping his son, Taylor, who earned two wins driving street stocks at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2008. Stricklin owns and operates Hut Stricklin Auto and Truck Parts Inc. in Cleveland, NC. He’s married to the daughter of Donnie Allison. www.hutstricklin.com www.iscarsonline.com.
The ASA Southeastern Asphalt Tour purses for a 100-lapper: - 1st $3500 2nd $2000 3rd $1500 4th $1300 5th $1100 6th $900 7th $800 8th $700 9th thru field (up to 36) $600
Southern Race Week can be heard every Wednesday in the south metro Atlanta area on 92.5 FM The Bear from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. eastern time and streamed online at the same time at www.925fmthebear.com The hosts are William Barber and Chad “Chadalac” Feltman.
While looking for news about Lanier Speedway, we found their “food service inspection” report from last Sept., and they did well, earning an “A”: “Score: 91, Grade: A “Leftovers kept from one weekend race to the next need to be labeled with a discard date. Screen damaged at pit concession ordering counter. Door screen does not fit tight in frame at pit concession; gap at bottom. There is not a screen door at back door at main concession and door cannot be open during service without screen door. Ice scoop in main concession needs to be stored in a clean, protected location not on top of ice machine with other "stuff." Floor needs a good cleaning under grill. Inspector: Laurie Wentworth” Back in April, inspector Wentworth gave Lanier a “B” in part due to “pit women's restroom has one stall without covered trash receptacle.” Every Hall County food business pays $250-$450 annually for a permit and inspection. Stand-by for an update on that door screen. Incidently, across the street at Road Atlanta’s Paddock Grill, inspector Wentworth gave it a “B” Oct. 3, “A” June 27, and “C” May 16.
Bud Hughes, of the Motorsports Vehicle Tech program at Lanier Technical College, in Oakwood (near Gainesville), reports that their students had internships in the fall with each of the top three teams in NASCAR Cup points, and with the No. 2 Nationwide team. Interships, lasting three months, are required for every student, and they are working for road racers, NHRA teams, the Rolex series, ALMS, SCCA, Mustang Challenge, Grand Am Cup, Top Fuel, Funny car, and Pro stock. In Feb., the program did an extensive mechanical training session on campus with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, prior to the Daytona 500. Several of the cars were on campus and the students tore them apart and serviced them over a four day period. Admission to the program is restricted, and usually about 40 apply, but only 18 can be accepted. http://www.laniertech.edu/academic-programs_/motorsports%20vehicle%20technology.asp?m=4&deptid=27
Promotion ideas: Eldora Speedway 2009 ticket prices June 5 & 6 15th Annual DIRT LATE MODEL DREAM -$100,000 to win Ages 16 & up: $40 Ages 12-15: $27 Ages 0-11: $14 July 17 Knight Before the Kings Royal -featuring the World of Outlaws Ages 16 & up: $27 Ages 12-15: $14 Ages 0-11: $8 July 18 26th Annual KINGS ROYAL -$50,000 to win Ages 16 & up: $34 Ages 12-15: $22 Ages 0-11: $12 September 11 & 12 39th Annual WORLD 100 -$41,000 to win Ages 16 & up: $42 Ages 12-15: $27 Ages 0-11: $14
Promotion ideas: With infield trailer heights limited to 9 feet, 6 inches, there are no bad seats in the grandstands at Volusia (FL) Speedway Park.
Two of NASCAR’s richest people have dropped off Forbes’ list of the world’s billionaires. Roger Penske, who owns Penske Racing in NASCAR and other teams in a variety of other auto racing series, had a net worth of $2.7 billion last year, but he isn’t on the list of billionaires this year. Neither is Bruton Smith, the chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., who had a net worth of $1.2 billion last year, according to the magazine. NASCAR Vice Chairman/Executive Vice President Jim France is listed as having a net worth of $1 billion and being tied for 701st among the world’s richest people. www.insiderracingnews.com
Captain Herb and sidekick Doug ‘Fireball’ Turnbull have the WSB Radio 750 am racing show Sat. 2-4:00 p.m. http://wsbradio.com
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