Hello again race fans. The sprint cars of Central Pa. are in the middle of their Keystone Cup racing schedule. This evenings action takes place at Lincoln Speedway near Hanover. Thunder cars and Central Pa. legends cars are also part of the program. Action gets under way at 7 p.m.
Tomorrow, action shifts to Selinsgove Speedway where racing starts at 7 p.m. The sprint cars are joined by the super sportsman. Monday closes out the Keystone Cup series at Big Diamond Raceway.
You would think we would be in for a break after a full week of racing, but that is not the case. Grandview Speedway hosts the USAC non-winged sprint cars on May 31. Lincoln Speedway hosts USAC June 1. Port Royal Speedway will hold their first USAC show June 4. The ARDC midgets are part of that program. Coming right after USAC's visit is Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speedweek. We'll get into that schedule in next week's column. Despite all the bad weather we've had, there's a lot of racing action coming up to make up for the down time.
I haven't even commented on this weekend's regular racing action so I'll do that now. Port Royal operates tonight with 358 and 305 sprint cars, late models, and enduro cars. Race time is 7. Selinsgrove Speedway is racing with 358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunner cars. Hagerstown Speedway has a regular program of late models and support classes.
In the world of NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts the Coca-Cola 600 tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. Fox has TV coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. Kyle Busch is the defending race champion. Carl Edwards won last week's All-Star race at Charlotte.
I can't forget to mention the greatest spectacle in racing is also tomorrow. The Indy 500 gets underway at noon. ABC has TV coverage. Dario Franchitti won last years event, his second-career Indy win.
The Bedford Speedway canceled their holiday program scheduled for last night. However, they are now racing Monday evening starting at 5:45. Increased purse is on the line for the late models. Lewistown driver Nick Dickson won last Friday night's Bedford late model feature event.
Getting back to the Keystone Cup series for a minute. Brian Leppo out-dueled Fred Rahmer to win Wednesday night's opening race at Grandview Speedway.
Daryn Pittman is the defending Keystone Cup champion. Pittman is hot right now after winning last week at Lernerville Speedway. Pittman then beat the All-Stars at Mercer Speedway.
Port Royal Speedway hosts the late model speedweek series on June 9.
Tonight's Port Royal program is a salute to the military night. All past or present military members save $2 when purchasing a general admission ticket.
The Gary Wolford Fish Fry is scheduled for the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds tomorrow. Activities start at 10 a.m.
Kid Rocket, Josh Richards, will jump from dirt late models to NASCAR truck series racing later this season. Richards will drive for Kyle Busch Racing in 11 events. The first race is July 7 at Kentucky Speedway. Richards is the defending World of Outlaws late model champion.
Rick Eckert, of York, currently leads the Outlaw late model points standings. Eckert announced he will stay home and run with the Appalachian Late Model Speedweek Series rather than go on the road. That's good news for area speedways.
It's my understanding that Port Royal Speedway will be taking possession of new clay from the Path Valley area shortly. The track has been working with clay that was placed on the track last year and hasn't performed to expectations. I believe the Path Valley clay will help the track greatly. It has been used at the Juniata County oval in the past with success.
It has been a couple quiet weeks with all the bad weather. Hopefully, things are going to change for the better and we'll have lots to talk about soon.
I'll be back next week with more news and information. Until then, please drive safely!
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.
