October is here and there is still racing at Port Royal Speedway.
That's a good thing - the track operates today and next Saturday with what should be good shows. Tonight's program is billed as the Blue Collar Nationals and features 305 sprint cars. More than 50 drivers are pre-registered from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Entries have been received from New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Heat races and the B-Main will have a cash payoff. It should be a great show.
Also on the program are the 358 late models, pro stocks and enduro cars. The rules have been opened up to allow other locals tracks' cars to compete. Race time is 4 p.m.
Next Saturday the curtain falls on the 2012 Port Royal season when the 410 sprint cars make up the rained-out Labor Day Classic. The super sportsman also will be part of the program and a demolition derby will close out the year.
Selinsgrove Speedway hosts its fall late model classic this evening, which pays the winner $5,000. Race time is 6. Lincoln Speedway is hosting the Hank Gentzler Memorial 410 sprint car championship tonight. Race time is 6. The 358 sprint cars are also in action. The street stocks also are scheduled. The World of Outlaws are on the East Coast racing at Rolling Wheels Speedway in New York.
The Outlaws are signing a tire deal with American Race Tires and would like to see other tracks follow suit. That isn't going to happen this time. As some one who was personally involved in the Goodyear tire deal, I can tell you most people felt it was imperative that all 410 tracks work together and run the same tire. That doesn't hold true any more.
Attica and Freemont, Ohio, Speedways already signed deals with Hoosier Tire and I would not rule out Central Pennsylvania tracks following suit. Many 410 teams favor Hoosier over American here at home.
One thing I feel is different than five years ago when the Goodyear deal started is that the dynamics of local racing have changed. Back then local tracks I felt they had to be on the same page with the Outlaws and All Stars. Today many realize that our area has again become the leader in sprint car racing with many outsiders relocating here. They are not as dependent on the traveling race bodies for their survival.
That's some thing to think about.
Brad Keselowski is the points leader in Sprint Cup action after winning last week at Dover. Keselowski has five victories this year. Jimmie Johnson is five points behind. Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer and Tony Stewart follow.
Talladega Super Speedway is the site of this week's race. Bowyer is the defending race champion. ESPN has TV coverage Sunday. Race time is 2 p.m.
The Middle Road Speedway in Lewistown is racing next Saturday with a full card of lawn tractor and go kart races. I enjoy stopping by there and it is always a relaxed laid back day. The racing is serious and these folks invest a lot of time and money into their sport. Race time is 1 p.m.
I am pleased to see that Indy car racing is going to return to Pocono Raceway. The track originally had a rich history with Indy cars and now that repaving has been done, these cars should be able to race there. I hope all goes well.
I'll be back next week with more news and opinions. Until then, drive safely!
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.
