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Will live racing start in our area today?
Lincoln Speedway is scheduled to open this afternoon at 2 p.m. 410 sprint cars and an open practice session are planned. Gates open at noon with warm-ups set for 1:30. Sunday is available as a rain date if needed.
Lincoln’s Icebreaker 30 originally was scheduled for Feb. 28. The $4,000 to win program attracts the area’s best cars. One driver that may be missing is Greg Hodnett, who I’m told is visiting family in Spain. Hodnett’s stepson serves in the military.
Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway plans to operate Sunday with super later models as the headline division. The main event pays the winner $3,000. Race time is 1:30 p.m.
Port Royal Speedway expects to open next weekend with a practice session Friday evening. Racing begins Saturday at 6 p.m. The 410 sprint car winner will receive $3,600, which includes a $100 bonus in memory of the late Pete Swarmer from his son Steve. The Mifflin County driver won the season opener 50 years ago in 1965. The super late models compete for a $2,000 top prize.
Selinsgrove Speedway is planning to open April 4 with a four-division program of 360 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners starting at 6 p.m. There will also be a kids Easter egg hunt.
The Selinsgrove mall show was held last week and I was pleased to hear injured driver Duane Maustellar visited the show and spent time with competitors and fans. Maustellar was seriously injured at the Snyder County oval and indicated daily progress. Maustellar hopes to visit the racetrack during the coming season.
Fred Rahmer’s Path Valley Speedway promotions continue to make headlines. Rahmer will present three programs this season beginning April 26 with 410 sprint cars and 600cc winged micros headlining the opener with $5,000 awaiting the winner.
Rahmer will pay the same purse used in all 2014 Speedweek shows opening day. June 26 is the 2015 Speedweek race at Path Valley. The final program is planned for Oct. 17.
Drivers competing in all three events may participate in a bonus race the final night with a chance to earn an additional $6,000 prize. Fans will be able to vote in a driver to compete in the program and tires will be given away to race teams. MRN radio announcer Steve Post will handle PA announcing duties for the events.
Two micro drivers attending all three race dates earn a chance to test drive one of Rahmer’s 410 sprint cars. Rahmer and Path Valley management have added seats, restrooms, offsite parking and shuttle bus to transport fans into the track. I expect the programs to be successful.
Several news items crossed my desk Thursday night. One involves Doug Esh. Informed sources indicate Esh has put together a part-time ride to start the season. I’ll have more details next week. With what I’ve heard I would expect to find Esh at Williams Grove and Port Royal for select events.
I’ve also been informed driver Rod Stroup will be campaigning a 355 late model at Port Royal this season. That class continues to grow. It appears long time driver Dave Kepner will also campaign a econo late this year after seeing limited time last season in the xtreme stock class at Port Royal. More on these stories shortly.
Tony Stewart officially completed purchase of the All Star Circuit of Champions from Guy Webb this past Thursday afternoon. Stewart already made an impact luring Don Grabey away from the World of Outlaws series where Grabey was employed since 1997. Grabey started his Outlaws career as tech inspector advancing to the position of competition director in 2007. Grabey remained in that role until hired by Stewart. The All Stars start their points season March 28 at Atomic Speedway in Ohio.
The Sprint Cup racers compete Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway. Kurt Busch returns to action after his brief suspension and will be Chase eligible, should he qualify, despite not having any points to date.
Kyle Busch is out of the hospital and visited his race team’s shop earlier this week for the first time. Busch is progressing and was fitted with special casts on both feet that include a shoe designed to assist his ability to walk. Don’t expect Busch back in a race car before the fall.
Let’s hope the season gets underway since most of us are tired of winter weather. Until next time, please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.