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The World of Outlaws are finishing the first of three summer visits tonight at Williams Grove Speedway. Daryn Pittman won both races during last year’s spring program.
That may not happen this time.
The 2014 July Outlaw swing belonged to Greg Hodnett and Lance Dewease. Hodnett is one of three local drivers (Brian Montieth and Danny Dietrich are the others) currently on fire. Hodnett destroyed the field Thursday night at Lincoln Speedway.
This evening’s program gets underway at 7 p.m. The winner earns $12,000 plus an additional $5,000 bonus for claiming the Morgan Cup title, which honors late speedway owner Morgan Hughes.
Port Royal and Lincoln speedways are dark tonight due to the Williams Grove event. Both have special Memorial Day programs planned next week.
Selinsgrove Speedway is being invaded this evening by the Empire Super Sprint Series. The traveling 360 sprint car group will be joined by the late models and pro stocks. Mark Smith has won three Selinsgrove sprint car events this season. Dave Franek and Eric Tomacek have lone victories.
Like I said, Hodnett dominated the 47-car World of Outlaws sprint car field Thursday night at Lincoln Speedway. Hodnett pulled a zero pill, which is the best one can do. He followed that by setting fast time. Hodnett went on to finish second in his heat race.
After that, Hodnett led all six laps of the dash and started on the pole for the 35-lap feature event. From there Hodnett led every lap of the A-main banking $10,000. It was the Spring Grove driver’s first Outlaw win of the season. I predict it won’t be Hodnett’s only Outlaw victory this year.
PA Posse racers Stevie Smith and Ryan Smith finished second and third, giving the posse a podium sweep. Outlaw drivers Brad Sweet and Shane Stewart completed the top five.
Lernerville Speedway in western Pennsylvania was sold this past Wednesday by the World Racing Group, parent company of the World of Outlaws. Thompson’s Scrap Metal Co. bought the facility, which is scheduled to remain a racetrack. The Outlaws will continue to operate the facility until the conclusion of the current season. Thompson’s is involved in paper and scrap metal recycling. The company also owns and operates Brackenridge Golf Course and TSM Harness Racing.
What is going on at Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Helio Castroneves and Josef Newgarden flipped on consecutive days at nearly the same spot on the race track. The turn one incidents came in the same type chassis, a Chevrolet Aero Kit. Fortunately the cars held up well with no injuries reported. Reports indicate the drivers were traveling about 204 mph when the accidents occurred.
Is Danica Patrick headed to Formula One racing? Gene Haas is in the process of assembling a Formula One team and indicates it’s a possibility. Haas is co- owner of Patrick’s Sprint Cup team and indicated Patrick’s marketing abilities will likely keep her in his employ.
The NASCAR Sprint Showdown All Star race is this evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fox Sports has TV coverage tonight starting at 7 pm. Jimmie Johnson won last years event.
Kyle Busch is attempting to return to competition in tonight’s All Star event. Busch suffered serious injuries to both legs during the season opening action at Daytona, Fla. NASCAR declared Busch eligible to enter the Sprint Cup Chase despite his lack of points due to the accident. Busch must score a win to make the cut.
Until next week, please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.