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One of the biggest weeks in local racing is upon us. Pennsylvania sprint car speedweek was scheduled to start last night at Williams Grove Speedway. Action is slated tonight at Lincoln Speedway before moving to Path Valley tomorrow. After a break Monday, the remainder of the week includes Grandview Tuesday, Hagerstown, Md., Wednesday, Lincoln Thursday, Williams Grove Friday, Port Royal Saturday, and Selinsgrove Sunday. Unfortunately, weather may be a factor the first three nights. Fans should check individual track or speedweek web-sites for weather information.
Who is the driver to beat in this years speedweek series? A betting man might wager on Greg Hodnett. The Spring Grove, PA driver has won 25 speedweek races and four championship titles. Hodnett has 10 wins this season entering the weekend action. Hodnett’s Heffner Racing Team is one of the premier operations in the region.
Lucas Wolfe is the defending speedweek title holder. Wolfe is a time trial race specialist who is sharing time between two race cars this season. Wolfe scored a popular win recently at Williams Grove Speedway driving the Jim & Laura Allebach orange No. 5W. Wolfe also pilots John & Pee Wee Zemaitis No. 1 which he will campaign this week. An interesting note about Wolfe is he managed to win last year’s title despite competing in one less race than runner up Hodnett.
Other drivers that may figure in the overall title include Lance Dewease, Brian Montieth, Brent Marks, and Danny Dietrich who is currently competing in the Ohio All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint car speedweek. Dietrich could compete in 16 races over a 17 day period. However, that now appears unlikely with the pending weather.
Another driver I can’t overlook is Stevie Smith who will compete in all but one speedweek race. Smith will miss the finale at Selinsgrove next Sunday.
Look for Jac Haudenschild to compete in select speedweek and Wiliams Grove Summer National races driving the MCR Racing No.16.
Ohio sprint car speedweek is in full swing. After six races were complete Dale Blaney scored three wins. Sheldon Haudenschild won twice and Greg Wilson once. For Blaney it was his 121st career All-Star win Wednesday night.
It seemed like old times Wednesday night at I-96 Speedway in Odessa, Mich. The World of Outlaws were in action. The dash line up was announced and row one consisted of Sammy Swindell and Steve Kinser. Neither went on to win the feature that followed. Brad Sweet stopped Donny Schatz’ five-race win streak. Sweet drove the Kasey Kahne owned sprinter. Kahne was making his own headlines this week with girlfriend Sam Sheets who announced they are expecting a baby boy October 10.
The Latimore Valley Fair at the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing started yesterday and runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds off Rt.15 near Dillsburg, Pa. This is truly an old time country fair and includes steam engine and auto racing exhibits along with food and fun. The fair benefits the racing museum which is located on the grounds.
In the world of NASCAR the Sprint Cup cars return to action tomorrow at Sonoma, CA road course. Should weather become a problem Goodyear will have rain tires available for the cars ensuring race completion. In the middle of a drought? Go figure.
The NASCAR Mid Summer Classic for Trucks at Eldora, OH Speedway is set for Wednesday July 22. The half mile dirt oval announced tickets remain on sale for the program.
Stewart-Haas Racing announced this week negotiations continue with several possible sponsors and Danica Patrick for a new three-year contract starting next season. Management expects finalization of contracts by the end of summer.
Here is the best news of the week. Rahmer Racing in conjunction with Lincoln Speedway will present a special event Wednesday Aug. 26. A 410 legends of sprint car race will be run for the first time. Drivers already entered include Doug Wolfgang, Steve Smith Sr., Steve Stambaugh, Keith Kauffman, Kenny Adams, Randy Wolfe and Todd Shaffer. An un-confirmed rumor also places Lynn Paxton in the mix. I’ll have more details on this race next week. I’m excited for this program and I bet the track is packed.
Until next week. Enjoy speedweek at your favorite track. I’ll be digging away for news and offering opinions. Please drive safely!