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The UFO late model series visits the Port Royal Speedway tonight. The traveling drivers compete in a 35-lap A-main that pays the winner $3,000. Also in action are 410 sprint cars and econo lates. Fans arriving early may visit the pit area for camera and autograph night.
Port Royal late model winners this season include Mike Lupfer, Matt Parks, Gregg Satterlee, Jason Schmidt, Jim Yoder and Dylan Yoder. Lupfer has won three times.
Lincoln Speedway features 410 and 358 sprint cars along with Central PA Legend cars.
Selinsgrove Speedway holds its annual National Open for 358/360 sprint cars tonight. The United Racing Club sanctions the program, which concludes with a 35-lap A-main worth $10,000 to the winner. Greg Hodnett plans to compete in this event tonight. Hodnett has scored 10 wins entering the weekend’s racing. Hodnett previously won the Ray Tilley Classic for 410 sprint cars May 24 at the Snyder County oval. Sunday is the rain date.
If you are looking for something different this weekend, Hesston Speedway could be the place for you. The Mid Atlantic Modifieds visit the Huntingdon County oval tonight for a 30-lap e-mod championship. The e-mods are very popular through out the country. The quality of racing is some of the best I’ve seen in recent years. They are cost effective like the crate late model series. Unfortunately, the class hasn’t gained traction in our area because of the rich sprint car and late model tradition. The class is moving closer to our area as races are scheduled at Bedford, Path Valley, Lock Haven and Hesston speedways this season. The e-mods are joined by the 358 late models and support classes tonight at Hesston.
Susquehanna and Williams Grove are in action tonight with their popular Saturday night series. The Grove boasts a $6 general admission fee.
The Port Royal Speedway has a new 410 sprint car point fund sponsor. Todd Weikert of Weikert’s Livestock in Fairfield has stepped in to fill a void after the former sponsor’s retirement. Port Royal previously announced the 2016 Bob Weikert Memorial race will be a two-day show.
While on the subject of Weikert’s Livestock, there’s been speculation that Doug Wolfgang could be in Central Pennsylvania later this year driving a 305 sprint car sponsored by Weikert’s. Wolfgang indicated earlier his plans to compete in a number of 305 races in the midwest. It would be great to see him again here.
The Sprint Cup racers have the weekend off.
Dale Earnhardt Jr and Amy Reimann made news this week announcing their engagement while on vacation in Germany. The couple spent time researching Dale Jr’s family lineage while there. No wedding date has been released.
The Xfinity cars compete at Chicagoland Speedway tonight. Fox Sports 1 has TV coverage starting at 9:30 p.m.
Lebanon driver Bobby Gerhardt is substituting for Harrison Rhodes in the J D Motorsports No. 0 in tonight’s race.
Chris Buescher enters tonight’s race as the Xfinity points leader. Buescher has scored two wins, seven top-five and nine top-10 finishes this season.
A new rule package is coming to Sprint Cup in time for the Kentucky race. The move is being welcomed by many race teams. Ford drivers are especially struggling and looking for help. The blue oval manufacturer stated this week they have no desire to add more teams to their program at this time. Ford indicates they are striving for improved performance with the racers they currently have. Ford has re-named their racing operation Ford Performance.
Martin Truex Jr’s Furniture Row Racing team indicated it was interested in discussing a switch from Chevrolet to another manufacturer in hope of receiving additional factory help. Ford’s announcement would apparently leave Toyota as they only alternative. This team may rethink its position about changing brands.
Have a great racing weekend. Visit a speedway of your choice for a great night of fun!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.