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Port Royal Speedway presents the Living Legends Dream Race this evening. A large field of sprint cars is expected. For the first time late models are part of the program.
Race format has changed over the years to the present twin, 16-lap semi-features each paying $2,000. The 35-lap sprint car A-main winner earns $10,000. Late model racers compete in a 21-lap event paying the winner $2,100.
$80,000 of purse money has been posted in the sprint car and late model divisions.
A number of visiting racers are expected including former NASCAR driver Dave Blaney and All Star Circuit of Champions regular Ryan Smith. Both are past sprint car winners at the Juniata County oval.
Previous winners of the dream event, which started in 2007, include Sean Michael, Cody Darrah, Chad Layton, Stevie Smith, Blane Heimbach, Ryan Taylor, and Brent Marks.
The original race name was the Dream Race Extreme. In 2011 officials changed the name to honor living legends of the sport. This year’s honorees are retired late model driver Scotty Haus and late model car owner Ed Powell. Both contributed much to Central Pennsylvania racing.
Haus enjoyed much success campaigning cars owned by Powell and the late Robby Mapes. Haus and Powell will greet fans and sign autographs starting at 5 p.m. Other drivers that campaigned cars owned by Powell will also join the meet and greet. Past and present drivers expected include Jim Adams, Chris Shuey, Gary Beward, Dustin Hoffman, Jeff Smith, Donnie Schick, Brian Seidel and A.J. Hoffman. Late model driver Andy Haus will compete in a Beech Creek Racing replica No. 33 similar to the Mapes-owned cars his father helped make famous. Tim Fedder will campaign a red No. 1H honoring Powell.
Selinsgrove Speedway is in action tonight offering a four division show of 360 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners. The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing visits the facility for old timers night.
Mark Smith is the leading sprint car winner this season at Selinsgrove, having won four feature races.
Selinsgrove Speedway officials announced the 33rd annual Jim Nace National Open will be run Sept. 19.
Hesston Speedway hosts the Laurel Highlands 305 sprint car series tonight at the Huntingdon County oval with 358 late models and support classes filling out the program.
At Hagerstown, 358 and super late models race without a roof tonight.
Increased purse money has been posted in both classes.
Williams Grove and Susquehanna speedways offer regular shows tonight.
Jed Donahue will talk auto racing this morning on his PA Sports Saturday radio program. Donahue interviews sprint car driver Greg Hodnett and Lincoln Speedway promoter Alan Kreitzer starting at 11:30 a.m. Locally, WIEZ-AM 670 carries the PA Sports Network Saturday show from 8 a.m. to noon.
Earlier this season Xtreme Motorsports had a race car , trailer, engine and spare parts stolen from a hotel parking lot. The race car and truck were recovered. The trailer and spare parts were not. Xtreme Racing hasn’t entered another race this season. The thief was caught. Sentencing in Georgia took place this week. John Milton Terry didn’t receive much punishment. Terry plead no contest and was sentenced to 10 years probation and a $1,000 fine. No mention was made about having to make restitution. Terry was sentenced under a first offender program despite four arrests from 2001-11. Those arrests were for entering locked cars and receiving stolen property. All I can say is, wow.
Bristol Motor Speedway will host a black out event during the Aug. 22 night race. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite race drivers’ black T-shirt to the race. Track officials say Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler will headline the pre-race concert.
The Chase for the Sprint Cup is starting to take shape. 11 drivers have won races thus far with only five races left to qualify for the chase. All multiple race winners except for Kyle Busch will be officially qualified after tomorrow’s race, as long as they start each of the remaining races before the chase. It is still possible for a driver to make the chase on points without a race win now. If a driver that previously won a race this year wins at the Glen, all previous winners are qualified except Carl Edwards. Edwards must finish in 30th place or better to get in this week. Are you confused yet? I am trying to keep things straight in my mind.
NASCAR Sprint Cup TV ratings continue to slide with Pocono results released. Eight of the last 10 races on cable sports channels have had the lowest ratings in 10 years. Pocono’s TV ratings were the lowest since 1998.
Have a great racing week end. Until next time please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.