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Two area speedways host special events this evening.
Port Royal Speedway presents Salute to The Military Night with past and present military personnel admitted free. All one must do is present a valid military ID or VA card to gain admission. Late models, 305 and 410 sprint cars and xtreme stocks make up the card. The night serves as the 410 sprint drivers’ final tune up before next week’s Living Legends Dream Race. Late models compete in a 25-lap double points feature. It’s also manufacturers’ night with many pieces of equipment for full body cars given away courtesy of a regional speed shop and national parts producers.
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since the passing of Kramer Williamson during a sprint car program at Lincoln Speedway. Williamson was a local star before traveling extensively the with United Racing Club. During the early years of Williamson’s career Williams Grove and Selinsgrove speedways were “home tracks” for the Palmyra driver. Williamson enjoyed much success at Selinsgrove where he won 25 feature events, enough to tie with Barry Camp for ninth place on the all-time win list. Williamson earned the 1978 sprint car track championship at the Snyder County oval. Williamson also won the National Open at Williams Grove.
Track championships were won at both tracks after which Williamson decided to take the famous Pink Panther No. 69 on the road with the United Racing Club, where he enjoyed 67 career URC wins and three URC season championships before that fateful August night. Lincoln promoter Alan Kreitzer described Williamson’s accident as tragic and unusual in nature.
Selinsgrove Speedway officials decided to honor Williamson and his accomplishments by establishing a memorial race last season. The event became an all-day affair. The second annual program is being staged today. Festivities begin with a race car display starting this morning at 10 at Selinsgrove Ford. One of Williamson’s race cars from the past is part of the display.
The event continues until 3:30 p.m. when staging will take place for a 70-car parade that begins at 4. The route will be from Selinsgrove Ford down Market Street to the race track. Some cars will again be displayed at the track during the event. URC is sanctioning the 25-lap Kramer Cup trophy race, which pays the winner $2,573. Late models and pro stocks also are in action. Race time is 7:30.
Williams Grove Speedway presents another Saturday Night Special program this evening. Super Sportsman, street stocks and 358 late models make up the card, which includes $6 adult general admission.
Susquehanna Speedway is featuring figure-8 racing tonight along with 358 late models, street stocks and additional support classes.
Lincoln Speedway’s card consists of 410 and 358 sprint cars plus Central PA Legends cars.
Hesston Speedway is dark this evening. Andy Haus and Rance Garlock won last week’s events at the Huntingdon County oval. Haus won the late model special, which paid over $4,000.
The World of Outlaws full-time drivers have won approximately 75 percent of their A-main events thus far this season. The group didn’t fare well in the East this past week. When the Outlaws return to Pennsylvania in October I’m sure they will be hungry during the Williams Grove and Port Royal programs.
A while back I mentioned Donnie Kreitz Jr. was experiencing concussion-like symptoms despite not having been involved in any recent crashes. Kreitz has been cleared to resume racing if he feels up to it. Additional tests are planned. Doctors indicate full recovery from this condition can be expected in one to two months.
Pocono’s Tricky Triangle hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup action Sunday starting at 1:30 pm. Local radio station WKVA-AM 920 in Lewistown will air its first MRN Radio affiliated broadcast of the race. The station signed on with MRN for the remainder of the season. Martin Truex Jr. won the June 7 program at the track. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the defending race champion. Kyle Busch continues his amazing comeback and will start the race from the poll.
Stewart-Haas Racing announced earlier this week that it is close to finalizing new sponsor and driver contracts which will continue Danica Patrick’s employment with the team. No word on who the new sponsors are.
Finally, Tuesday night’s Grandview Speedway racing program ended with sadness for the racing community. Michael Bailey, a 358 modified driver and feature winner this season, had his car pre-staged in the pit area. Bailey suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away at the track. Bailey was active in his community coaching youth sports. The 39-year-old driver lived in Kutztown. His funeral service will be held Tuesday morning. Information can be found on Grandview Speedway’s social media sites. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to the Checkered Flag Racing Fan Club, PO Box 79, Kutztown, PA 19530-0079.
Have a great racing weekend. I’ll be back next week with more news and opinions. Until then please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.