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Although the racing season is winding down, two area speedways present high-dollar races this weekend.
Port Royal Speedway is in action today with a double sprint car show. The United Racing Club 360 sprint class is making its first appearance at the Juniata County oval since 2013. The 410 sprint cars tune up for next Saturday’s World of Outlaws invasion at the 1/2-mile oval.
The 410 drivers will time trial and qualify with the same format used during Outlaw qualifying. Both divisions’ main events cover 25 laps. The 410 winner earns $5,000. The URC winner pockets $2,000. Drivers Greg Hodnett and Aaron Ott announced they will compete in both classes.
Tomorrow Fred Rahmer presents the final edition of this years “Party at the Path” series. This program includes 600 micro sprints and time trials. The winning 410 driver leaves Dry Run with $6,600 with additional chances for other bonuses. Hoosier Tire Co. is giving away right rear tires to six drivers based on fan vote. There will also be items for the micro competitors. The A-Main is 40 laps in distance. The $6,600 amount was selected to honor former car owner Harry Fletcher who recently passed away. Fletcher was best known in our coverage area for fielding sprint cars for the late Johnny Grum. Military members in uniform will be admitted for half price. Gates open at noon with time trials at 5.
With no other sprint car action in the surrounding states invaders are expected for both area shows. Pittsburgh All Star competitor Danny Holtgraver said his intention is to compete at Port Royal. Path Valley has listed Lucas Wolfe, Brent Marks, Brian Montieth, Danny Dietrich and Cody Darrah along with former All Star Champion Greg Wilson in competition.
Donny Schatz scored season win No. 31 last week during World of Outlaws action at Rolling Wheels, N.Y. Paul McMahan set the all-time, one-lap average world speed record for a sprint car during the program. McMahan’s average time was 145.524 mph. McMahan previously held the mark set at Volusia Speedway Park in Gibsonton, Fla. That record was 143.209 mph.
Tyler Walker has won two sprint car races in a row at Thunder Bowl (Calif.) Speedway. Walker’s latest win came in the KRC Safety Fall Shoot Out held last week end. Walker’s victories are part of the larger King of the West racing series.
A couple weeks back I mentioned Eldora Speedway is adding additional money to the Kings Royal racing program. This week the Tony Stewart-owned speedway stated a third day has been added to the event. Both preliminary races are worth $10,000 for the winner. The Kings Royal will still pay $50,000 to win but an additional $100,000 has been added to the final night’s purse.
The only downfall is the Brad Doty Classic, held at another Ohio speedway, is normally held on the Wednesday night prior with a Thursday rain date. Those plans may have to be changed.
Word reached me that long time late model competitor Clate Husted passed away Tuesday in Clearfield County. Husted was one of the area’s most popular competitors during a career that spanned more than 45 years. Racing on dirt and asphalt in sprint cars, late models and modifieds, Husted traveled the country racing with USAC and NASCAR. On the national scene Husted was able to compete at Daytona International Speedway, Charlotte and Pocono. Husted ran the Syracuse Mile, Jennerstown, Cleafield and most every dirt track in our region. Husted won the Hillybilly 100 late model program in WV plus numerous invitational programs. Earlier in life Husted served in the 82nd and101st airborne divisions and later was an instructor at the Army Airborne School. Husted was inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame in May 2003. He is survived by his wife and son. Online condolences reach the family at dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.
Long-time stunt man Tim Chitwood passed away Thursday from complications of recent heart surgery. Chitwood toured the country as part of the Joie Chitwood Chevy Thunder Shows from the 1970s to the 1990s. Chitwood performed more than 200 shows per year during that period. The Chitwood group quit touring in 1998.
An engineer with a degree from the University of Florida, Chitwood performed stunt acts in motion pictures including “Live and Let Die,” “Batman Forever,” and “Robocop 3.” Chitwood also did crash test work on guide rails, breakaway signs and light poles for interstate highways. Chitwood came out of retirement to perform most recently with long-time friends Tony Petersen and Chris Moreno. Chitwood was part of the group performing at the 161st annual Juniata County Fair in Port Royal Labor Day week. Chitwood was 66.
Finally, a word on the rumors swirling around Selinsgrove Speedway, which reached a frenzy in the past week on social media. Steve Inch, Selinsgrove’s announcer for the past 18 years, responded to a tweet by Live Dirt Updates, a member of the Dirt Track Network, which indicated Alan Kreitzer has bought the lease on Selinsgrove Speedway and Steve Inch will be the promoter.
“That isn’t true.” Inch said to Pennlive.com. “Everything is in negotiations,” Inch continued, adding that an announcement is forthcoming, perhaps as soon as two weeks from now.
Charlie Paige announced earlier this year that this would be his last as the track’s promoter, and as the season wound down he was in a public spat with the owner of the facility – the Selinsgrove Fair Association – over property installed at the speedway during his tenure.
I spoke with one of the parties rumored to be in the deal last Friday night, and he essentially told me what Inch said this week – that a deal may be in the works, but there isn’t a done deal now.
Have a great racing weekend. Please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.