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It’s race day in Central Pennsylvania.
Lincoln Speedway is expected to open this afternoon at 2 p.m. The 410 sprint car-only program will pay the winner $4,000. Greg Hodnett won last year’s opener. In the event of inclement weather, the Pigeon Hills oval will operate tomorrow.
Today is the final chance to attend Selinsgrove Speedway’s annual race car show held at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, where 35 full-size race cars are on display. In addition, 35 micro racers are inside the show area. Sources inform me this is the biggest and best show ever presented by track management and staff. New promoters Steve Inch, Alan Kreitzer and Michael Heffner are working tirelessly promoting the Snyder County oval.
Cars on display today include the 360 sprint cars of T.J. Stutts and Curt Michael. Zack Newlin represents the PASS 305 sprint cars. Greg Hodnett’s 410 sprint car will also be on display. Stop by the mall until 9 tonight to check things out. Schedules and other information are available at the show.
Selinsgrove Speedway first opened in 1946. The first race winner was Bill Holland, who went on to win the 1949 Indy 500.
Work continues at the Port Royal Speedway in anticipation of its season opener March 12. Sprint cars and super late models usher in the season. Two practice sessions are planned for March 5 and March 10. Numerous cars are expected.
I enjoyed the picture of the Blaney family together at Daytona International Speedway before the start of last week’s Daytona 500. Sprint car stars Dale and Dave Blaney seemed to enjoy themselves on pit road. Ryan Blaney was credited with a 19th place finish in the Great American Race.
Kyle Larson has announced he will challenge the World of Outlaws drivers during the upcoming California swing for both NASCAR and WoO. Larson and Kasey Kahne continue to lobby their car owners for permission to compete in open wheel dirt cars. Kahne in particular has indicated to owner Rick Hendricks his best Sprint Cup seasons were while also racing dirt sprint cars.
Jed Donahue’s popular PA Sports Network program will feature Lincoln Speedway opening day updates from the track this morning. Lincoln Promoter Alan Kreitzer will update fans on race day status at 11:30. Defending opening day champion Greg Hodnett joins Donahue at 11:45. The program can be heard locally on WIEZ-AM 670.
Say it isn’t so! Co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas of Stewart Haas Racing announced this week the team will change engine manufacturers in 2017. Stewart Haas will join forces with Ford Motor Co. for their NASCAR racing. The group joins forces with Penske, Petty, Roush/Fenway and the Wood Brothers, all of whih use Yates/Ford engines. Stewart Haas becomes the second team to depart Chevrolet as Martin Truex Furniture Row team joined Toyota at season’s end last year.
A final Stewart Haas note, Ty Dillon will drive in substitution for Tony Stewart in the next four Sprint Cup races.
Social media contains pictures of the new grandstand erected at Susquehanna Speedway in York County. Many upgrades have been made by new owner Scott Gobrecht since taking over the facility last fall. Look for Susquehanna to be one of the area’s best facilities in the near future.
Williams Grove Speedway opens March 18. Danny Dietrich won last year’s opening event.
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.