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Weather continues to hamper local auto racing. Despite that, area speedways hope to present a three-night sprint car schedule this weekend.
Port Royal Speedway presents 410 sprint cars, super late models, econo lates and xtreme stock car action. The econo and extreme cars make their first appearance of the season tonight at the Juniata County oval. Mothers will be honored during the program and offered a chance for a bus ride around the oval.
At Lincoln Speedway 410 and 358 sprint cars are joined by street stocks tonight.
Selinsgrove Speedway is expecting a full house this evening for its annual Pack the Track $5 general admission show with 360 sprint cars, super late models, pro stocks and roadrunners in action.
Hesston Speedway also is in action tonight with a special super late model program. The Hesston Trophy and $3,000 await the winner. Also on the card are 305 sprint cars and support classes.
Susquehanna Speedway presents the Kevin Gobrecht Sprint Car Classic tomorrow night with 410 and 358 sprint cars. The track consistently presents some of the best sprint car racing in the area due in part to its size. With many improvements already made to the facility, and more planned, this track is going to continue to get better and better.
One area facility not operating this weekend is Beaver Springs Dragway, but good things are happening there. “Beaver Bob” McCardle is in the process of repaving crucial areas of the Snyder County drag strip. Weather hasn’t cooperated. Contractors were unable to complete work, making the track unusable this weekend. McCardle always presents a popular Mother’s Day program, which will be rescheduled.
I had the opportunity to speak with Keith Kauffman this week. I asked him if he noticed any significant difference in the sprint car he drove during Fred Rahmer’s special race last summer at Lincoln Speedway and the cars he drove prior to his retirement. I wanted to know if the cars themselves are faster. Kauffman’s response was no. I also asked the Man from Mifflintown about the sprint car speed increases at area tracks. Kauffman told me the cars can go faster than they are now. Track preparation, clay quality, and degree of banking in speedway turns are some of the factors affecting speed. Some interesting thoughts from a man who knows.
Work continues on bleacher replacement at Port Royal. Crews hope to have much of the work completed soon. When finished the Juniata County oval will have one of the best seating arrangements in the region.
NASCAR released the 2017 Cup schedule this week. That’s the earliest schedule release I can remember. Officials have made a number of changes in hope of allowing more planning time for everyone. A move I don’t care for is that Dover’s and Pocono’s spring races will be one week apart. Not sure how many local fans can afford two NASCAR weekends back to back. The Daytona 500 is late next year. It will be run February 26.
NASCAR announced it is talking with several companies hoping to replace series sponsor Sprint at season’s end. A new series sponsor announcement is anticipated by September or October.
Selinsgrove Speedway is paying bonus money to 358 sprint car teams competing against the larger 360 engines. During regular shows, the first 358 engine sprint car across the finish line, in feature action, earns an additional $200. A separate $2,000 season point fund will be paid to 358 engine cars.
The World of Outlaws and All Star Circuit of Champions both suffered rain outs last week. Let’s hope for good weather this weekend.
Support our area speedways – it’s the best show on dirt!
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.