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It could be a great weekend for racing or we could be fighting the elements. Time will tell.
I’m choosing the optimistic approach. If all goes well, area raceways should be fine.
The unknown factor is the potential impact of Tropical Storm Hermine in the area. It appears local weather should be fine. I’m hopeful backup plans aren’t needed.
The Butch Renninger Memorial UFO late model race at Port Royal Speedway tonight should be great. Butch Renninger is remembered at the Juniata County oval by many. His family and friends work hard to honor his memory in a special way – 33 laps of top late model racing, $3,300 to win, $33 per lap led and $300 to start. The backdrop, the 162nd annual Juniata County Fair, makes the night more enjoyable. Fair racing is special and no one does it better than the folks at Port Royal Speedway.
Dylan Yoder is the defending race champion. The 410 sprint cars, econo late models and extreme stocks are part of the show. Dave Ely won last year’s sprint car opener during the fair.
Tonight’s Renninger Memorial race carries an rain date for next Friday night.
Selinsgrove Speedway suffered a power failure last Saturday night, forcing postponement of its feature events, which will be made up this evening. Rainchecks from last week will be honored for this show. If you weren’t at the track last week, you can attend the program for just $6.
At Lincoln Speedway tonight the final 410 sprint car points program will be run, along with 358 sprint cars and super sportsman.
Tomorrow, Selinsgrove presents the 18th National Open for late models. The World of Outlaws sanction the program. The winner of the 40-lap feature earns $8,000. Limited late models are also in action.
Hesston Speedway also is in action tomorrow night. Added purse will be paid through out the field. Limited late models are the headline class of the program.
Then there’s Labor Day racing. Port Royal is the place race fans have gone on Labor Day in Central Pennsylvania for years. The fair, great food and tough daylight racing have been the norm. Many times, competitors have wished they could skip this program.
I have to say the last two years of Labor Day racing at Port Royal have been very good. Brent Marks swept the fair races last year. Marks is getting hot at the right time again winning last Saturday night’s sprint car feature at the track. Marks may be the sleeper in this year’s fair races again.
With the economy being what it is, here’s a good reason to attend the Labor Day Classic at Port Royal. Head to the infield to watch the race with your lawn chairs, cooler and umbrella. General admission, $5. A demolition derby follows. How cool is that?
Coleby Frye has won the last two late model programs held at Port Royal. Frye should be a factor in tonight’s Renninger Memorial.
Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champions sprint cars are headed to Port Royal Speedway next weekend for the two-day Tuscarora 50 racing program. The All Stars face a tough battle with Pennsylvania’s finest. They also have their own points battle, which currently is tight. Chad Kemenah holds an eight-point lead over Dale Blaney entering this weekend’s action. The All Stars race at Attica and Wayne County, Ohio, Speedways this weekend.
Hermine’s projected path caused NASCAR to cancel yesterday’s qualifying at Darlington, S.C. Throwback weekend’s main event will be lined up on season points. Kevin Harvick is scheduled to start from the pole. Most of the teams are sporting throwback schemes of some type.
Jimmie Johnson is sporting a throwback paint scheme of one of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s racers. Johnson asked teammate Dale Jr. if he might have one of his father’s uniforms from that era in hopes of wearing it to driver introductions. I’m not sure what, if anything, was agreed upon. I do know Junior said he had one of his father’s uniforms that smelled about 40 years old. He also thought it would fit Johnson.
Will Johnson have it on for pre-race? No matter what, Johnson will change to his own firesuit before action starts.
NBC is going all out with special throwback coverage, cars, music and video during the broadcast. Commentators will be dressed in clothing dating from 1975 to 1984. It could be the best broadcast of the year.
Mifflin County enjoyed a visit from Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Wednesday. The day appeared to go smoothly. I hope he left our area knowing he made a lot of fans very happy. Hendrick Motorsports posted a photo heaturing 90-year-old Arlene Campbell of Lewistown on its Facebook page after she met her favorite driver at Walmart.
The children that waited in line for hours to get a wristband and meet their hero were convinced it was worth it. Even folks that were not fans noticed the interaction between driver and fans. I know Earnhardt gained new fans plus a lot of respect from local residents.
Let’s hope for a great weekend. Check out one of our area speedways. Be safe and have a great holiday weekend!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.