Holiday highlighted by Renninger Memorial race

September 5, 2015

The holiday weekend is upon us and with it comes much racing.Port Royal Speedway kicks things off tonight with the Butch Renninger Memorial race for late models. The event is the highlight of the first day of the 161st annual Juniata County Fair. The evening's racing spotlights the full-bodied cars that Renninger campaigned during his career. Econo late models and Xtreme stocks join the program competing for added purse money.The 410 sprint cars are also part of the racing action, which gets under way at 7 p.m.Who was Butch Renninger and what does he mean to local motorsports? Renninger ...

Time for this month to end

August 29, 2015

I never like the end of racing season because I hate winter. However, the month of August can't end soon enough.Racing in general and in Pennsylvania in particular have taken some tough hits this month. First there was the fatality of an All-American stock car driver at Susquehanna Speedway. Jim Campbell Jr. died as a result of a racing accident Aug. 14 at Williams Grove. Just when I thought things were back to normal another fatality took place after the Indy Car race last Sunday at Pocono International Raceway.English born Justin Wilson died Monday from head injuries suffered in ...

Abreu slated to visit Port Royal

August 22, 2015

Port Royal Speedway returns to action this evening with a three-division program of 305 and 410 sprint cars plus late models. It's church youth group night with free admission for youth groups. Adults are invited to bring a donation for the Juniata County Food Pantry. Patrons making a donation receive a coupon for $2 off the price of a general admission ticket. Action gets under way at 7 p.m.The 410 sprints cars compete for an added purse this evening at the Juniata County oval. The winner earns $4,000. Tonight marks the first Port Royal appearance of rising star Rico Abreu. Abreu won ...

Big race is in Iowa

August 15, 2015

The eyes of 410 sprint car racing are on Knoxville, Iowa, where the Knoxville Nationals conclude this evening. $150,000 awaits the winner of tonight's event. Shane Stewart won last Sunday's Capitani Classic, also held at the track, and Wednesday nights program. Stewart recently won four major events starting with the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, earning more than $80,000 in those events.At least six Pennsylvania racers have entered this years contest: Brent Marks, Stevie Smith, Greg Hodnett, Danny Dietrich, Lucas Wolfe and Tim Shaffer. Donny Schatz would be the first choice as the man ...

Dream Race honors Haus, Powell; pays $80,000 total

August 8, 2015

Port Royal Speedway presents the Living Legends Dream Race this evening. A large field of sprint cars is expected. For the first time late models are part of the program.Race format has changed over the years to the present twin, 16-lap semi-features each paying $2,000. The 35-lap sprint car A-main winner earns $10,000. Late model racers compete in a 21-lap event paying the winner $2,100.$80,000 of purse money has been posted in the sprint car and late model divisions.A number of visiting racers are expected including former NASCAR driver Dave Blaney and All Star Circuit of Champions ...

Seniors mature beyond years

August 7, 2015

UNIVERSITY PARK - Kyle Carter smiled when reminded during Penn State's annual football media day that he's one of just six remaining fifth-year seniors in the program."In some ways," he said, "I feel like a dad out here."Though just 22 years old, Carter is wise beyond his years.He's seen some highs - like the Nittany Lions' wins over Michigan and Wisconsin in 2013, the scare of Ohio State last year and 2014's bookend victories, UCF and Boston College - and having lived through the scandal, he's sure experienced the lows.Carter, defensive linemen Anthony Zettel and Carl Nassib, center ...