DIRTcar 500 Engine Introduced to Big-Block Modified Racing at $19,500
New engine with high-end components is half the cost and proven competitive
Weedsport, NY – March 19, 2010 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director
The DIRTcar 500. It’s not a new race on the schedule, instead it’s a new engine option spearheaded by DIRTcar, and it will make racing a Big-Block Modified more accessible and competitive than ever.
Featuring high-end components manufactured by companies such as DART Machinery, Manley Performance Products, Diamond Racing Products and MSD Ignition, the new DIRTcar 500 engine turns out the same horsepower as most current engines for about half the price. On the dyno, the 499 cubic inch engine produces 800+ horsepower at 6800 rpm and 700-foot lbs. of torque at 5600 rpm. Top-end horsepower aside, with a 7800 RPM maximum, the engine’s short stroke, wide bore design will reduce piston speed, providing greater reliability and longevity that will reduce operating costs for teams utilizing this combination.
DIRTcar has partnered with CV Products to become the sole supplier to engine builders and racers alike. The DIRTCAR500 part number will carry a racer price of $16,466 and be shipped as a complete package that contains every part needed, down to the last bolt, pump, spark-plug and gasket. In order to be legal for use in DIRTcar competition, the specific engine block, heads, intake, ignition, crank and oil pan must remain a constant in every DIRTcar 500 engine. All other parts however are fair game, meaning that they can be swapped out for any manufacturer’s parts at any time during the engine’s life cycle. With engine builder estimates ranging from $2,500-$3,500 for assembly and dyno, the final cost to the racer will easily fall under $20,000.
“It was created primarily to reduce the widening expense gap between our Modified and Sportsman divisions today,” stated Bob Dini, the DIRTcar Northeast Region Director of Technical Operations who has played an integral part in the engine’s development with Enders Racing Engines. “We’re encouraging racers to work through their own engine builders as this is very much a high performance engine, yet this package can still be bought and put together by anyone. It’s a good situation for everybody as it keeps all the builders and manufacturers involved while not making any of the current engines obsolete.”
The new DIRTcar 500 isn’t meant to replace the current 467 cubic inch motors. If an engine was legal in 2009, it will be legal in 2010. But for a driver who can’t make the jump to Big-Block competition because of costs or is weighing his next Big-Block engine purchase, the DIRTcar 500 is an affordable alternative.
While everything looks good on paper, it was the engine’s on track performance that earned it a permanent spot in the DIRTcar rulebook. The engine has been competitive from lap #1.
After months of development that included a design phase, part selection and working with the combination on the dyno and an initial test with Super DIRTcar Series champion Brett Hearn behind the wheel. The engine debuted in February at the half-mile Volusia Speedway Park. Two-time Syracuse champion Danny Johnson drove Nick Nero’s #49er Bicknell the entire week with the new DIRTcar 500 engine under the hood.
“Absolutely,” remarked Johnson, when asked if the new engine had the potential to win a race against current Big-Block motors. During three nights of action, Johnson finished 2nd in all three of his heat races and finished 9th out of 44 Big-Block entries in the overall DIRTcar Nationals point standings on the strength of one 5th place finish one 9th place finish and a 20th place finish that came after being collected in “the big one” during the opener.
“If a few things had fallen in place I think we had a good shot to win any one of the races,” Johnson said. “It was a strong motor, ran good all night and definitely had a lot of power. I never had any problems all week. I can see it being something going over well in the future, certainly a worthwhile project that should get a lot of attention.”
Reigning Super DIRTcar Series and Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Champion Hearn saw the engine’s potential during his test session last fall.
“It was pretty respectable my first time out on a big half-mile track, so I’m not really surprised that it’s compatible with our stuff today,” said Hearn, who turned laps in his own Madsen Motorsports TEO Modified and Nero’s ride during that initial test.
“It certainly appears to be a good option, very competitive right now even without a lot of laps turned,” Hearn said. “When we ran it was very responsive with the gears and different rpm ranges. Danny was running some pretty good laps, so coming away with a couple solid finishes probably wasn’t anything unexpected. I’m sure this engine will be a great alternative for a lot of teams looking to move up.”
With a handful of teams already eager to place orders, engine-builder Kevin Enders from Phoenix, N.Y., will be surprised if more racers don’t take advantage of the DIRTcar 500.
“Only time will tell, but this is a high-performance engine designed and built specifically for Big-Block Modified racing, cutting no corners in the process,” said Enders, a premier engine builder in the Northeast for 25 years who has been providing motors for Hearn since 1998 as well as veterans Jimmy Horton, Eddie Marshall and Rick Laubach, plus rising stars Ryan Phelps and Stewart Friesen. “It’s definitely less expensive than a 358 and certainly more in the price range for a Sportsman driver, so I don’t think it will take too long for teams to recognize the value.”
Several engine builders were provided input, but when Dini first approached Enders last June, he took the lead on the project. Enders methodically designed the engine, picked the proper components and worked with each contributing manufacturer to match his blueprint. Enders and his staff along with car owner Nero donated their time and virtually every manufacturer involved donated their parts, reinforcing the support for this type of program in DIRTcar’s premier division.
“I was in total agreement with Bob when I first talked to him about the need for this type of engine program,” Enders said. “You need guys to be able to move up, not settle into an entry-level class for life. This engine is structured so anybody can buy it and build it, a great way to feed into the Big-Block ranks in the coming years.”
“I knew this engine was going to be good but never expected it to be as good as what showed in Florida against one of the toughest fields we see all year. We’ll be ready to give it another shot for the Super DIRTcar Series race at Hagerstown (March 27).”
DIRTcar 500 Engine FAQ Sheet
1) How much does the DIRTcar 500 Engine cost?
a. Racer price on the parts package is $16,466 + shipping and tax.
b. There is no set price on labor for assembly or dyno time, but we have received estimates from engine builders ranging from $2,500 to $3,500.
2) How can I buy the engine?
a. We recommend that you contact your engine builder.
b. If you want to assemble the engine yourself, you can call CV Products at (800) 448-1223 and ask to speak to someone on the dirt track sales team about Part # DIRTCAR500.
3) Why do the parts come as a package?
a. In addition to carrying more cubic inches, the entire combination varies from the standard Big-Block configuration. As a result, a lot of time, research, development and testing has been put into providing a proven combination.
4) What is included in the package?
a. There is a complete parts list at the end of this FAQ Sheet
5) Why does the package come from CV Products?
a. CV Products has a great reputation as a technical distributor and parts supplier to engine builders and is stocking this package, eliminating delays and/or incorrect parts.
6) Who can build the engine?
a. Any engine builder can purchase the package directly from CV and build this engine.
b.While we encourage you to purchase this engine through an engine builder, any racer may purchase the package and assemble the engine themselves.
7) What parts can I replace?
a. During the life cycle of the engine, any part may be replaced with a different manufacturer’s part, with exception of the block, heads, intake, ignition, crank and oil pan, which can only be replaced by the exact same parts in the event of failure or standard wear and tear and may not be altered or lightened in any way.
8) How will the engine be inspected?
a. Exact rules/specifications will be added to the DIRTcar rule book.
b. The heads, block, intake and oil pan will have DIRTcar stamps visual from the exterior and are subject to additional inspection.
c. Standard specific head inspection procedures will apply, with no additional port work allowed.
d. DIRTcar 500 engines will be checked periodically for cubic inch (499c.i.) and compression (13.5:1).
e. The oil pan will feature an inspection port to verify the proper crank is being used and the absence of titanium connecting rods.
9) How do the rules differ from the current DIRTcar Modified Engine rules?
a. The only rule differences are the specific heads, block, intake and oil pan, and the acceptability of up to 499 c.i.
b. Titanium valves and connecting rods will not be allowed, just as in the current 467 c.i. engines.
10) What carburetor and headers can I use?
a. Any carburetor and headers currently legal for DIRTcar competition will be legal for use on the DIRTcar 500.
11) How does this engine perform?
a. While dyno numbers vary, this engine has produced 800hp at 6800 rpm with 700-foot lbs. of torque at 5600 rpm.
12) Has the engine been on the track?
a. Yes, Brett Hearn tested the engine in the fall and Danny Johnson raced the engine during three nights of the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in February, 2010.
13) Is there a weight break for cars running this engine?
a. Yes, Modifieds running the DIRTcar 500 will have a minimum weight of 2400lbs., as opposed to 2500lbs. for cars running the current 467c.i. combination.
14) What do I do when it is time to rebuild the engine?
a. The engine can be taken to any engine builder to be rebuilt, provided that you notify DIRTcar Officials (Bob Dini or Joe Skotnicki) as to where the engine is being taken.
b. If you plan to rebuild the engine yourself, you simply order the necessary parts and rebuild the engine, provided that it meets the specific parameters of the program upon completion.
c. There are no seals, bolts or approval process governing rebuilds.
15) Is there a guarantee on the engine?
a. There is no unique, umbrella guarantee provided with the engine.
b. Manufacturer warranties may be available on certain parts.
c. Guarantees related to assembly will vary from builder to builder and will be between the racer and the engine builder.
Manufacturer Part
ARP Carburetor stud kit
ARP Engine accessory bolt kit
ARP Head bolt kit
Bosch Spark plugs
Calico Connecting rod bearings
Calico main bearings
Callies Two-piece seal, 3.760 stroke with standard 2.200 rod journals
Canton Canton oil pump adapter
Cloyes Timing set
Cloyes Cam button
Cometic Complete engine gasket kit
CV Brand Timing pointer
CV Brand Timing cover
CV Brand Serpentine drive kit
CV Products Water pump pulley
CV Products Pulley spacers
CV Products Crank pulley
CV Products Crank hub
CV Products Power steering pulley
CV Products Pulley adapter
CV Products Power steering pump mount
Dart Machinery Steel engine block
Dart Machinery Aluminum cylinder heads
Dart Machinery Aluminum intake manifold
Denso Alternator pulley
Denso Alternator bracket
Denso Alternator
Diamond Racing Products Diamond pistons
Diamond Racing Products Diamond pins
Diamond Racing Products Diamond locks
Diamond Racing Products Diamond piston rings
Edelbrock Water pump
Enders Enders camshaft
Gibb's Racing Oil Break in oil
Goodyear Belts
HVH 2" carb spacer
Manley Performance Intake valves
Manley Performance Exhaust valves
Manley Performance Titanium retainers
Manley Performance Valve locks
Manley Performance Spring cups
Manley Performance Spring kit
Manley Performance Connecting rods
Manley Performance Pushrods / intake
Manley Performance Pushrods / exhaust
Moroso Crankcase evac
MSD Ignition Distributor/mag
MSD Ignition Distributor hold down kit
MSD Ignition Spark plug wires
Precision Parts Balancer
Spin Fuel pump pushrod
Spin Fuel pump
Spin Power steering pump
Stef's Performance Low profile valve covers pair
Stef's Performance Aluminum oil pan with heater & inspection port
Stef's Performance Modified oil pump & pick-up
T&D T & D rockers
Wix Filters Oil filter
Xceldyne X2 Lifters
Additional questions regarding the new ‘DIRTcar 500’ engine program can be directed to DIRTcar NE Chief Technical Inspector Bob Dini at (845) 358-5049 and bdini@dirtcar.com, while DIRTcar NE Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Joe Skotnicki can be reached at (704) 796-4566 and jskotnicki@dirtcar.com. Orders can be placed through any engine builder or by contacting CV Products directly at (800) 448-1223 and ask for a sales rep on the dirt track sales team.
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PENN CAN SPEEDWAY SCHEDULES “CAN OPENER” FRIDAY APRIL 23RD
Susquehanna, PA…The 2010 racing season swings into action at Penn Can Speedway with the annual “Can Opener” Friday April 23rd. The mighty modifieds will be the featured division competing in a big thirty five lap feature event with $1500 going to the winner. The “Can Opener” at the three eighths mile oval will be sponsored by Boughton’s Auto Salvage of Susquehanna. Gates for opener will swing open at 5:15 with the first heat race at 7:15.
After experiencing a year filled with scheduling difficulties caused by the unseasonable weather of last summer, the staff and management are excited to get the new season underway. Many interesting events are on the schedule that should create great interest at the track in 2010. The speedway has come through the winter and will be in great condition for the early season test and tunes as well as the opening events.
2009 Penn Can modified champion, Jeff Rudalavage, announced that he will be cutting back his racing schedule and will not return to defend his championship. This should make for an exciting season in the modified division with a host of talented drivers vying for the point championship. With the recently announced American Racer Cup adding extra incentive for the modified teams plus the generous point fund awarded at the speedway, the race for the championship should be challenging for a number of great race teams competing at the track.
Joining the modifieds in this opening night of racing will be the popular late models, the new crate sportsman, street stocks, and four cylinders. The late models, crate sportsman, and street stocks will all compete in big twenty lap feature events. The four cylinders will run a fifteen lap event. All teams will draw for heat race starting positions with the top twelve qualifying cars redrawing for the feature event.
Interest has been high in all divisions. Speedway officials recently announced their participation in the American Racer Cup for the modified teams. It is anticipated that a large group of rookies will enter the modified division making their move up from sportsman racing. A $500 Rookie of the Year bonus will await the top finishing driver new to the division at Penn Can Speedway in 2010. This award is open to any driver that has not competed regularly in the modified division at Penn Can Speedway in any previous race season. The staff has also been working on programs for the other divisions as well. A special three race mini-series for the late models has been planned for 2010. The purse in the street stock division has also been revamped and a major increase in the end of the year point fund has also been secured with the signing of S&W Awards as a class sponsor for the 2010 season. Many more new and exciting happenings will be announced in the near future.
The first official event at the speedway will be the Spring 125 on Sunday April 18th featuring the late models, crate sportsman, Trackside Products Street Stock Series, four cylinders, and Xcel modifieds. The “Can Opener” the following Friday will be the first point race of the year in all divisions.
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35th Year ….. Countdown To Hagerstown North-South Shootout Begins!
Weedsport, NY – March 19, 2010 – By Tom Skibinski, Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
The 2010 Super DIRTcar Series opener, 7th Annual North-South Shootout at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway on Saturday, March 27 is now just 8 days away!
Commemorating the 35th successive season that an overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Champion will be recognized, the past 34 years of tour titlists will be chronicled in 5-year increments, with each installment leading up to the always-anticipated opening-day event.
Since 1976, DIRTcar Racing Northeast has been declaring an overall Modified champion and during the past four decades 13 of the best Big-Block drivers in the nation have gone on to capture the coveted crown. Seven of those preeminent pilots have claimed more than one title while the entire group has accounted for 2,449 DIRTcar Northeast Big-Block feature wins ---454 in the Super DIRTcar Series--- and 166 track point titles in the Big-Block ranks.
35 years ago it was energetic auto racing promoter Glenn Donnelly convening with cross-town track owners Don and Bob Petrocci Jr. to pencil out a plan to organize weekly dirt Modified racing on the local level. Growing up in nearby Baldwinsville, N.Y., Donnelly purchased Weedsport Speedway in 1970 and two years later staged his first super dirt weekend at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. Talks with the Petrocci brothers materialized over the winter and on February 3, 1976 the Driver's Independent Races Tracks (DIRT) organization was officially established. Buckled into his familiar no. 24 ride, inaugural Mr. DIRTcar Champion Will Cagle won the first-ever DIRT-sanctioned race at Rolling Wheels Raceway on April 23 to kick off the Bicentennial in Central New York.
Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Champions
YEAR CHAMPION (wins) ROOKIE of the YEAR
2009 Brett Hearn (3) Rich Scagliotta
2008 Billy Decker (10) Larry Wight
2007 Brett Hearn (7) Mike Bowman
2006 Alan Johnson (6) Kenny Stafford
2005 Tim Fuller (6) Stewart Friesen
2004 Gary Tomkins (4) Justin Hears
2003 Alan Johnson (6) Matt Sheppard
2002 Alan Johnson (5) Joe Beyea
2001 Brett Hearn (7) Frankie Caprara
2000 Steve Paine (4) Jeff Brownell
1999 Danny Johnson (2) Josh Skarzenski
1998 Billy Decker (6) Todd Milton
1997 D.Johnson (7)/B.Hearn (5) Tim McCreadie
1996 Brett Hearn (5) Vic Coffey
1995 Bob McCreadie (6) Tim Fuller
1994 Bob McCreadie (9) Jamie Mills
1993 Brett Hearn (5) Scott Schrader
1992 Danny Johnson (6) Ricky Elliott
1991 Doug Hoffman (5) Lenny Boyd
1990 Brett Hearn (7) Scott Prentice
1989 Danny Johnson (7) John Ventura
1988 Jack Johnson (2) Mike Jeffery
1987 Jack Johnson (2) Steve Behrent
1986 Charlie Rudolph (1) Jim Ruston
1985 Jack Johnson (1) Rich Burgess
1984 Jack Johnson (3) Ray Underwood
1983 Alan Johnson (4) Jimmy Begolo
1982 Jack Johnson (2) Randy Glenski
1981 Alan Johnson (2) Craig Keel
1980 Jack Johnson (5) Roger Phelps
1979 Will Cagle Jim Jarvis
1978 Will Cagle Jerry Knox
1977 Dave Lape Rick Martell
1976 Will Cagle -----
The 2010 Super DIRTcar Series begins on March 27 with the 7th North-South Shootout at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway. Log into the homepage at www.superdirtcarseries.com anytime to find out more about the entire circuit and be sure to sign up as a Super DIRTcar Series follower on Twitter by visiting http://www.twitter.com/SuperDIRTcar. For further track information, access http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com or phone 301/582-0640 during the day.
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Eighth Mr. DIRTcar Crown In Sight For Super DIRTcar Series Star Hearn
Weedsport, NY – March 18, 2010 – By Tom Skibinski, Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Brett Hearn is ready to do something that he has done six previous times in his 35 years circling race tracks around the Northeast.
Yet opening up his defense of the Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Championship for a record seventh time in 2010 will be far different than any other experienced in the past. His daughter will be entering college this year.
“We always set ambitious goals with winning races and championships at the top, but this year I probably need the money a lot more than before,” smiled Hearn, now 51, who is ready to send off his oldest offspring, Brooke, to Montclair State University just 40 miles from his shop in Sussex, N.J. “This is my living, I can’t take it lightly. So that means I’ll probably be racing at least three more seasons to help out with tuition.”
Already recognized up and down the Atlantic coast among the most successful drivers in any division, more records await Hearn as he leads the Big-Block Modified parade into Maryland for the Super DIRTcar Series season-opening ‘North-South Shootout’ at Hagerstown Speedway on March 27.
That trek may seem rather disheartening for some of the competition as Hagerstown has always been one of Hearn’s favorite facilities. The Garden State superstar begins a new decade already holding the track mark of 25 Modified victories, with one of his 20 Big-Block triumphs posted in the 2006 series stop south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
“It’s a whole different ball game whether racing during the day or night at Hagerstown, but whenever we run, that track is always ready to race,” remarked Hearn, who will have the familiar blue and white Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Custom Homes-Benjamin Moore Paints/TEO machine race ready when Saturday arrives. “As soon as we pull in everybody has a good feeling and it usually stays with us all night. In most cases we head home with a win so it’s certainly disappointing any time a show is lost to weather there.”
Hagerstown's century grind leads off the current 22-event series agenda that features extra-distance races at 16 dirt tracks in four states and two Canadian provinces. More bad news for the opposition lies in the fact that the ‘Corporate Jet’ has failed to reach victory lane at only one of these sites in the last quarter-century following the tour.
“Personally, I’d like to finally win a race at Fulton, that’s probably the only hole right now,” noted Hearn, who has placed among the front-four the past three years at John and Laura Wight’s high-banked bullring in Central New York without taking a checkered flag. “But Guy (Madsen, owner) wants to win Syracuse pretty bad, something he hasn’t done yet.”
“We’re at a point where we’re never satisfied, constantly challenged to win the next time out and keep going until we can get another championship. Managing the team, keeping everyone happy and healthy, has become just as challenging. Whatever it takes to stay ahead of the game we’ll work harder at and try to make it even better,” added Hearn, who owns the Super DIRTcar Series standard of 103 career wins with 75 scored on those tracks active today on the 2010 schedule.
Looking to blaze his own trail on tour this season is recently crowned Florida DIRTcar Nationals champion Matt Sheppard, who also captured the prestigious Rite Aid 200 last autumn on the New York State Fairgrounds ‘Moody Mile’ in October. Joining Hearn and Sheppard in pursuit of the coveted Mr. DIRTcar Championship will be front-runners Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps and Dale Planck, Alan and Danny Johnson, young guns Justin Haers, Ryan Phelps, Billy Dunn, Michael Storms, Larry Wight and leading rookie candidate Lance Willix II.
An ‘Octoberfest’ qualifier for Small-Block Modifieds will fill out Hagerstown’s dirt doubleheader on March 27 with pit gates scheduled to unlock at 3:00 p.m., grandstands opening at 4:00 p.m. and warm-ups starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by Integra Shocks Big-Block Time Trials. Hagerstown Speedway is located on U.S. Route 40, four miles west of I-81.
For more information, contact DIRTcar Racing Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Joe Skotnicki (704/796-4566) or log into www.superdirtcarseries.com for additional news & notes. Be sure to sign up on http://www.twitter.com/SuperDIRTcar and receive updates anywhere at anytime. The speedway office can be reached by phoning 301/582-0640 and the track website remains www.hagerstownspeedway.com. Visit www.bretthearn.com for the most updated material about B.H. Racing Enterprises.
Hagerstown Speedway - All-Time Modified Feature Winners (1983-2009)
*Total includes 79 Big-Block events; projected 2010 Series regulars in bold.
WINS DRIVER FIRST LAST
25 Brett Hearn 8/24/84 10/25/09
12 Doug Hoffman 9/30/90 10/27/02
10 Bob McCreadie 3/11/90 10/2/94
7 Billy Pauch 10/23/88 10/31/99
5 Kenny Brightbill 5/20/84 10/27/02
4 Craig VonDohren 9/29/91 3/25/01
3 Frank Cozze 10/15/89 3/16/97
3 Mike Romano 3/24/96 3/27/99
3 J.R. Heffner 10/29/00 10/30/05
3 Matt Sheppard 10/31/04 3/14/09
2 Jack Johnson 8/23/85 3/4/90
2 Roger Laureno 4/5/92 3/26/00
2 Gary Tomkins 3/30/02 3/27/04
2 Alan Johnson 3/23/03 6/23/05
2 Rick Laubach 3/25/07 11/9/08
1 Freddy Brightbill 6/26/83
1 Ray Bateman Jr. 3/12/89
1 Lou Blaney 3/12/89
1 Scott Irwin 10/15/95
1 Bruce Kline 3/16/97
1 Jeff Strunk 3/1/98
1 Deron Rust 3/27/99
1 Mitch Gibbs 10/31/99
1 Steve Paine 3/31/01
1 Todd Burley 10/28/01
1 Jamie Mills 2/24/02
1 Andy Bachetti 10/26/03
1 Brian Weaver 10/26/03
1 Keith Hoffman 3/7/04
1 Billy Decker 10/29/06
1 Danny Johnson 10/29/06
1 Tim Fuller 3/31/07
1 Kevin Hirthler 10/28/07
1 Wade Hendrickson 10/28/07
1 Jimmy Phelps 3/15/08
1 Richie Pratt Jr. 3/7/09
1 Tim McCreadie 10/25/09
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BIG BLOCK MODIFIED RACE TEAM LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM DEVELOEPD AT BREWERTON AND FULTON SPEEDWAY’S
BREWERTON, NY…A Big Block Modified Race Team Loyalty Reward Program has been developed at Brewerton and Fulton Speedway’s. Included in the program will be a standard Brewerton and Fulton Speedway’s purse for teams that compete at both tracks, as well as a separate point fund for the top ten drivers in the combined Brewerton and Fulton Speedway’s Big Block Modified season ending point standings. Eligibility for the Brewerton / Fulton Speedway Race Team Loyalty Reward Program is based on at least 90 percent attendance at all scheduled events.
Race teams in the Brewerton / Fulton Speedway Loyalty Reward Program will still race for $2,000 to win in the weekly Big Block Modified events. Competitors that are not part of the program will race for a $1,500 top prize which is standard around most of the region. Payout for positions that are different between the two purses will be determined whether a competitor is part of the Brewerton / Fulton Loyalty Reward Program or not. The purses for Super DIRTcar events and the SUNY Canton 200 will all be the same and are not part of the Race Team Loyalty Program.
The top ten in the combined Big Block Modified Brewerton / Fulton Speedway point standings will also have a point fund of their own. A 2009 version of the combined point fund will be paid off at the 2009 Awards / 2010 Blast-off Party on Saturday, April 3 at the Oasis in Fulton, N.Y. Drivers that finish in the top ten at both tracks and finish in the top ten in the combined standings will earn three separate point funds.
Fulton Speedway will start off the 2010 season on Saturday, April 10 with the VP Racing Fuels Spring Fever 100 Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series event. Also in action will be the SUNY Canton DIRTcar Sportsman, Late Models, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman and the Gladiators. Race time is 6 p.m. A Test and Tune Practice is set for Saturday, April 3 at 12 noon. Grandstand admission is free for the Test and Tune.
Friday, April 16 is the date of the SUNY Canton 2010 Grand Opening at Brewerton Speedway. The DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds will compete in a 50-lap special. Also in action will be IMCA Modifieds, ESDCA Mod Lites, Late Models and Four Cylinder Super Stocks. Race time is 7:30 p.m. A Test and Tune Practice session is set for Tuesday, April 13 starting at 6 p.m. Grandstand admission is free for the Test and Tune.
For more information on Brewerton Speedway please go on line to www.brewertonspeedway.com or call the track office at 315-668-6906. For more information on Fulton Speedway please go on line to www.fultonspeedway.com or call the track office at 315-593-6531
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ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY OPENER SATURDAY, APRIL 17
Middletown Track Begins Its 61st Consecutive Year of Weekly Racing
MIDDLETOWN, NY (March 18)……..Orange County Fair Speedway will begin its 61st consecutive year of weekly stock car racing Saturday night, April 17, with racing getting the first green flag at 6:30 P.M. The historic Middletown, New York five-eights-mile “Hard Clay” surfaced speedway opener will feature four divisions of race cars---Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and Pure Stocks---in qualifying races and main events with the evening’s program sponsored by Country Chevrolet. As a bonus, the program will include the Sportsman division feature held over from last September’s rainout.
“We’re eager to get started,” said Orange County general manager Ken Sands. ”I know the competitors can’t wait to get on the track. And for the fans, we’ve held the adult admission at the same $14 as last year. Tickets for our senior fans are $12, and kids under 12 are free. All seats are general admission with the exception of season ticket holder reserved seats that are marked with a plaque.”
Special events are planned throughout the season, including community and organizations nights, Kids Club activities, vintage racer exhibitions, fireworks, regional sprint cars, demolition derbies, and enduro races. New this year is a $2,500-to-win 358 Modified race on Saturday, July 31. In addition to the prize money, the winner will earn the outside pole position for the Eastern States 358 Modified Championship race.
While Orange County Fair Speedway will operate as an Independent track in 2010, the DIRTcar-sanctioned Super DIRTcar Modified Series race, THE BIG SHOW II, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16.
The season wraps up with the 49th Annual Eastern States Weekend, this year set for its more traditional dates, Friday through Sunday, October 22-24. The Eastern States 200 is the oldest consecutively-run dirt track Modified championship race in the country. The weekend begins with time trials on Friday, heat races Saturday, consolation races and the classic 200-lap feature on Sunday. Joining the “earth shaker” big block Modifieds in their own championship races are the 358 Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stock, and Pure Stock divisions. Vintage Modifieds and 305 Sprint Cars are also included as part of the three-day bonanza of speed.
“It’s a full schedule with something for every race fan,” said Sands. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the track.”
Advance ticket sales and track information can be found on the Orange County Fair Speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from at the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 during business hours.
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BUSY MOTORSPORTS EXPO WILL LEAD BREWERTON AND FULTON SPEEDWAY’S INTO NEW SEASON
BREWERTON, NY…The 2010 Gater racing news Motorsports Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds is now in the record books as it was a successful one for both the Brewerton and Fulton Speedways.
There was constant traffic at the booth with people picking up schedules, asking about season passes and doing bench racing while renewing friendships as the season is less than a month away.
On Sunday there was a Late Model seminar put on by Jim Bernheisel for the new crate Late Model teams that will be competing at both speedways for the first time in 2010. The event was well attended by drivers, crew and car owners. Afterwards there was a question and answer session by the tracks to sort out any questions for the new class before the season gets under way.
Hopefully the last snows of the season are melted and racing can begin. Fulton Speedway will have a Test And Tune Practice Session on April 3rd at Noon. One week later Saturday, April 10th Fulton Speedway will come to life with the VP Racing Fuels Spring Fever 100 Big Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series Race. Also on the card will be the DIRTcar Sportsman, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman, Late Models and Gladiators.
After the April 3rd practice session you can head over to the nearby Oasis that evening for the 2009 Awards/Blast-Off Party. Tickets for the 2009 Awards / 2010 Blast-Off Party are priced at $15 each. The event will start with at 6 p.m. with a two hour Monte Carlo Style Food selections and a Cash Bar. The Awards presentations and the Blast-Off to the 2010 season will begin at 8 p.m. The event is open to all members of the Brewerton Speedway / Fulton Speedway family. Drivers, crew members, track officials and fans are all invited.
Tickets can be purchased through the mail with a check or money order made payable to Brewerton Speedway. The track mailing address is P.O. Box 584 Brewerton, N.Y. 13029. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone with a credit card by calling the track office at 315-668-6906. The deadline to purchase tickets is Thursday, March 25. No tickets will be available after that date.
The Oasis is located on Wilcox Road across the river from the Fulton Speedway at the Thunder Island Recreation complex. For more information on the 2009 Brewerton Speedway and Fulton Speedway’s Awards / 2010 Blast-Off Party please go on line to www.brewertonspeedway.com or to www.fultonspeedway.com. The track office number is 315-668-6906.
Then on Tuesday, April 13th Brewerton Speedway will have their Test And Tune Session at 6:00 p.m. Three days later on Friday, April 16th SUNY Canton presents the 2010 season opener. A 50 lap DIRTcar Big Block Modified feature will headline the night. IMCA Modifieds, ESDCA Mod Lites, Late Models and Four-Cylinder Super Stocks will be in action. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.
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HEARN AFTER SIXTH MODIFIED TITLE AT LEBANON VALLEY
Mr. DIRTcar Champion to Race Weekly at Upstate NY Track
SUSSEX, NJ (March 17)……..Brett Hearn, the 2009 Mr. DIRTcar Modified Champion, will call Lebanon Valley Speedway (West Lebanon, New York) his “home track” for weekly DIRTcar Modified competition in 2010. Hearn is no stranger to the high-banked Upstate New York track, having previously raced there weekly seven seasons, and winning the track Modified point championship five times. “We’ll be shooting for our sixth championship in just eight years,” says Hearn. “Lebanon Valley is the one track that the best in Modified racing will tell you is the most difficult to master. But we’ve got a solid record there and also a really loyal following of fans. So I’m looking forward to the challenge and racing at the Valley on a regular basis.”
Hearn’s record at Lebanon Valley includes 65 feature race victories, third on the track’s all-time Modified winners’ standings. He won his first track championship in 1997 and then four consecutive years, 2002-2005, when he drove the Gable Motorsports No. 1 Budweiser-sponsored Modified. Hearn also won the track’s 358 Modified division point crown in 2004.
Over the years, Hearn has compiled an outstanding record in Lebanon Valley’s three championship races. He’s captured the Lebanon Valley 200 six times (1981, 1983, 1984, 2002, 2005, and 2007), the Mr. Dirt Track USA title race nine times (1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2007), and the 358 Modified Race of Kings on four occasions (1985, 1997, 1998, and 2001).
At Lebanon Valley, Hearn will drive his familiar No. 20 big- and small-block Modifieds fielded by the merged Madsen Motorsports/B.H. Racing Enterprises, Inc. team, which, for the fifth consecutive year will carry Wentworth Custom Homes of Oneida, New York as the primary sponsor.
Additional support for the No. 20 Modifieds will come from Madsen Overhead Doors, Benjamin Moore Paints, Foxhill Campground, Don Kruger Motorsports LLC, WLR Construction, 417 Bus Line Ltd, Accurate Collision, and Fairways of Halfmoon. As in past seasons, Hearn will rely on Teo Pro Car chassis and Enders Racing Engines. Nearly two-dozen product associates round out Hearn’s quest for Modified racing supremacy.
Beginning his 36th year of Modified stock car competition, Hearn has 771 feature race victories and 72 track and series championships to his credit. He is the all time winner at Malta, New York’s Albany-Saratoga Speedway (98 victories) and in both Modified divisions at Orange County Fair Speedway (Middletown, New York), where his record of 295 feature race wins will never be topped. Hearn’s records include victories at 47 different tracks in 10 states and two Canadian provinces and place him among the country’s top drivers in all forms of auto racing.
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THE 2010 SEASON AT GEORGETOWN SPEEDWAY STARTS ON APRIL 3 WITH A TRI-TRACK BIG BLOCK MODIFIED RACE
GEORGETOWN, DE (March 15, 2010) - After many popular and successful shows in 2008 and 2009, Jay James and family will once again have a limited schedule of events at Georgetown Speedway in 2010. The Easter Eggstreme 35, the lidlifter for the 2010 Tri-Track Big Block Modified Series, on Saturday, April 3rd at 5:00 PM will be the first race of the season at the famed Delaware raceway located in Sussex County. A big field of quality Big Block Modified drivers from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are expected to be on hand.
For 2010, the newly expanded Tri-Track Series will consist of twelve races for the Big Block Modifieds. Georgetown Speedway will play host to two series races with the second one taking place on Saturday, November 13th. Bridgeport Speedway in Southern New Jersey will host the first of their five Tri-Track events on Saturday, April 10th.
Also, the remaining five races in the series will be conducted at New Egypt Speedway in Central New Jersey including the third leg during their season opener on Saturday, April 17th.
Along with the Big Block Modifieds, a complete program for the very popular Super Late Models will be on the card along with separate heats and features for the Crate Modifieds and Crate Late Models. Also, an Easter Egg Hunt will occur for children 12 and under.
On Saturday, April 3rd, the pit area at Georgetown Speedway will open at 2:00 PM with the spectator gates opening at 3:00 PM. Warm-ups will get the green flag at 4:00 PM. General grandstand admission tickets for adults are $20 with children 12 and under admitted for free. Admission to the pit area is $35.
Georgetown Speedway is a 1/2 mile dirt oval located on the northbound side of U.S. Route 113, just 35 miles south of Dover, Delaware, a 45-minute drive from Ocean City, Maryland, and easily accessible from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia
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DIRTcar Northeast Promoters Meeting Official Send-Off For 2010 Racing Season
‘Head of State’ Modified summit meeting on the docket in the coming months
Weedsport, NY – March 14, 2010 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing Northeast PR Director
Despite a full board room in the Cayuga County Fair Conference Building representing nearly 20 tracks comprising the World Racing Group’s Northeast Region, the atmosphere was both quiet and relaxed as a confident group of officials convened for the annual spring information meetings held at DIRTcar Northeast headquarters in Weedsport, N.Y. on Friday, March 12.
Day one of the pre-season weekend workshop included active participation by track owners, promoters, general managers, public relations personnel and technical inspectors, along with staff members from the World Racing Group and DIRTcar Northeast office.
“This is a great time of year to get everyone thinking on the same page, finalize our plans for the upcoming season and emphasize all the positives that the DIRTcar organization has going for it entering 2010,” stated Joe Skotnicki, DIRTcar Racing NE Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning, who officially launched his first full campaign helping guide the Northeast efforts in both series and weekly track activity. “We’re blessed with a very strong contingent of speedway operators that continue to be recognized around the entire country as the most loyal in support of what DIRTcar Racing is all about.”
It was also announced that a special ‘Head of State’ meeting is forthcoming during the summer to bring together the tracks which are all major stakeholders in Northeastern Modified racing with the intention to preserve, maintain and expand what is regarded as a precious resource --- the brand of dirt Modified racing overall.
Skotnicki led off the Friday afternoon agenda by first welcoming all those in attendance, especially recently named series directors John Nelson (358-Modified) and Chip Burdick (Sportsman), as well as new Can-Am Motorsports Park owner Tiger Chapman and Mike Lauterborn, proprietor of the newest member facility, South Arcade Speedway, formerly known as Freedom Raceway in Delevan, N.Y. Helping make the Northeast sector 27 tracks strong in DIRTcar Racing’s 35th season were Mark and Angela Rinaldi from Brighton (Ont.) Speedway Park.
Notably absent was the staff at Lebanon Valley Speedway as track officials prepared to hand out in excess of $100,000 in record point fund money at the season-ending awards banquets held both Friday and Saturday evening in the speedway clubhouse.
WRG President and Chief of Operations Tom Deery spoke about the significance of weekly tracks in the racing industry and joined Cayuga County Fair Speedway General Manager Cory Reed in announcing some exciting changes for the 2nd Annual DIRTcar All-Star 100 Weekend in Weedsport and the addition of Big-Block Modified Racing to the ‘World Finals’ card at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in November.
“Last summer we laid the ground work for what will be a seasonal highlight for years to come at Cayuga County,” remarked Deery, who thanked John and Laura Wight for their cooperation in adding to the event in 2010. The Wights are in the second year of ownership of nearby Brewerton Speedway, which will kick off the All-Star action with a Super DIRTcar Series show Thursday, July 15 before Cayuga County runs back-to-back July 16-17 to complete the $100,000 short-track production. “The addition of Brewerton will truly make this a destination event, one that will attract similar media attention on a more national level like Super DIRT Week.”
“Bringing back the Big-Blocks to Charlotte will surely create further awareness of this prized class outside of its home in the Northeast. It will be another historic occasion showcasing our top-3 divisions down south, and with 3,000 tickets already sold so far in advance, I can’t wait for autumn when the whole country will be looking at us,” added Deery, as he outlined the Big-Block Modified, Sprint Car and Late Model scheduled for Nov. 4-6 at the popular North Carolina oval.
Skotnicki reviewed the customary track sanctioning agreement put in place for the 2010 race season and covered both the overall Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar Championship and DIRTcar Racing Regional point formats for all divisions. Deery followed up with updates regarding the status of World Racing Group’s insurance program.
Membership Coordinator Anna Walker provided a special slide show that reviewed all the website perks available on www.DIRTcarMembers.com and pointed out the customized ‘Download’ section posted at the bottom of the homepage. The Online Membership program was designed for use by promoters, officials and competitors as an important internet tool, with this web-based multi-access data management system allowing sign-up and display of membership benefits, view of registered members, rulebook downloads, special event entry form submission and answers to frequently asked questions.
Walker also offered to all track reps in attendance a sample from by AMI Graphics LLC, the “Official Signage Supplier” to the DIRTcar Racing Northeast region and all of its members through the 2011 season. Based in Strafford, N.H., AMI http://www.ami-graphics.com specializes in the design, print and production of wholesale direct trackside billboards and signs, championship banners, menu signs, vehicle wraps, bleacher banners and many other types of track signage.
VP Racing Fuels’ Research & Development specialist Freddie Turza was on hand to offer insight to VP’s second successive season positioned as the Official Racing Fuel of the Big-Block Super DIRTcar Series, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series, as well as a dozen divisions falling under the DIRTcar and UMP Racing banner. Turza discussed the new ‘D’ brand of VP Fuel that will be available in 2010 as well as continued use of D98 in the Sportsman and Pro stock classes, putting more focus on these divisions in an effort to prevent use of more expensive and exotic fuels.
Skotnicki remained at the head table and introduced DIRTcar NE Racing Public Relations Director Tom Skibinski, who spoke briefly about the Super DIRTcar Series and Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series schedules and online presence through www.superdirtcarseries.com and www.dirtcar.com, with http://www.twitter.com/SuperDIRTcar available for sign-up to receive timely updates throughout the season. He also emphasized the importance of keeping communication lines open between all parties and providing accredited media members with the proper tools to get their job done on race day.
DIRTcar NE Director of Technical Operations Bob Dini was the last to be introduced and he provided a brief update of the important technical issues facing inspectors in 2010. Dini returned to DIRTcar NE HQ on Saturday morning to spearhead a special tech seminar that was concluded by lunchtime.
Member licensing applications, procedural updates and major series schedules helped fill the promoter packets while individual schedules and posters were distributed to track participants before the meetings adjourned by 4 p.m. DIRTcar officials gathered for refreshments at nearby Devaney’s Riverside Grill later on Friday before heading to the New York State Fairgrounds’ Center of Progress Building on Saturday and Sunday to converse with racers, sponsors and fans at the annual Motorsports Expo amidst the huge DIRTcar display.
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$100,000 Point Fund Doled Out at Lebanon Valley
Sunday March 14, 2010
West Lebanon, NY: Legendary Upstate New York Dirt Track breaks the record books by handing out more than $100,000 in point fund money in four divisions. The ½ dirt speedway perched alongside NY Route 20 in West Lebanon New York awarded their 2009 champions by breaking the bank and paying record breaking funds.
But the lionshare of that 6 figure payout belonged to the Sheffield Massachusetts’s driver Andy Bachetti. Bachetti and his Big Block Modified Team laid down an outstanding season by finishing 16 times in the top 10, 12 top 5’s, and sprinkled in 4 wins to cap off his 2nd Overall Point title at the mighty high banks.
And if that weren’t enough, he stamped the #4 on the entire season by taking the 358 Modified Title as well. With his efforts over the course of the entire season, Bachetti cashed in, and was presented a check for $9,500.00.
Future Hall of Famer Kenny Tremont Jr finished out his 2009 season with 3 wins, 11 top 10’s, and 9 top 5’s, to earn a check for $5,130.00. Donnie Corellis’ return to the Valley of Speed got him right back in the top 5 in the point standing. 14 top 10’s, 8 top 5’s, and 1 win locked Corellis into 3rd in the final points and a check for just over $4,980.00. Keith Flach’s #43 team battle all season to finish 4th in the final standings. With 13 top 10’s and 4 top 5’s, he was awarded with a check of about $4,930.00, while the 5th place finisher Eddie Marshall scored 12 top 10’s, 8 top 5’s, and 1 win, earned himself a check for about $4,700.00.
The Sportsman division handed out their awards as well with the top dog, Frank Harper, holding the big check. Harper just stifled the field by scoring 13 top 10’s, 8 top 5’s, and 2 wins. His dominating performance all 2009 season awarded him a sum of just over $3,400.00. Danny Sanchez put on a show trying to stay with Harper, but just came up a few points short. His 14 top 10’s, 7 top 5’s, and 1 win locked him into the 2nd spot, and a check for the amount of $2,874.00.
Neil Stratton put on a solid 2009 season by scoring 12 top 10’s, 9 top 5’s and 3 wins to earn him a check for just over $2,800.00. Kolby Schroder scored a solid 12 top 10’s, 8 top 5’s and 2 wins to earn him a check for $2,798.00. Kyle Armstrong pieced together 13 top 10’s, 6 top 5’s, and 1 win to earn him a check for $2,743.00.
Jason Harrington drove his #1 to 4 wins in the 2009 season to be the first High Point Champion in the Budget Sportsman division. Cord Becker scored 9 wins on his way to locking in the 2009 Budget Pro Stock High Point Championship.
Robbie Speed put forth another great effort to repeat as the High Point Champion in the Pro Stock division. His 13 top 10’s, 10 top 5’s, and 4 victories sealed the deal in 09, and earned him a check for just under $2,400.00. Jay Corbin put on a big challenge to the top spot by scoring 14 top 10’s, 10 top 10’s, and 3 wins, but came up a bit shy to score 2nd in the overall points title. His efforts awarded him a check for just under $2,100.00. Kevin Arnolds 14 top 10’s, 8 top 5’s and 2 wins earned him a 3rd place finish and a check for just over $2,000.00.
Jay Casey scored a 4th place finish with 2 wins for a check for just over $1,960.00, while Jason Casey’s single win got him a 5th place finish and a check for $1,922.00. Steven Loomis was awarded the 2009 Dual Cam 4 Cylinder title while Don Curley took home honors as the 2009 Single Cam Champion.
Phil Wood’s 17 top 10’s and 14 top 5’s scored him the 2009 Pure Stocks High Point title. He was presented a check for $500.00.
The awards presentation also handed out a couple of special awards in a few divisions. The 2009 Driver of the year in the Pure Stocks was Ray Hall Jr. While in the Pro Stocks, the 2009 Driver of the Year was awarded to the #273 of Victor Hopkins.
But the two big awards were held for Saturday Nights affair as Danny Sanchez was awarded the 2009 Jeff Yasinsac Mr. Excitement Award. That excitement was just the beginning as a Lebanon Valley legend was honored by being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mark Fluery’s long racing career that spanned nearly 30 years and secured his place in history at Lebanon Valley Speedway as the 2009 Hall Of Fame Inductee.
With all the awards and checks for the 2009 season handed out, it is now time to turn our attention to the 2010 season. The 58th Season Opener just a few short weeks away, it time to look again at what is in store for on the 2010 schedule.
The Season opener is set for April 17th with a $3,000 to win Modified Feature. Then on May 22nd the first Danny Tag Memorial $3,000 to win Modified Event. May 29th is a special $500 to win Pro Stock feature, while June 12th is Hot Harry’s Taco night.
June 29th brings the return of the annual crowd favorite, Eve of Destruction, followed by unbelievable fireworks on July 3rd. July 10th brings the legendary NASCAR Driver Kenny Schrader to the Valley of Speed. Then July 19th, 20th, and 21st brings another crowd pleaser the USHRA Monster Jam Summer Nationals.
July 25th sees the WoO Sprint Car Series returns to the Valley of Speed, then on August 26th, it’s the coveted Mr. DIRT Track USA 100 lap DirtCar Series Race for a cool $17,500 to win! September 18th marks the Fall Brawl 50 $1,000 to win 50 lap Budget Sportsman Feature Event, and the closing of the 58th Season.
For more information, tickets, or to see the full 2010 schedule, visit our website at www.LebanonValley.com, or to order your season tickets, call the Speedway Offices during normal business hours at (518) 794-9606 or (518) 794-9965.
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MODIFIED TOUR PART OF HILLBILLY WEEKEND AT WVMS
Officials of The Modified Tour, Inc. and Mountain State Motorsports Promotions, LLC, along with renowned promoter Carl Short, are pleased to announce the addition of the Big Block Modifieds to the prestigious Hillbilly 100 weekend at West Virginia Motor Speedway. The cars and stars of the BRP/Hoosier Modified Tour will get two cracks at the big track located in Mineral Wells, WV over the Labor Day weekend. Plans call for two complete programs capped by thirty lap features on Friday, September 3, and Saturday, September 4. Each race will pay $1,500 to win. Every one of the thirty cars starting the features will receive at least $225.
"We are really excited about this event," said Modified Tour President Lou Long. He started thinking about a two-day program for West Virginia last season, when the Modified Tour lost its Mountaineer 40 to rain, "I spent plenty of time that afternoon talking with Dan Patterson about the concept, and he was receptive to it." At the time, Patterson was part of the BDS promotional team that operated a different track in the Mountain State. "Little did I know that the idea would blossom into this," Long added.
"We enjoyed working with the Modified Tour and had great success in the first two races we promoted," noted Brian Ferrell, another member of the BDS group. BDS became Mountain State Motorsports, LLC when the principals moved to their new venue. Ferrell continued, "we knew that we wanted to bring the Modifieds to our new track and we thought that adding them to the Hillbilly weekend would be a great fit." He concluded, "we are looking forward to growing this event in the years ahead."
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Tickets On Sale to See Big-Block Modified Champion Crowned At Season-Ending World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. (March 12, 2010) - Big-Block Modified fans will have the opportunity to witness history as their series champion will be crowned during the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Nov.4-6.
For the first time in 34 years the Super DIRTcar Series will end their season outside of New York State, and alongside the World of Outlaws sprint cars and late models. All three series will come together for a gigantic three-day event at The Dirt Track at Charlotte to decide their respective champions.
With renewals for The Dirt Track completed, Big-Block Modified fans making their first trip to the World of Outlaws World Finals can now purchase their tickets and reserve a seat to this spectacular event.
"With Big-Block Modified racing becoming more and more popular, their addition to the World of Outlaws World Finals will add even more excitement to an already action-packed event," said Seamus Curley, director of events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "After a successful end to the 2009 season with a standing-room-only crowd for the World Finals, ticket sales for this year's event are already outpacing last year's by nearly 50 percent."
Big-Block driver and rising star, Matt Sheppard, will be among the drivers scheduled to compete at the four-tenths-mile clay oval. Sheppard ended the 2009 season with the biggest Super DIRTcar Series win of his career in the Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds.
This year, Sheppard has already claimed two victories at Volusia Speedway Park, and is proving he is primed and ready for a championship run that will likely be decided at The Dirt Track in November.
"The Dirt Track at Charlotte is a true short track and that's a great way to finish up our points race," said Sheppard. "The Super DIRTcar Series is geared up for short tracks, and that's what Big-Block Modified racing in the Northeast is all about. It's a side-by-side, bump and grind style that we're known for, and the fans are in for a real treat."
Record seven-time Hoosier Tire-VP Racing Fuels Mr. DIRTcar champion, Brett Hearn, will be among the drivers looking to pursue the season-ending championship at The Dirt Track. Other contenders with their eyes on the top prize will likely include Billy Decker, Justin Haers, Danny and Alan Johnson, Jimmy and Ryan Phelps, Gary Tomkins and Mike Storms.
"These are the types of events that every racer wants to be a part of, ones with a national audience, a top-notch facility and a championship on the line," said Sheppard. I don't think anyone will leave much on the table with it being the last show of the year."
The Dirt Track at Charlotte features stadium-style seating along the frontstretch and all events are family priced with special children's tickets available for those ages 12 and under. In addition, fans who purchase tickets in advance will recive a free pit pass to see the stars and cars up close.
Tickets to the World Finals, Nov. 4-6, or any other event at The Dirt Track can be obtained by calling the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455 FANS or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
Convenient, interest-free payment plans and affordable mulit-day ticket packages are available. Connect with The Dirt Track at Charlotte by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thedirttrack or becoming a fan of The Dirt Track at Charlotte Facebook page.
Big-Block Modified news is available online at www.superdirtcarseries.com and www.dirtcar.com. Sign up on www.twitter.com/SuperDIRTcar and receive updates all season long.
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