Archive for Short Track
BIG CROWDS FILL THE AISLES DURING THREE DAY MOTORSPORTS 2012 SHOW
Posted by: | Comments
Tony Stewart’s # 14 Sprint Cup car at Motorsports 2012
NEWS FROM:
MOTORSPORTS 2012 PRESENTED BY VP’S SEF SMALL ENGINE FUELS
RACE CAR AND TRADE SHOW
Promoter: Len Sammons @ 609.888.3618
MEDIA CONTACT: Ernie Saxton Communications, Inc.
Ernie Saxton @ 215.752.7797
Fax: 215.752.1518
Cell: 267.934.7286
Email: Esaxton144@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE WITH OUR THANKS
—————————————————————————————————–
BIG CROWDS MAKE MOTORSPORTS 2012 A SUCCESS STORY FOR 27TH YEAR
OAKS, PA January 23, 2011 . . . Large crowds jammed the aisles and exhibitors did brisk business at the Motorsports 2012 Presented by SEF Small Engine Fuels Race Car and Trade Show. Racers, fans and promoters filled the three day show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center to see just about everything imaginable in motorsports. Attendance was up considerably over past years for Friday and on the closing day, Sunday. A big crowd filled the Expo on Saturday despite the first winter storm to hit the area this season.
NASCAR Sprint Cup star Matt Kenseth, four time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, drag racing legend Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, five time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion crew chief Chad Knaus, former NASCAR star now SPEED TV personality Jimmy Spencer and a host of other well known figures in the sport were on hand to visit with fans and sign autographs.
“Our sales were good this year and every year. We know the market, the people know we are going to be here and give them good prices,” said Jeff Behrent of Behrent’s Performance Warehouse (Florida, NY).
Other vendors, filling more than 600 exhibit areas, shared the same enthusiasm about the show with several already making plans to return with the show takes place again in January, 2013.
No less than 250 race vehicles representing a wide variety of motorsports were won display and enjoyed by the fans.
Attendees also had the opportunity to visit various speedway displays collecting information on the 2012 season that will help them make plans for the events they want to attend.
“We do this show to meet the racing public, get exposure, and give something back to the sport, “ said VP Racing Fuels’ Fred Turza. “The Motorsports show has been excellent for what we are trying to achieve.”
One of the many highlights of the show was the annual BPG Racing Ms Motorsports Pageant won this year by Ms. Samantha Legas. The 20-year-old resident of Savannah, NY picked up $1,500 as the new Ms. Motorsports and will now represent the show through a number of personal appearances at motorsports events throughout 2012.
“I never expected to win Ms. Motorsports since I never had entered a pageant before,” said Legas. “I enjoy modeling, I enjoy racing and this is an opportunity to do both. I’m really looking forward to it.”
First Runner-up was 21-year-old Kasey Missimer of Bechtelsville, PA representing NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway. Kasey also has the opportunity to be Miss AARN. Should Legas not be able to fulfill her obligations as Ms. Motorsports Kasey would step in.
Second Runner-up honors went to Mindy English of Addison, NY. The Dangerous Wines Swimsuit Winner was Kimmie Trout of Reading, PA.
The MetalFab sponsored Sunday activities included the Little Miss Motorsports Pageant with eight year old Carlee Strunk, daughter of 358 Modified racer Glenn Strunk, of Bechtelsville, PA earning the title. First Runner-up was Brianna Carter of New Egypt, NJ with Second Runner-up honors going to Kylie Murray of Pottstown, PA.
In the Tiny Miss Motorsports Pageant seven year old Samantha Idele of Southampton, NJ walked off with the top prize while First Runner-up honors went to Raclyn Eisenhard who calls Reading, PA home. Second Runner-up was Samantha Grice of Newark, Delaware.
Also on Sunday Joshua Fisher lead Jacob Reinfendifer and Cody West across the finish line in the 7-9 bracket of the Big Wheel racing action. Shane Rothman was tops in the 5-6 year old class with Bryce Smith and Gunnar Zeiner (son of late model racer Zane Zeiner) following. Mia Hirschman, granddaughter of asphalt modified racer Tony Hirschman Sr., won the 3-4 year old feature with Mackenzie Adams and Lainden Hinds finishing second and third.
Best Booth Awards were earned by:
Best In Show: Four Star Lettering
Best Commercial Booth: DMI
Best Quarter Midget Booth: Doylestown Quarter Midgets (Honeybrook)
Best Vintage Club: Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club
Best Speedway Booth: NASCAR sanctioned Grandview Speedway
Best Car Award went to:
Best Stock Car: Matt Jester (BD Media Booth)
Best Open Cockpit Car: Nick Schlauch, Sr. (Lincoln Speedway Booth)
Best Drag Car: Mike Clayboss 1970 Buick (VP Booth)
Best Vintage Stock Car: Frankie Schneider Sedan (Nazareth Reunion)
Best Vintage Open Cockpit Car: “White Phantom” (Flemington Historical)
Plans for the 2013 edition the Motorsports show will be announced shortly. Companies wishing to get on the mailing list to receive 2013 exhibitor information, which will be available in less than a month, can do so by writing to motorsports@aarn.com. Fans can also join the mailing list by writing to the same address.
“We would love to hear from show attendees/fans/racers with their opinions about the show,” said show producer Len Sammons. “We are always looking for suggestions regarding the show. We think we had a great show this time around but we always feel there is room for improvement.”
MEDIA NOTE: Our thanks to all of you for making this another successful event. Ernie Saxton on behalf of Len Sammons Productions.
ERNIE SAXTON COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Motorsports Marketing - Sponsorship Consultant
Columnist- Broadcaster
215.752.7797 - PA. Office
386-677-5152 - Florida until March 16
267.934.7286 - cell/text
Esaxton144@aol.com
www.saxtonsponsormarket.com
Tri-State RaceSaver® Series to Debut in 2010
Posted by: | Comments
The 2010 Tri-State RaceSaver® Series will run at Bridgeport and New Egypt Speedways.
Delaware Valley sprint car fans will have something extra to look forward to in 2010 with the recent formation of the Tri-State RaceSaver® Series, featuring RaceSaver® 305 engine rules. The affordable RaceSaver® program has gained much attention and popularity nationwide over the past decade. The GM 305 ci motors crank out over 400 horsepower.
The 2010 TSRS schedule is expected to have a handful of events each at Bridgeport (NJ) and New Egypt (NJ) Speedways, with a possible one or two additional races at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA. The 2010 season will likely allow for a transition phase for the Bridgeport Limited Sprints and the Super Sportsman Sprints that ran at New Egypt. Bridgeport hosted two RaceSaver® 305 events in 2009.
There will be a meeting for all interested participants (drivers, team owners, etc.) this coming Sunday to discuss the 2010 TSRS. (Note: Rescheduled to January 10 due to snow.)
When: Sunday, December 20 January 10, 1:00pm ET
Where: Neshaminy Mall — Uno Chicago Grill (Rockhill Drive side of the Mall parking lot)
Address: Route 1 and Bristol Road, Bensalem, PA, 19020
Point of contact for the TSRS is Joe Grandinetti (e-mail: racinjoe23@yahoo.com; phone: (215) 355-0510). Web site: http://www.tsrs1.com/new_page_2.htm
USAC Eastern Swing Kicks Off at Grandview
Posted by: | Comments
The third annual USAC Eastern Swing is ready to kick off the week of racing with the first event for the USAC National Sprint Cars at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA on Tuesday, June 2. Three other events will be held in Pennsylvania.
Grandview will feature two 25-lap features for the sprint cars, one a make-up from last year’s rain-out. Also on the card is the wingless ARDC midgets.
The tour will then move over to Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA on Wednesday, June 3, where ARDC will also be the companion series. Big Diamond Raceway in Minersville, PA will host the Thursday, June 4 race. The Eastern Swing wraps up Saturday night (June 6) with USAC Sprint’s first trip to the 3/8-mile Mercer (PA) Raceway Park.
Dave Darland leads Levi Jones by 12 points in the National Sprint Car championship. Jesse Hockett is in third, 18 points back.
If you’re in the area — come on out and check out non-winged sprint car racing. It’s awesome!
In the meantime, re-live some of the action from the first Eastern Swing in 2007:
Night 1 — Grandview Speedway
Night 3 — Hagerstown (MD) Speedway
New Egypt, Wall Ready to Go
Posted by: | CommentsHas this been the longest off-season or what? It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been out to a race track. Fortunately the weather’s going to be nice this weekend so it’s time to get out and have some fun.
Saturday, April 18 is opening night for New Egypt (NJ) Speedway. The track has been slightly re-configured for the 2009 season and has all new clay. The new layout features wider turns and more banking. Opening day will consist of the third race of the Tri-Track Modified Challenge Series (race two at Bridgeport was rained out last week) for big-block modifieds, and Sportsman and Outlaw Stock features. Warm-ups begin at 5:15pm. In my experience, New Egypt is one of the nicest short track facilities in the area.
Turkey Derby XXXV was the only race run at Wall Stadium in 2008, but the track is back in action for the 2009 season.
And here’s some good news: after being dormant last year, Wall (NJ) Stadium will be re-opening in 2009 with a limited schedule. The season also begins this Saturday with a 100-lap race for the SK/Wall Modifieds, a pair of 25-lap features for Sportsman and Street Stocks, and two 20-lap features for Legends Cars and Factory Stocks. The main events begin at 7pm with qualifying in the late afternoon hours.
After last year we all thought the one-third mile, high-banked asphalt track was closed for good, but “Racing at the Jersey Shore” is back for 2009. The Open Tour Type Modifieds will be returning to Wall on Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, June 13. Late Model stock cars will make their first appearance at the track on Saturday, June 27. Turkey Derby XXXVI is scheduled for November 27 and 28.
So if you’re in the area, come on out to one of the tracks and enjoy the spring weather and some good, family-oriented entertainment!
URC, Bridgeport Open Seasons April 11
Posted by: | CommentsThe United Racing Company (URC) and Bridgeport (NJ) Speedway will open their 2009 seasons together this Saturday night, April 11. URC is celebrating its 62nd year of sprint car racing and will visit tracks in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania this year.
Dave Ely won the URC opener at Bridgeport Speedway in 2008. Ely has moved to 410-sprint racing in PA for 2009.
Like last year, URC is kicking off its 26-race season at one of the fastest tracks on the circuit, Bridgeport Speedway in South Jersey. The big 5/8ths-mile dirt oval has hosted more URC races than all other tracks except Delaware International. Curt Michael is the defending series champion (with five straight championships).
In addition to the 25-lap URC feature, Bridgeport will open its 38th racing season with a 30-lap big block modified feature — the second race in the Tri-Track Modified Challenge Series. The first race, held at Georgetown (DE) Speedway on Saturday, was won by Jimmy Horton. Also on the card are races for the 358 and GM Sportsman divisions. Warm-ups begin at 5pm.
Bridgeport’s regular Friday night racing program of 270-cc and 600-cc micro-sprints and 4-cylinder stock cars also begins this week on the 1/4-mile.
For more information: URC Sprints, Bridgeport Speedway, Bridgeport 1/4-Mile.
Georgetown, Grandview Set for Season Openers Apr. 4
Posted by: | CommentsGeorgetown (DE) Speedway and Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, PA are set to officially open their 2009 racing seasons on Saturday, April 4.
The half-mile Georgetown Speedway will kick off its abbreviated season with the first race of the Tri-Track Big Block Modified Challenge Series. The ten-race series will be comprised of events at Bridgeport (NJ) and New Egypt (NJ) Speedways. The 35-lap race will share the card with Super Late Models, Crate Late Models, and Crate Modifieds. Warm-ups begin at 5pm. Later in the season, Georgetown will also host the United Racing Company Sprints on Labor Day weekend. More info at the track’s website: http://www.georgetownspeedway.com/.
Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, Grandview Speedway will open their season with a double header: a 40-lap feature for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Modifieds and a 20-lap race for Late Model stock cars. Official competition begins on the third-mile banked track at 7pm. The Thunder on the Hill Racing Series will return to Grandview this season with a handful of special events, including the URC Sprints, ARDC Midgets, 410 Sprints / PA Speedweeks, and a double-header for the USAC National Sprint Cars. More info at http://www.grandviewspeedway.com/.
I’ve written about the importance of supporting our local short tracks this season; here’s our chance!
Manzanita Speedway Petition
Posted by: | CommentsThe announcement that Manzanita Speedway has been sold and is closing in mid-April was a surprise to many of us. The track has been purchased by Southwest Rigging, which plans to level the track. There’s a petition at www.savethetracks.com that aims to prevent its demise. Check out the site for more information. Then, click over to the petition and sign it when you get the chance. (Hat-tip to Ken for the heads-up.)
I’ve never been to Manzy myself, but being from New Jersey I’m familiar with tracks closing down. I remember watching sprint races at Manzanita on TNN during the winter time in the ’90s.
It’s hard to imagine that they’re going to bulldoze a historic track just to use the land to store crane equipment. One would think that with all the land readily available in Arizona, there has to be a better site for crane storage.
According to The Arizona Republic, it sounds like the track has succumbed to what has become a common thread in short-track racing: lagging attendance and noise complaints of an encroaching residential population. Nevertheless, it seems the owners will be raking in a substantial profit from the sale.
Southwest Industrial Rigging purchased Manzanita from co-owner Mel and son Bobby Martin for an amount the younger Martin said was between “$10 (million) and $20 million.” The Martins bought the track, which encompasses 38 acres on the southeast corner of 35th Avenue and Broadway Road, in August 2007 for $3.5 million.
“I haven’t slept two hours a night since we agreed to sell two weeks ago,” said Bobby Martin, who is 59. “I was 2 years old when I first came to Manzanita. My dad helped build the track (in 1951). I own race cars, and we’ve spent $1 million for renovations.
“I thought we’d get 10 years out of it before we’d have to sell it. But attendance is down 40 percent, and we lost ($468,465) last year.
“We still had enough money to last several years. It’s just that the nail in the coffin was some environmental issues involving dust and also noise complaints from neighbors. We knew eventually we’d get closed down because of it.”
Bobby Martin said fans have been understandably upset with the news.
“A lot of people have called us and expressed their dissatisfaction,” Martin said. “Everybody feels like we didn’t give racing people a chance to buy it, but I didn’t know anyone out there with that kind of money. And even if there might have been, you still had the environmental issues. The county had two pages of complaints against us.”
My suspicion is that it had more to do with the money than the “environmental issues,” but we may never know. Either way, it’d be a shame if the track is closed.
