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LUCAS OIL SHOOTOUT CLOSING FAST:
Drivers face difficult off-track choices
May 3, 2007 From Erica Bicknell Lucas Oil Shootout Public Relations 905-892-8266
THOROLD, Ontario (May 3) A number of Lucas Oil 5 for 5 Member Tracks have opened, and Sportsmen Drivers have participated in Practice Sessions and even Time Trials in preparation for the 2007 Season.
Drivers set to compete at Friday Night Tracks – Ransomville and Ohsweken Speedways, Saturday Night Tracks Genesee and Merrittville Speedway and the lone Sunday night Track – Humberstone Speedway – all have some difficult questions to answer – which will be my Home Track?
Prior to the Sunday May 27th Lucas Oil Shoot-Out at Humberstone Speedway drivers must declare a Home Track via forms that will be available to race teams at the Port Colborne Ontario Event.
“Southern Ontario and Western New York race fans can be proud that they are able to witness such dynamic events at their local tracks,” prides DirtTrackDigest.com’s Adam Ross. “Local racing is what we are all about. Once again the points races should be so close. Let’s bring it on.”
Rob Pratt made his first full season at Ohsweken Speedway count in 2006 as the New York native won the Points Championship, and while waiting for the 2007 Season to begin has been quite busy in his home New York State setting fast time at both Ransomville and Genesee Speedways on the same day.
“It will definitely be a top event of our 50th Season,” relates Ransomville Speedway’s Joel Friesen. “We’ll be watching with anticipation how the first four events will set the stage for the finale here in August.”
Also quick out of the box has been second generation Western NY driver Steve Schumacher who shares the front row opening night with Pratt at Ransomville and was just off the pace at Genesee.
Schumacher finished in 7th spot for the best showing of the two in the final Shootout Series last season with a high - or should we say low - point earning of 2 for a 2nd at Genesee’s Event.
Joining Pratt in the top two spots at Genesee is Bob Richmond Jr. who is new to the Series in 2007 if he should decide to follow the 5 events.
“Once again, if the Lucas Oil Cup is coming to New York it would be an honor to have a Genesee driver bring it home to Batavia in my rookie season,” boasts former Sprint Car Driver turned Promoter Mike Lauterborn.
Merrittville Speedway is home to the 2006 Lucas Oil Shootout Sportsman Series Champion who last season won the first two events at Humberstone and Ohsweken en route to the inaugural title.
In Merrittville’s Test, Tune and Time Trial night held Saturday April 21st – two former Kart Racers were locked into the Thorold track’s Opening Night front row as sophomore Driver Mark D’Ilario and veteran Chad Chevalier set fast times.
Wayne Conn – last year’s Lucas Oil Shootout Champion has used consistency to win three career Merrittville Sportsmen Titles and although timing 6th fastest – will no doubt use the same attack as he prepares to defend his two titles.
“Obviously we’d be ecstatic if Wayne repeated as Shootout Champion,” challenges Merrittville GM Erica Bicknell. “Our Event last year was quite dramatic when rookie driver Anthony Rizzardo won his first ever feature. The 2007 edition should provide similar thrilling results at each track.”
Humberstone Speedway recently held its Test and Tune Day Sunday April 29th and enjoyed a healthy turn-out of Sportsmen Cars.
“I think race fans are going to be surprised at the performances of many of the ‘07 rookies we share,” related Humberstone GM Bob Davidson. “Drivers like Rick Bellante really impressed, but then veterans like (2006 Champion) Dave Dykstra and others looked just as fast.”
Local Sportsman teams have yet to turn a lap at the Ohsweken Speedway but all eyes will be focused on the Glenn Styres-owned facility when the Test and tune Session takes to the track Friday May 11th in preparation for the Speedway Variety Season Opener May 18th.
With the large amount of rookie Sportsman drivers at each of the 5 DIRT Northeast member tracks will last year’s turnout of 77 cars be surpassed?
As the Lucas Oil Sportsmen Shootout Series unfolds – which drivers will rise to the top with the lowest number of points?
And most importantly which driver will pick what home track in preparation for the Lucas Oil Cup Event at the Brighton Speedway – Friday September 21st?
“The season hasn’t begun yet and interest in our fall event is gaining momentum every day,” reveals Brighton Speedway’s Mark Rinaldi. “The picture will be a lot clearer when the 2007 Lucas Oil Sportsman Shootout launches at Humberstone Speedway on May 27th.”
The Lucas Oil 358 Modified Shootout Series is also preparing to kick off its return with the first event set for Ransomville Speedway with another 50th Season highlight 50 lap Event – Friday May 25th.
For further rules and information on the 2nd Annual Lucas Oil Shootout by DirtTrackDigest.com – race teams can contact Merrittville’s Erica Bicknell at 905-892-8266. Ransomville’s Jeff Anstett can be reached via e mail at jeff061@hotmail.com or visit any of the 5 tracks’ individual web sites.
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