|
Volunteer Speedway to host Fastrak Racing Series on Saturday, Sept. 29
BULLS GAP, Tenn. — The Carnesville, Ga.-based Fastrak Racing Series will be making an appearance at Volunteer Speedway for a $2,000-to-win, 50 lap event on Saturday, Sept. 29. This show will serve as a test-and-tune session for when competitors' from all over the country will return the third weekend (Oct. 19-20) in October for the grand finale event in the three-race shootout that will determine the overall Fastrak national champion, which will be worth $50,000 to the winning driver from the richest points fund in grassroots short-track racing.
Also racing Saturday, Sept. 29 will be the “Gateway Ford” Super Late Models, “Rusty Wallace Toyota” Hobby Stocks and “Century 21 Masengill-McCrary Realtors” Mini Stocks, and the features will be points-awarding events.
The Fastrak organization is based on the General Motors crate-engine program, using both the 602 and 604 engine types. All teams utilize Goodyear Racing Tires as the spec-tire allowing teams tremendous savings in both engine and tire expense. The national championship of the Fastrak Racing Series is one of the largest in the United States totaling over $250,000 for the 2007 season.
"We're really looking forward to making another visit to Volunteer Speedway, because it feels like going back home to visit with family," said Stan Lester, CEO/Founder of the Fastrak Racing Series. "Track owners Joe and Phyllis Loven opened their arms and embraced the series from the beginning, and they've continued to be strong supporters. A strong field of drivers will be present for this show. Along with the always tough local competition at 'The Gap,' many out of state competitors will use this race to get some seat-time and familiarize themselves with the fast speeds on the famed high banks.
"When they (racers) return later in October for the grand finale round of the Fastrak Racing Series 'Grand National Shootout' ... it looks like we'll be seeing in excess of 70 drivers competing from 23 states. Drivers with the series have been anticipating this national touring event at Volunteer Speedway for some time and have had it marked on their calendar. A lot of money will be on the line. Not just the $50,000 that will go to the overall national champion, but points fund money that will be awarded back through the field. And who will be crowned the Fastrak national champion; it will be determined in East Tennessee."
A stellar field of Fastrak competitors' are expected to be present. Both the Southern and Mideast Fastrak Racing Series regional titles are up for grabs this Saturday at "The Gap." John Llewellyn of Knoxville, Tenn., currently stands atop the points leaderboard in both divisions, but his two closest challengers – Lee Cooper of Greer, S.C. and David McCoy of Franklin, N.C. – are within six of the points leader. William Thomas of Phenix City, Ala., is lurking close behind the leading trio. Each regional championship is worth $5,000, with the top 10 in points receiving money.
Heading the list of of Volunteer Speedway drivers that will be in action is current points leader Bobby Mays of Jonesborough, who has already wrapped up his first Crate Late Model title with one points race remaining on the schedule. Mays has recorded a division-best five feature wins in 2007. Two other Jonesborough racers, Kelly Glass and Jerry Broyles, sit second and third, respectively, in the track point standings, followed by Tony Trent of Morristown in fourth, with Brad Kenyon of Chuckey in fifth.
Shanon Buckingham of Morristown, Warren McMahan of Dandridge, Todd Brooks of Greeneville, James Cole of Sevierville, Josh Henry of Newport, Ricky Moore of Greeneville, Greg Burchett of Church Hill, Allen Champ of Morristown, John King Jr. of Kingsport, Brad Dyer of Mohawk, and Greeneville's Joe Good are additional drivers expected to be present.
Time trials, heats and last chance consolations are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 29 for the Fastrak Racing Series Crate Late Models, with the night's racing program highlighted by the $2,000-to-win main event. The top-six will be locked into the lineup based on qualifying time, with their starting positions determined through draw down on the front straightaway when they are paired-up with a lucky child from the grandstands who will select where their respective driver will line up for the feature. Prior to the start of the feature the drivers' in the field will participate in the cash tennis ball toss into the grandstands.
The pit gate will open on Saturday at 3 p.m. and the grandstand gate opens at 5 p.m. Hotlaps are tentatively slated to begin at 7 p.m., to be followed immediately by qualifying and racing action once time-trials finish.
Adult grandstand admission is $10, children 6-12 $2, with 5-and-under admitted free. Pit passes and backside tier-parking $30 per person for any age.
***NOTE: There will be an open practice night on Friday, Sept. 28 scheduled from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. for all competitors. The pit gate will open Friday evening at 5 o'clock. Pit admission will be $25, and for fans who wish to watch from the grandstands there will be no charge.
Volunteer Speedway: (423) 235-5020 www.volunteerspeedway.com
Track Office (Weekdays Only): (423) 378-5942
Robert Walden-Public Relations Director: (423) 928-9644 |
|
