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LATE MODELS ADDED TO SUNDAY NIGHT CARD AT TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY FOR 2008
by Brian Spaid
November 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN, PA .. Tri-City Speedway officials announced this weekend
that Late Models have been added to the weekly Sunday night card at the
Venango County half-mile oval. The Late Models will join the E Mods,
Pro Stocks and "Sunday Night Thunder" Cars in 2008.
In the near future, Tri-City Co-Promoters Mike Graham and Roger
Crick will decide upon one more weekly division. Still under consideration
are the Super Sprints, Super Late Models, Big Block Modifieds and Small
Block Modifieds.
"We believe that we need to focus on the future of racing at
Tri-City, not the past," said Graham. "After examining all of our options, we
have concluded that adding Late Models to the weekly card will produce
the best show, and provide our drivers and race teams the ability to
continue to compete in an affordable division, and our fans will be able
to continue to watch their local heroes."
Tri-City's Late Model division will be based on economical motor
rules with certain restrictions. Teams will be allowed to use GM 602 or
604 engines. The remainder of the Late Model rules will be published at a
later date.
"At this time, we have not committed to sanction our Late Models
with FASTRAK," added Graham. "Although that is still an option, we know
that many, many race teams have been holding off on decisions for their
2008 season while waiting for our announcement. Now, those teams can
move forward with their plans. Likewise, we are currently working on
sponsorship for the Late Model division and we will be able to make a
further announcement at a later date."
The Late Models appear to be the wave of the future in the region as
the division continues to grow in popularity. The Late Model division
that will compete at Tri-City races under similar rules at Mercer
Raceway Park, Raceway 7, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, McKean
County Raceway and Dog Hollow Speedway. The Super Late Models also compete
annually at Tri-City's Oil Region Labor Day Classic under the sanction
of the World of Outlaws. The Super Late Models last competed at
Tri-City on a weekly basis in 1997. Robbie Blair was the track champion a
decade ago.
Having a significant impact on Graham and Crick's decision was the
fact that a number of local drivers and teams are expected to compete in
the class. Scott and Chad Myers, Bobby Powell and Stephen Hollabaugh,
and Dave Ferry should return to competition at Tri-City. E Mod track
champion Carl McKinney will now be able to race in two divisions. Other
drivers rumored to have expressed interest in racing Late Models at
Tri-City include Super Late Model racers Robbie Blair, Dick Barton, Brent
Rhebergen, Matt Lux and Darrell Bossard. Other E Mod and Pro Stock
drivers that have indicated that they want to move into the Late Model
division include Pro Stock track champion Doug Iorio II, Bobby Whitling,
Jason Reagle, Andy Buckley and Russ Coyne.
Graham and Crick continue to solicit comments from racers and fans
about divisions and special events, and everyone is encouraged to
contact them via e-mail at speedway@tricityspeedway.com.
Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and
Mike and Margaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at
the popular facility since they reopened it in 1996. The Late Models, E
Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County
half-mile dirt oval. Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin,
Pa., off State Route 417. |
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