|
By Brian Spaid with Eric Westendorf
April 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN, PA . In an attempt to encourage more 358 Modified drivers
to join the DIRTcar Modified fields at Lernerville Speedway and
Tri-City Speedway this season, DIRTcar Northeast Director of Competition &
Track Sanctioning Cory Reed announced a weight break for the 358 Modified
competitors.
"The 358 Modifieds have always been able to enter the Big Block
Modified fields at Lernerville and Tri-City, but with less horsepower, they
have had very little possibility to actually be competitive," said
Reed. "The weight break should give them a more level playing field."
Per DIRTcar Rule 5.26.3: "During any Big Block event, all 358's
racing with the Big Block Modifieds must weigh a minimum of 2500 lbs. (tsp)
and also abide by all rules, as written for the 358's in the 2007 rule
book." Rule 5.26.3 goes on to state: "For the sake of fair
competition, some tracks may establish a variation to this procedure with
permission from DIRT MotorSports."
That permission has been granted by Reed. As such, the new weight
minimum for 358 Modifieds at both Lernerville and Tri-City Speedways
will heretofore be 2400 lbs. (tsp) and those teams must continue to abide
by all DIRTcar rules and procedures.
Lernerville Speedway General Manager Gary Risch Jr. believes this
will be a win-win-win situation.
"From the track's perspective, this rule amendment should increase
the car counts [at both tracks]," said Risch. "That in turn will give
the fans a better show for their money. Most importantly, for the drivers
it gives them a better chance to be competitive against the big guns
in the division like Brian Swartzlander, Del Rougeux Jr., Dave Murdick,
Jeremiah Shingledecker and Kevin Bolland."
At Tri-City Speedway, Co-Promoter Mike Graham noted that the
decision will expand opportunities for area 358 Modified teams to compete with
their Big Block Modified cousins and race more often.
"This is excellent news for these race teams," said Graham. "Most of
them compete at Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday nights. Now they have
three tracks where they can race and be competitive. We also hope to
see some teams outside the area travel a little farther to compete at
Lernerville and Tri-City."
The Ferrante Motor Cars and Engles Trucking DIRTcar Big Block
Modifieds will be on the track at Lernerville on April 18th and Tri-City on
April 27th for the start of the new racing season.
As previously announced, the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series
will make its return, after a two-year hiatus, to Lernerville for
"Modified Madness" on Friday September 12 as part of the two-day Advance
Auto Parts Autumn-Motive Fest. Currently, the series is not scheduled to
compete this season at Tri-City.
For more information, please contact the Tri-City Speedway track
office at (814) 473-4038.
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 DIRTcar Big
Block Modifieds, FASTRAK 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. |
|
