The 305 sprint cars are racing tonight at Port Royal Speedway. Also in action are the 410 sprint cars, late models, super sportsman, and powder puff cars. The 305 sprint cars were added to the program and did not make track advertising.
Last week's racing was rained out at the Juniata County oval. The Kids Night big wheel, big foot and bicycle races will be made up July 25.
The 410 sprint cars have next week off as they race at Williams Grove as part of the two-day Summer Nationals. Next week's Port Royal program will include late models, pro stocks, enduro cars, super sportsman and 305 sprint cars. Talk about a full night. fans will definitely get their money's worth the next two weeks.
Lincoln Speedway got its show in last Saturday night after a rain delay. Doug Esh picked up the win. Esh ran fourth last Friday at Williams Grove.
Cody Darrah won last Friday's Williams Grove feature after starting 12th. Who says you can't pass in today's sprint car world? Granted, you have to have everything right, but I've seen Todd Shaffer in particular pass a bunch of cars while starting in the middle of the pack.
Selinsgrove Speedway is paying $2,000 to win tonight in both the 358 sprint cars and late models with additional money posted by the sponsor of Jeff Rine's late model racer.
Bedford Speedway hosted the Three States Flyers late model series last night. The series moves on this evening to Winchester (Va.) Speedway, where the Paul Johnson Memorial 35-lap. $3,000-to-win A-main will be run. There's also a makeup 40-lap Three State feature as well.
How about Tony Stewart? The man continues to amaze me. Stewart won the Lou Blaney 410 sprint car Memorial race July 7 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio. The race had an impressive field that include Stewart, Dale and Dave Blaney, Kasey Kahne and the best western Pennsylvania and Ohio racers. Stewart drove his white Old Spice No. 14 car.
Jason Covert survived a three hour rain delay last Saturday night to win the $2,500 dollar late model feature at Hagerstown Speedway. Covert added $325 in lap money. Jack Pencil finished second.
It's nice to see veteran racer Shawn Claar won the Thunder Valley late model feature last Saturday night. Claar beat out Scott Rhodes, Wayne Johnson, and Greg Fetters to get the win.
The All Star Circuit of Champions race at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin on Sunday.
Next week is the Don Martin Memorial at Lernerville Speedway. The race will feature twin 30-lap features this year. It's also time for the annual sprint car summit, which is held in Pittsburgh. Look for tires to be the main subject of discussion. The agreement with Hoosier Tires will be ending and other tire companies want a chance to compete. Speaking of tires, I believe I read that Goodyear wants a chance to build Indy Car tires again. Firestone has been the driving force there recently.
Daryn Pittman and Cody Darrah are heading west for tonight's King's Royale race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Tony Stewart owns the track and continues to make improvements, the latest being sky boxes.
I witnessed the worst street stock crash I have ever seen July 10 at Bedford Speedway. Daryl Whetstone made contact with the front stretch wall and both barrel rolled and end over end flipped. I would guess Whetstone went over at least seven times. His car was as high as the top of the catch fence while upside down. Whetstone later found out he had broken a rib. Whetstone received a standing ovation when he climbed from the car. Whetstone smiled and waved to the crowd before walking to the ambulance for a check up. The car held up very well for what it went through. However, it is a total loss and his team is already building another car.
In the world of NASCAR, Martin Truex's Chevy was found to be too high during post race inspection at Chicagoland Speedway. The car was impounded by NASCAR and taken to Concord, N.C., for further inspection.
General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy protection already. GM was only there for 40 days. Minor changes were made to NASCAR contracts, but it's business as usual according to Hendrick Motorsports.
That's going to do it for this week. I'll be back next time with more news and opinions. I hope to see you at a speedway!
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel. He is associated with Port Royal Speedway.
