Hello again race fans. This evening the pro stocks take center stage at Port Royal Speedway. A 20 lap race honoring the late Deryl Stong will be presented. Stong was a total racer in every way. He drove cars, sponsored others in the pro stock class and also built engines for competitors.
Stong left this world way too early due to heart problems. He was liked and respected by friends and competitors alike. His family has kept his legacy alive by sponsoring this race until they sold their business. Miller Auto Parts has stepped up to keep the tradition alive. Tonight Stong will again be honored for his contributions to the sport.
The sprint cars and late models are also part of tonight's race program at Port Royal. The late models also have a make up race. Action starts at 7:30 p.m.
Chad Layton holds a 55 point lead over Rick Lafferty in Port Royal sprint car action. Scotty Haus is 25 points ahead of Tim Wilson entering late model action this evening.
Also this evening, Selinsgrove Speedway hosts a regular program of sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunner cars. Action gets under way at 7:30.
Lincoln Speedway hosts the Weldon Sterner Memorial for 410 sprint cars. They also run 358 sprinters and thundercars.
The Lucas Oil Late Model series visits the Hagerstown Speedway tonight and the 50 lap A-Main will feature the best drivers in the country. Pure stocks are also part of the show.
Sunday night, Susquehanna Speedway Park hosts the small block modifieds and sportsman for a special event. Race time is 6 p.m.
Locally, Josh Dressler will make his first start of 2010 this evening at Port Royal Speedway. Dressler's No. 007 car has been on the sideline waiting for an engine and is finally ready to go. The Juniata County sprint car driver should do well and I wish him luck.
The locals did it again last week as Lance Dewease beat the World of Outlaws at Lernerville Speedway on Tuesday and Williams Grove on Friday. Greg Hodnett won the finale of the Summer Nationals on Saturday night at the Grove. That makes it 10 out of the last 12 times that the PA Posse has beaten the Outlaws. I think local dominance is back against the Outlaws and that's a good thing for local racing.
Cody Darrah is almost ready to test in a sprint car, but it's unlikely that he will be ready to race any time soon. Darrah's leg is still weak and needs more rehab. The Williams Grove National Open in October is looking realistic for Darrah's return. Originally, Darrah was hoping to be ready for Knoxville.
Kasey Kahne's foundation will present its fundraiser race at Williams Grove next Thursday. Kahne and Kyle Busch will be in attendence and have plans to race in the event.
Don't forget the Dream Race Extreme at Port Royal is planned for August 7. Jed Donahue will do a live broadcast with drivers from the Infield Restaurant & Tavern starting at 8:00 a.m. that morning. This will be a good time for fans to see their favorite drivers and get autographs. Donahue is the host of the PA Sports Network radio show that airs on WCHX 105.5 FM locally. The Dream Race will pay the winner $15,000 and fireworks are also part of the program.
The Knoxville Nationals are quickly approaching and will pay the winner $150,000 with each driver that makes the main event earning at least $9,500 to start. The Nationals run from August 11-14.
Doug Esh is filling in for Jac Haudenschild who broke his hand. Esh drove the No. R19 sprint car owned by Carnathan Motorsports and won a World of Outlaws feature at Lebanon Valley Speedway last Sunday night. Esh beat Steve Kinser for the win.
In the world of NASCAR, Pocono is the site this week for the Cup cars. ESPN has TV coverage tomorrow. Race time is 1:00 p.m. Denny Hamlin is the defending race champion and was also the winner at Pocono earlier this season. Jamie McMurray the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis last week. McMurray joins Jimmie Johnson and and Dale Jarrett as the only drivers to win the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year.
Kevin Harvick is still the current Cup points leader with six races remaining before the chase begins.
That's going to do it for this week. I'll be back next week with more news and opinions. Until then, please drive safely!
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel. He is associated with Port Royal Speedway.
