Sometimes a rainout is good.
Such is the case for fan's tonight at Port Royal Speedway. Two sprint car features will be run with race time slated for 6 p.m.
Last week's action was washed out just after the green flag dropped on the sprint car feature event. Keith Kauffman looked like the man to beat and will start tonight's makeup race from the pole. I doubt any one would have touched him as he dominated his heat race. Any hope of finishing the event was dashed when Justin Henderson flipped exiting turn four on the first lap.
With the rain out I had a chance to visit with current Port Royal officials and I must say that they are having fun working there. That is something that was missing at the track over the last five years. Todd Hestor, former sprint car driver and current tech man, showed another side of himself and cracked up all that were present. Steve O'Neal knows what has to be accomplished with the race track and he is working hard to make it happen. Shawn Brouse and Steve Arnold were also in the group and I think a good time was had by all. I doubt it will be the last time I hang with this crew.
While there I had a chance to listen to O'Neal's thoughts on tonight's makeup race. It won't happen at the start as has been previously done. O'neal wants to give the track a chance to widen out and that should make a better show for fans and racers.
As for me, sentimentally, I'm pulling for Keith Kauffman to win at least one race tonight.
Next week there will be two late model features and in two weeks the pro stock race will be made up.
Fans should note that the 6 p.m. start will stay in effect for another two weeks.
The sprint cars were flying last week at Port Royal. Fred Rahmer was turning laps in the 15.9 second range. The track record is around 15.6 and held by Tyler Walker.
Elsewhere tonight, Selinsgrove Speedway plans a regular show (358 sprint cars, late models, pro stocks and roadrunners) while Lincoln Speedway hosts 410 and 358 sprint cars plus thunder cars tonight.
Another point I should mention is that most area raceways have kids Easter activities planned this evening. The Easter Bunny will visit Port Royal Speedway and plenty of goodies will be given away. Get there early to enjoy.
I had a chance to speak with several drivers who felt that Port Royal Speedway is actually too fast right now and that it is going to make racing scary and difficult. One suggested banking be removed from the track to allow the drivers a chance to use more of the speedway and that the track would be wider and make better racing. I'm not sure what to thinkl about that but I will put that out there for discussion.
Don't forget the All Star Circuit of Champions will visit Port Royal later this month for the Bob Weikert Memorial Race. Justin Henderson is expected to fly the Weikert colors on his car.
Tonight the weather forecast is good and the racing should be great. Get out and support your favorite track and next week we will have plenty to talk about. Until then, please drive safely!
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Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.
