Weather Plays Games with Local Racing Efforts

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Wednesday May 7, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

The Dirt tracks of East Tennessee are facing a formidable opponent so far in 2008. We all recognize that the economy is slowing to a crawl and prices, especially fuel are running out of control. But the one thing track owners can’t prepare for is Mother Nature.
Crossville Raceway got in their third racing event of the season Friday, but the threatening skies and the threat of rain kept some fans and drivers away. No Crossville never did get rain, in fact it was a perfect night for racing. But fans and drivers are more leery of spending that precious fuel if they think there is a chance of a rain out. The Crossville track has been much more fortunate than many of the other area tracks.
This week Crossville Raceway will again make the fans, especially the KIDS, part of the show with Nickel Night. All the kids in the grandstand will be invited at intermission to go down on the track in search of nickels that the track workers will be spreading on the front straight. This is the third fan event so far, last week fans were invited to bring their street vehicles onto the track for a best of three, one on one single lap competition. It was all pick up trucks Friday with the winner taking home a big trophy. Two weeks earlier it was the KIDS foot races on the front straight. With 2 age groups competing four winners took the big prizes while all participants got track souvenirs.
The Mountain Raceway in Maryville has managed to get in only one of seven scheduled racing programs, all due to rain. They will try again this week with an Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series $3,000 Super Late Model Race, along with their regular weekly program.
Wartburg Speedway has been able to get in three of the five scheduled events so far. They will be hosting the Southern Regional Racing Series in a $3,000 Super Late Model race that was postponed from April 11.
Spring City Raceway has managed to fair better than most of the Saturday tracks getting in four races so far this year. They will run their regular weekly racing program Saturday.
411 Motor Speedway in Seymour has been able to get in five races so far. They will run a regular weekly racing program Saturday.
Tazwell Speedway has managed to get in three of seven scheduled events so far. They will run a regular weekly program this Saturday.
Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap has managed to get in just three of nine scheduled events. They will run a regular weekly racing program Saturday.
With the cost of fuel and the general economy down even Nascar has seen a drop in their attendance figures this year. So if you’re a race fan, or you have never tried it and are looking for an inexpensive night out for the family, why not head on down to your local dirt track this weekend. You just might find that you really have been missing some great entertainment right in your own back yard.

Crossville Raceway‘s $1000 to win UMP Open Wheel Modified

The 2008 racing season at Crossville Raceway is underway and so far the weather has been the tracks friend. May kicked off with a special events for the fans as a warm up for big racing action in June.
Kicking off June’s events is a $1,000.00 to win UMP Dirtcar Open Wheel Modified on Friday June 6, 2008. A long standing popular track for the Open Wheels the race is expected to draw a good car count. With several tracks running the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds on Saturdays in Kentucky and also the regulars from Clarksville Speedway, the night promises to produce a great entertainment value for the fans.
Over 3,000 drivers nationwide are registered to compete in the UMP Open Wheel Modified class, which continues to grow each season. The division’s unique style, affordability, standardized rules and competitiveness make it a popular choice for veteran ’weekend warriors’ and young racers on the rise.
In addition to the Open Wheel Modifieds, Crossville’s weekly racing classes will also compete. Classes included are the Late Model Sportsman, Pro Street, Modified Mini, Pure mini and the Cruiser cars. Gates open at 5 pm (CT) with hot laps at 6:30 and racing action beginning at 7:30 pm.
Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. With easy access from any of I-40’s 3 Crossville exits, the track is conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville and less than 30 minutes from Cookeville, Tn. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000 or visit us on the internet at http://geocities.com/crossvilleraceway

Crossville Raceway….. Tennessee’s Playground for POWER!

Nickel Night for the KIDS at Crossville Raceway

For the third in four weeks Crossville Raceway plans to get folks out of the Grandstand an onto the track, Friday May 9 with ‘Nickel Night for Kids’. All the Kids in the grandstand will be invited to come on down, onto the track for a hunt for nickels.
William and his crew at the track will be spreading nickels on the front straightaway, and the kids will have a free for all retrieving the loot. This is yet another effort to let the fans become involved more at the races.
On April 18th the kids got to compete for prizes with a foot race along the front straight. Two age groups competed with the winning boy and girl in each group receiving the Grand prizes. Every kid that participated went home with a track souvenir.
On May 2nd, The adult fans got their chance as we held our first “Fans - Side by Side Race”. Fans were invited to leave the grandstand and bring their Street car down onto the track in 1 on 1 elimination rounds. Only one fan showed up to start the competition, so William got his Clarksville - Stormpay.com - Speedway truck to run a best of 3. While William was loosing, two more fans arrived with their pick up trucks. The winner was presented with a huge Crossville Raceway trophy and had his ‘Feature Winner’ photo taken by track photographer Joe Dunn. During the photos, William and Chris competed in their trucks on the track. The winner of that competition was the Fans who enjoyed the antics of the track operators.
Crossville Raceway runs every Friday night for exciting dirt track racing action. With six exciting classes of racers, as well as special events and promotions to make the fans part of the action, Crossville raceway is an excellent family entertainment value.
Crossville Raceway can also assist your business or social group with our special Group prices and our hospitality packages, custom tailored to meet just your needs. Whether it’s a group of 15 or 200, we can make a night of racing, a special event for your customers, employees or your special group. For group sales and hospitality packages please contact Joe Dunn at (931) 200-2276 or email him at crossvilleraceway@onpitroad.com .
Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. With easy access from any of I-40’s 3 Crossville exits, the track is conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville and less than 30 minutes from Cookeville, Tn. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000

Crossville Raceway….. Tennessee’s Playground for POWER!

Kyle Busch grabs win #2

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN Friday May 2, 2008

By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com

With another big crash on the white flag lap, Kyle Busch rolled his Toyota under caution to the checkered flag in his best finish at Talladega Super Speedway.
In a race with 21 different leaders, it was Tony Stewart leading the most laps. But it was still not Tony’s day as a late race crash would leave him with a 38th place finish. Talladega’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. looked to be headed for a finish in the back, but by escaping the last lap crash he managed a top 10 finish. Following Busch across the line was Juan Pablo Montoya, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan and Brian Vickers in fifth. The series now head to Richmond this weekend.
On the local racing scene, The Southern Regional Racing Series stormed into Crossville Friday night with 44 Super Late Model cars registered for the 40 lap $3,000.00 to win Chris Sopha memorial race. Crossville’s own Brett Wyatt was the fastest qualifier, but it was Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga. who jumped out to an early lead. Crossville’s Randy Weaver got by Wyatt for second and held onto that spot for the remainder of the race. Billy ogle Jr. of Knoxville finished third as Wyatt finished 5th.
The track saw a huge crowd attending the race, and the Bread Of Life Rescue Mission got a boost to their food pantry from those fans. Pastor Ralph Reagan of the Bread of Life was at the track with his recently released book, Fallen, Felon, and Finally Faith. The book sales receipts are going toward the new building fund for the mission.
Other winners at Crossville Raceway included, Hannah Proffitt - Cruisers, Robert Edwards - Late Model Sportsman, Steve Mullinax - Open Wheel Modified, Pro Street - Mike Selby, Modified Mini - Bryan Gregory, and Pure Mini - J D Rector.
Saturday Night, the Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series visited Wartburg Speedway with a $5,000 to win event. The big winner was Stacy Boles, followed by Rich Rogers, Anthony White and Joe Armes. Other winners Saturday included, Sportsman - Mark Leach, Pure Street - Reagan Williams, Mini Stock - Darren Goins and FWD - Spunky Brown.
Crossville Raceway will conduct the regular weekly racing program Friday along with the Fans side by Side racing, where fans can compete on the track in their own car. Gates open at 5 pm. with hot laps at 6:30 pm and racing at 7:30 pm.

Fans Racing Returns to Crossville Raceway

On Friday May 2nd, in addition to the full card racing program with seven classes of action, the Fans at Crossville Raceway get to leave their seats and head onto the track.
Where the Fan gets to see what it is like to be on the dirt track and race Side by Side, Door to Door and Wheel to Wheel with their neighbor from the Grandstands. All it takes is a Pit Pass and a Street Car. Be part of the action as you compete in single lap elimination racing. The nights winner will receive a Crossville Raceway Trophy to recognize the Best of the Night. Don’t be left out, get a car and join the action ON THE TRACK!
Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. With easy access from any of I-40’s 3 Crossville exits, the track is conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville and less than 30 minutes from Cookeville, Tn. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000
Crossville Raceway….. Tennessee’s Playground for POWER!

Racing for The Bread of Life Rescue Mission

Crossville Raceway joins with the Bread of Life Rescue Mission of Crossville with a Canned Food Discount Admission, as the Southern Regional Racing Series will return to Crossville Raceway for a $3,000.00 to win Super Late Model Race.
Race fans attending the Friday April 25th event will receive a $5 discount for Adult or Senior admission to the Grandstand. “ Our food pantry is getting very low, and we have been praying for a miracle, thanks to Crossville Raceway and the Race Fans our prayers will be answered” said James from the mission. Fans need to bring any canned food items to the main gate where they will receive the discount when they present the cans.
Drivers from the series expected to be in attendance include the reining Southern Regional Racing Series champion Byron Michael of Florence, AL as well as Mike Luna of Sparta, TN, Tony Morris of Murfreesboro, TN, Jay Brinkley of Shelbyville, TN, Steve Ross of Lexington, TN, Michael Luna of Sparta, TN, Joe Denby of Tullahoma, TN, Erick Hickerson of Linden, TN, Ben Kittrell of Mt. Pleasant, TN, and Billy Mayo of Cleveland, TN.
In addition to the 2007 series regulars other top name local and regional drivers are expected to be on hand. Among those expected are Anthony “Dirty White Boy” White of Clinton, TN, Randy Weaver of Crossville, TN, Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC, Billy Ogle Jr of Knoxville, TN, Brett Wyatt of Crossville, TN, and Brandon Williams of Crossville.
Joining the SRRS stars will be the action of our weekly racers in 7 exciting classes. Gates open at 5pm with hot laps starting at 6:30 pm. General Admission $22 -($17 w/donation) - Seniors $20 - ($15 w/donation) - 6-10 yrs $5 - 5 & under Free - Tier $25 - Pits $35
For further information on the Southern Regional Racing Series, please visit the series website at www.southernregionalracingseries.com .

Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. With easy access from any of I-40’s 3 Crossville exits, the track is conveniently located between Knoxville and Nashville and less than 30 minutes from Cookeville, Tn. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000 or visit our website at www.crossvilleracewayusa.net an updated schedule can also be found at www.geocities.com/onpitroadphoto/crossvilleracewayschedule.html

Crossville’s Jessie Lowe Wins first at Crossville Raceway

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Wednesday April 23, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

With the Nascar Sprint Cup Series off this weekend, attention turns to local dirt track racing. Jessie Lowe captured his first ever win in the Pro Street class on opening night at Crossville Raceway.
Crossville’s planned season opener was rained out last week, but after a week of great weather, the first night program was a hit with fans and driver’s alike. In the Cruiser Cars it was Hannah Proffitt of Crossville edging out Michael Cantrell. Next up was the Pure Mini class (formerly the front wheel drive class) where Robert Stone fought hard to hold off Cody and JD Rector to take the checkered flag in an exciting race.
In the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds it was Crossville’s Michael Asberry taking the lead from flag to flag, 2007 season champion Billy Palmer gave Asberry some early competition but mechanical woes would leave him to finish 4th behind Steve Mullinax and Darren Duncan.
When the Late Model Sportsman made their way to the feature it was a familiar name behind the wheel of the 0 car as fan favorite Brandon Williams claimed another victory at his home track. Following Williams to the line were Lynn Selby and Robert Edwards.
The big show of the night was the new class this year, the Pro Street cars. Young Jessie Lowe was truly the class of the field, starting on the outside of the front row, next to the 20X car of Mike Selby. But tonight was special for the Lowe family as Jesse’s Dad, Duke Lowe was filling in for Selby, making it an all Lowe front row. Jesse made short work of dad and jumped to a commanding lead, never looking back. As the race ended, Chris Croinex of Crossville finished second, followed by Raymond Shepard of Kingston, Ricky Tinch of Jamestown and Duke Lowe in 5th.
In the Mod Mini class, another class that is drawing new faces to the track it was an early battle between Derrick Hutchings of Sparta and Herman Radke 3rd. In the end Hutchings would take home the winnings with Radke second, followed by Bradley Hamilton, Randy Gibson and Dyllis Devaney rounding out the top 5.
In other local racing action,
Wartburg Speedway winners from Friday night; SLM -Anthony White, Sportsman - Darrick York, Mini Stock - Rocky McNabb, Street Stock - Reagan Williams, Pure Mini - Andrew Green
Spring City winners from Saturday night; LLM - Andy Standridge, Mod Street - Taylor Sutton, Super Street - Sam Johnson, Street Stock - Charlie Godsey, Pony Stock - Michael Roberts, FWD - Chad Pugh
411 Speedway winners from Saturday night; Late Model - Mark Rosner, Classics - Bart Baxter, Mod Street - Jody Horton, Pure Mini - Robert Burris, Street Stock - Craig Powell, Mini Stock - Joey Allen
Both The Mountain Raceway and Volunteer Speedway called off their Saturday night programs due to rain.
Tazwell Speedway was rained out again Saturday night, but rescheduled and ran the Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series, “Thaw 50” on Sunday afternoon. The winner of the Thaw 50 was John Gill, with Jimmy Owens, Mike Weeks, Vic Hill and Steve Smith rounding out the top 5. Series defending 2007 champion, Anthony White finished 17th.

The Southern Regional Racing Series heads to Crossville Raceway this Friday, April 25 for a $3,000.00 to win Super Late Model race. Gates open at 5 Pm with racing at 7:30 pm. General Admission $22 - Seniors $20 - 6-10 yrs $5 - 5 & under Free - Tier $25 - Pits $35. Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000