On Pit Road

Rain brings unlikely winner at New Hampshire

2008-06-30T16:01:00.001-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN Wednesday July 2, 2008
By Joe Dunn

Kurt Busch was having less than a stellar day Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when Jamie Mc Murray got into Dale Earnhardt Jr. bringing out a caution with 28 laps remaining.
Being far back in the field, Busch and his team decided to take a chance and stay out as the leaders pitted for the last time. It was questionable if anyone had enough fuel to finish. As the leaders pitted, Kurt inherited the lead, and when another caution came on lap 281 so did the rain. After 3 caution laps, Nascar dropped the red flag and eventually called the race, declaring Busch the winner.
Here we are in July and the Nascar Silly Season is running full steam with rumored moves. Hendrick Motorsports announced that Casey Mears would not return in 2009, and the strong rumor is that Mark Martin will move to HMS for one final attempt at a championship. Tony Stewart has stated that he wants to won at least part of a team, with indications that he will leave Joe Gibbs racing and head to Haas CNC as a part owner. Ryan Newman, who’s Alltel sponsorship will end after this year has stated that he wants to be in a competitive car for 2009. Newman is rumored to be headed to Haas CNC with Stewart.

Local Racing; Crossville Raceway had their mid season championships on Friday with a large crowd as rain forced the cancellation of numerous area track for Saturday. Crossville will be off this week and will return to action on Friday July 11th.
I-40 Dragway turned up the heat Friday with a tuning session as well as Bike runs, and beat the rain on Saturday for their Bounty Races. Winners Saturday were; Pro Street Bounty Billy Smith winner , German Valdez. Runner up; Real Street, Eddie Patrick Winner ,runner up Jeff Carpenter; Outlaw 8.5 Winner Craig Watson Runner up Brandon Coday; 6.00, Reese Young winner; 7.00, Jason Young. Young Picked up the $500.00 Bonus money for best package as well.
I-40 will run their regular programs this week.

Friday and Saturday at the Community Complex, the House of Hope will present the Lucas Oil Pro Pullers Truck Pull. The action starts at 6:15 PM both nights with qualifying on Friday and the final events on Saturday. Among the top contenders will be Crossville’s Phil Cox and Jamestown’s Tim Beaty. A car show by the Crossville Cruisers on Saturday from 10AM-3PM with Free admission.

2008-06-27T11:25:00.001-06:00

Challenges Ahead for Board of Education

The Cumberland County Schools have made great strides in recent years with the building of new schools and the introduction of several new educational programs. Those efforts and many more are needed for the betterment of our children and our community.
We are a growing community and our expanding school population reflects that, but the Cumberland County Schools are no exception to the economic strains America is experiencing. With skyrocketing fuel cost and the effect it has on other consumer goods and services the Board of Education faces tough choices in an effort to maintain the bare bones budgets they are forced to deal with.
I’m Joe Dunn and I am a candidate for BOE Representative in the 4th district. My wife Deborah and I live in the Genesis Road area where we built a home when I retired after 25 years in Law Enforcement. In addition to police duties I have also operated a private security management company and a restaurant. We have raised seven children who are grown and are the proud grandparents to 2 girls and 3 boys with the 4th due in September.
We have an extremely capable administrator in our Director of Schools, Mrs. VanWinkle, and she deserves the full support of the BOE and the community as we are entering one of the most challenging economic times in recent history. The building of a new elementary school as well as the normal day to day operations will require tough and sound decisions by the Board. I feel that my background and experience as a successful business owner will enable me to bring additional sound financial advise to the board. 2009 and beyond will require tough choices by the board to provide the best possible services for our children while looking out for the taxpayers at the same time.
In addition to the financial woes, we are also living in an era where personal safety has become a cherished commodity. Our children’s safety and security requires the schools to take advantage of any and all assets to eliminate potential hazards. My law enforcement background and training will allow me to bring added expertise to the board.
I look forward to serving the community and our children. I welcome your questions and comments. I may be reached at 456-6969, or by email at joedunn@frontiernet.net

The Real Deal - Kyle Busch

2008-06-23T12:10:00.000-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Wednesday June 25, 2008
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

Starting 38th is not the place the sport’s top drivers want to be, especially on a road course where passing opportunities are so limited. But that is where points leader Kyle Busch found himself Sunday.
In the no holds barred style that Kyle has displayed all season, Sunday was no exception. In just 33 laps he managed to pass 29 cars and take the lead and held it until a pit stop on lap 69 turned it over to Carl Edwards. Two laps later, Robby Gordon stalled on the track bringing out the caution. That put Busch back up front on lap 71 and he never looked back. A red flag on lap 109 forced a green/white/checker finish and a chance for David Gilliland and Jeff Gordon to charge for the win, but The Toyota of Busch ran away on the restart, giving Kyle, win number 5 of the 2008 season.
The big surprise for the day was David Gilliland in the number 38 Yates Racing , Freecreditreport.com Ford with a second place finish. David moved up 2 positions in the points with that finish from 23rd to 21st.
On Saturday, defending Nationwide Series Champion Carl Edwards ended a 36 race winless streak to take the checkers at Milwaukee. The win comes on the heels of a crew chief change last week as team owner Jack Roush swapped crew chiefs between the 17 and the 60 team. For the first time in his Nascar career, Edwards disappointed the fans when he failed to do his traditional back flip after the win. When asked about that in the winners circle, Carl said “Today, what happened to Mr. Kilitta, and the way I passed Clint, I just didn’t feel like doing a back-flip.” The reference was in response to the news that drag racer Scott Kilitta perished earlier in the day in a drag racing incident in New Jersey, and the fact that he caused Clint Bowyer to spin while passing him late in the race.
Locally, the largest crowd of the year gathered Friday night at Crossville Raceway for the Advance Auto Parts / Shoney’s Restaurant, Thunder and Destruction. Fans that packed the grandstand and the tier parking area were treated to a first class show with 32 Super Late Models fighting to make the show. In the end it was Knoxville’s Rick Rogers getting his first win in the series after leading all 40 laps.
Crossville Raceway will be holding their Mid Season Championships for all classes Friday as well as a Meet & Greet will all the cars and drivers welcoming fans on the track during intermission. For more information, call the track at 456-5000.

Earnhardt Jr. Ends the Streak at Michigan

2008-06-16T09:50:00.000-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN Wednesday June 18, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

It was a 76 race winless streak that both Dale Jr and the Junior Nation (his fans) hope will not be repeated.
Nascar’s most popular driver had been in a drought for more than two years, which many of his fans attributed to the family friction with his step mother Teresa Earnhardt. Junior left Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) at the end of 2007 with hopes for a quick turnaround at Hendrick Motor Sports in 2008. With his win of the Bud Shootout it looked like that next point race win was close, but it 4 months before it came. Even without a win so far, 2008 was an upbeat season as Junior was consistently finishing up front and has remained in the top 3 in points.
Junior admitted that without the final caution he would not have won, “ If it stayed green we probably would have finished no better than 10th, cause I didn’t have enough to make it. I turned it off when the caution come out but I cranked it up around three and four and it ran fine all the way to the flag it. Ran out just as I turned and was coming back this way on pit road coming toward my guys, it was out of gas.” He remains third in the points, but the win has brought him to within 84 points of leader Kyle Busch.
On the local racing scene, Crossville Raceway was forced to cancel racing Friday due to rain and has rescheduled their mid-Season championship Races to Friday June 27th. This Friday, the Advance Auto Parts Thunder series visits Crossville with the Shoney’s Thunder and Destruction. Events for the night include a $4,000 to win Super Late Model race with some of the top drivers in Tennessee , four local classes with increased payouts and show ends with a Demolition Derby. For info, visit www.crossvilleraceway.net or call the track at 456-5000.
Saturday Night brings the Big Roar to Crossville as the I-40 Dragway is host to ‘A Night of Fire’ with Jet Funny Cars, Blown Funny Cars and Blown Alky Dragsters in town, plus Bracket racing. The weekly Arm Drop Old fashioned drag racing will be open on Wednesday night also. For info visit www.i40dragway.com or call Jim at 210-0244

Kasey Kahne turns the corner

2008-06-08T20:53:00.000-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN. Wednesday June 11, 2008
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

The driver of the number 8 Budweiser Dodge proved that his win of the Coca Cola 600 was no fluke. For the third time in four weeks Kahne has collected three checkered flags in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
The All Star race was not a points event, but Kahne pulled himself from his long slump with that win and followed it up a week later with the 600. Now two weeks later, he is showing signs of 2006 when he was a real hot shoe. Sunday’s win at Pocono makes him the third multiple winner in 2008 and gives him 20 bonus points for the Chase, if he makes it.
Kyle Busch make history this weekend competing in all three of NASCAR’S top divisions, all at different tracks. After a second place in the Truck Series at Texas Friday, he made his way to Nashville for the Nationwide race where a flat tire ruined a good night. Sunday, an early race crash relegated Kyle to 43rd place, however he did return for the finish to prevent a DNF.
Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Race at Nashville Super Speedway was a long hot and exciting race. Rookie Joey Logano, in only his second race, made folks stand up and listen as he sat on the pole. Logano led 64 laps, but a bump by Greg Biffle on lap 89 sent Lagano into a spin on the front stretch resulting in serious damage. In the end, it was Brad Keselowski, getting passed leader David Reutimann on a late restart, picking up his first win the series in the #88, JR Motorsports, NAVY, Chevy.
In Local Racing action, Crossville Raceway was home to a $1K UMP Open Wheel Modified Race on Friday with Skylar Marlar of Winchester, Tn. Taking home the big money. Other winners Friday included, Late Model Sportsman - Sam Williams, Pro Street - Jessie Lowe, Mod Mini- Derrick Hutchings, Pure Mini - Dustin Cansler and Cruisers - Hannah and Sam Proffitt.
This Friday, June 13th will be “Fairfield Glade Night at the Races” with the Mid-Season Championships for the Late model Sportsman and the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds. Present your Fairfield ID for discount admission. Contact Crossville Raceway at (931) 456-5000 or visit www.crossvilleraceway.net .
Drag Racing is alive and well on the Plateau and the I-40 Dragway has added Wednesday Nights to it’s program with ARM DROP Old School Racing. Gates open at 5.00 NO CLOCKS. NO TREE. STREET CARS ONLY HEADS UP. KEEP IT OFF THE STREETS...$10.00 to race.$5.00 to watch Flag Girls get in Free..... I-40 will also be in action Saturday and Sunday this week with $2,000 to win Saturday and $1,000 to win Sunday, as well as a Swap meet both days. For more info on I-40 Dragway, contact Jim Howe Jr at 210-0244, or check their website at www.i40dragway.com

Mid-Season Championships at Crossville Raceway

2008-06-08T19:17:00.001-06:00

Crossville Raceway will begin the first round of 2008 Mid-Season Championships on ‘Fairfield Glade Night at the Races‘, Friday June 13th for the Late Model Sportsman and the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds.
The top 5 finishers in each of these classes will receive large trophies. Expect an exciting battle amongst favorites Lynn Selby, the Williams (Sam & Brandon), Robert Edwards and Trent Mullinax. In the Open Wheels the favorites are sure to include Billy Palmer, Michael Asberry, Steve Mullinax and Joey Cotterman. In addition to these classes, a full card of racing will make for an exciting night of racing.
The Advance Auto Parts Thunder Series pays a visit to the high banks of Crossville Raceway on Friday June 20th with their THUNDER AND DESTRUCTION 50, presented by Shoney’s Restaurants. The $4,000 Super Late Model race, plus a $500 to win Demolition Derby will be joined by increased purses for Late Model Sportsman -$800 top win, Pro Street - $300 to win, Mod Mini - $250 to win and Pure Mini $200 to win. The Open Wheels and the Cruisers will be off this night.
The second round of Mid-Season Championships returns on Friday June 27, for the Pro- Street, Mod-Mini, Pure-Mini and the Cruiser Cars. The Late Model Sportsman and the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds will also return for regular racing.
Heading into July, Crossville Raceway will ring in the 4th with Fireworks and a Fan special, UGLIEST TRUCK CONTEST. Fans will be encouraged to bring their UGLY trucks to the front straight where the crown will choose the Ugliest Truck and the owner will be presented with a Crossville Raceway trophy. The 4th will also bring the second time in two weeks for higher purses for three of our race classes, as the Pro streets will compete for $400 to win, while the Mod- Minis compete for $250 and the Pure Minis go at it for $175 to win.
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://www.crossvilleraceway.net

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

Kyle Busch, The Look of a Champion?

2008-06-02T16:26:00.001-06:00

From The Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, Tn. Wednesday June 4, 2008
By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

Leading 158 laps and collecting the checkered flag with a 4.225 second lead over second place Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch had the look of a champion leaving Dover International Speedway on Sunday.
Sunday’s win was the fourth of the 2008 Nascar Sprint Cup Series for the younger Busch and puts him 142 points ahead of second place Jeff Burton. Polesitter Greg Biffle finished third with Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon and Martin Truex Jr being the only six cars left on the lead lap.
Saturdays Nascar Nationwide Series race was won by Denny Hamlin, but the talk was all about Joey Lagano who having turned 18 last week finished his very first Nationwide race in 6th place driving the 18 car of Joe Gibbs Racing. Lagano is looking for an equal or better follow up this Saturday as the Nationwide Series travels to the Nashville Super Speedway. The Nashville race offers a great opportunity for local fans to enjoy some of Nascar’s top names at a nearby track with available and affordable tickets. Qualifying begins at 2:30, a concert with Danielle Peck at 4:30 and the Federated Auto Parts 300 starts at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available by calling 1-866-RACE-TIX or online at www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com.
On the local racing scene, it was another great night of racing last Friday at both Crossville Raceway and nearby Wartburg Speedway. Here are the weekend dirt track winners.
Crossville Raceway; LMS- Brandon Williams; UMP OWM- Billy Palmer; Mod Street- Jessie Lowe; Mod-Mini- Brad Hamilton; Pure Mini- JD Rector; Cruisers-Michael Cantrell / Jackie Powell
Wartburg Speedway; LMS- Dale Nance; Mod Street-Lloyd Paxton; Pure Street- Joe Seiber; Mini-Rocky McNabb; FWD-Joe Freels
Saturday action- 411 Motor Speedway; LM- Brad Lowe; Classic-Bart Baxter; Mod Street- Robbie Comer; SS- Walter Sims; Mod Mini-Terry Poore; Mini-Josh Driskill
The Mountain Raceway Park; SLM- Mark Vineyard; Fastrak Crate- Jensen ford; LMS- Greg Martin; MS- Jack Courtney; PM- Alex Squires; SS- Quinn Bender; MM- Jason Carter
Spring City Raceway; LLM- Jeff Adkisson; MS- Mike Bishop; Super street- Sam Johnson; Street- Charlie Godsey; Super mini- Darren Goins; Pony- James Daniels; FWD- Spunkey Brown
Tazwell Speedway; Fastrak Crate- Brad Hall; LM- Jason Trammell; M-S- Allen Holt; PS- Steve Smith; 4 cyl- Cheyenne Kite

This Friday June 6, Crossville Raceway will host a $1,000.00 to win UMP Open Wheel Modified Race. With the bigger purse out there a large field of entries is expected. Look for the big names throughout Tennessee and Kentucky to be there, and with another big money OWM race Saturday about 100 miles away at Tazwell Speedway it could be one of the biggest car counts in years. Plan on being there as the gates open at 5pm with Racing to begin at 7:30 PM. For more details call the track at (931) 456-5000 or visit www.crossvilleraceway.net

High Schools Rule at Crossville Raceway

2008-05-25T21:39:00.000-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, Tn. Wednesday May 28, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

School is out for the summer, but the folks at Crossville Raceway are holding a special class this Friday, May 30th. In their own salute to the Graduates and their classmates, the track has invited ALL students from both CCHS and SMHS to attend the races for FREE. They have asked only that the students present a school ID, report card, 2008 diploma or a class schedule in their name as proof.
To start the summer with school spirit still intact, the track is encouraging the students to ‘show their colors’ and support their driver in a special Exhibition Race just for the schools. Two drivers will compete in a special 5 lap all out race at intermission, as veteran Late Model Sportsman driver, and CCHS Teacher, Brandon Williams will go up against the Hottest young driver in the Pro Street class and SMHS Freshman Jesse Lowe. This is the chance for the students to cheer for their school and get an up close look at local Dirt Track Racing. After the race, the students will be invited to join these drivers on the front stretch and the students of the winning school will pose for a Victory Photo with the winning Driver/Car. For more information, call the track at 456-5000 or check the website at www.crossvilleraceway.net

The Big news in NASCAR is Kasey Kahne, who emerges from Charlotte and Lowes Motor Speedway with a whole new respect. Following a year of disappointment and poor performances, Last week Kahne snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in winning the All Star Race. Sunday night, Kahne took the checkers again, winning Nascar’s longest race, the Coca Cola 600. The win moves Kahne up two spots to number 12 in the points. Kyle Busch finished second and retains the point lead in the Nascar Sprint Cup Series.

LOCAL RACING:
Friday night saw action at Crossville Raceway, with 6 classes the track dodged the rain again as the downpour came on the last lap of the last race of the night. Winners for May 23, LMS- Sam Williams of Crossville, OWM- Steve Mullinax of Crossville, Pro Street- Duke Lowe of Crossville, Mod Mini- Greg Henderson, Pure Mini- JD Rector of Crossville and Cruisers- Hanna & Sam Proffitt
Wartburg Speedway winners- LMS-Dale Nance, Mod Street- Marty Goodman, Pure Street- Steve Welch, Mini Stock- Rocky McNabb, Pure Mini- Spunky Brown.
Saturday night at 411 Motor Speedway winners- Late Model- Charles Hurst, Mod Street- Robbie Comer, Street- Bryan McDaniel, Mod Mini- Chris Kelly, Pure Mini- Josh Driskill
The Mountain Raceway Park winners- SLM- Dusty Carver, Crates- Josh Collins, LMS- Jake Teague, Mod Mini- Kendall White, Mini- Mike Courtney, Street- Reagan Williams, Pure Mini- Scott Webb
Tazwell Speedway winners- LM- Travis Fultz, Crates- Brad Hall, Mod Street- Allen Holt, Street- Jordon Horton, 4 cylinder- Chuck McMahan
Cleveland Speedway winners SLM- Jake Knowles, Limited/Crate- Chris Beavers, Pony- Billy Callahan, Hobby- Tanner Works, B Hobby- Patrick Harvey, Front Runner- Bill Bailey
Spring City Raceway winners- LLM- Jeff Adkisson, Mod Street- Marty Goodman, Super Street- Sam Johnson, Street- Jerry Spence, Pony- Mikey Roberts, Super Mini- Ronnie Shelton, FWD- Spunky Brown

All of the above tracks will be in action again this week, Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31.

High Schools compete on the High Banks of Crossville Raceway

2008-05-24T12:53:00.000-06:00

CCHS vs. SMHS on the High Banks

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2008
Crossville Raceway PR

Last week Crossville Raceway announced their Salute to the Class of 2008 with a special FREE admission racing program for students of both Cumberland County High School and Stone Memorial High School on Friday May 30th.
Today we are stepping that program up to the next level to allow the students to show their school spirit on Race Night, as we take the program closer to home for the students. A special, Exhibition Race will take place during the intermission in which SMHS Freshman Jessie Lowe will bring his #5 Pro Street Monte Carlo to challenge CCHS Teacher Brandon Williams and his #0 Late Model Sportsman to a 5 lap, no holds barred race. Williams is a seasoned veteran of the high banked Clay Oval with a proven record, Lowe is a relative newcomer to the track who has taken the Pro street class by storm.
Show your school spirit as we encourage all SMHS & CCHS students to show your school colors and spirit in a fun exhibition show. When the winner is determined, the students from the school of the winner will be invited to join their driver for a group photo on the front stretch.
Remember, admission is FREE for all students of these two schools, simply display your school ID, 2008 Diploma, Report Card or a Class Schedule at the Grandstand Gate.
Gates open at 5 pm (CT) with hot laps at 6:30 and racing to begin at 7:30 pm. General Admission $10 - Seniors $8 - 6-10 yrs $5 - 5 & under Free - Tier $15 - Pits $25
Crossville Raceway is located at 5434 Hwy 70N, Crossville, Tn. 38571. For further information call the track at (931) 456-5000 or visit our website at www.crossvilleraceway.net

Kasey Kahne is NASCAR’s All Star

2008-05-19T00:35:00.000-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle- Crossville, TN. Wednesday May 21, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

He’s been in a slump since winning 6 races in 2006, had only 1 top five and 8 top ten’s in 2007, and has managed only 5 top ten’s so far in 2008. But on Saturday night, Kasey Kahne claimed Victory and the $1 Million first place prize.
Kahne did not qualify for the All Star race, and finished 5th in the Sprint Showdown, also eliminating him from the Sprint All Star Race. But the Fans voted overwhelmingly to put him in the last starting place. Working his way through the field he continued to improve and finished 13th in the first segment. The second segment would move him up again to 8th place, while the third segment would move him to 7th. The Budweiser #9 team gambled and chose not to change tires on the last pit stop, which put Kahne starting second for the final 25 lap segment behind Jimmie Johnson. After the restart, Denny Hamlin jumped out front, but Kahne, after passing Johnson took the lead on lap 84 when Hamlin suffered engine failure.
The Sprint All Star race was a non points race and although the winner collected a cool $1Million, the rest of the field received far less. But even for those who did not fare well, this was a great testing session for teams preparing for Memorial Day weekend and the Coca Cola 600, also at Lowes Motor Speedway. The 600 will be Sunday May 25th and will be televised on Fox at 5PM (ET).
Local Racing:
FRIDAY: Mother Nature won all the races Friday and both Crossville Raceway and Wartburg Speedway were forced to cancel.
SATURDAY: Spring City Raceway winners: LLM-Jeff Adkisson, Mod Street-Marty Goodman, Super Street-Sam Johnson, Street Stock-Jerry Spence, Super Mini-Darren Goins, FWD-Spunky Brown
The Mountain Raceway Park winners: SLM-Bobby Giffin, Sportsman- Jake Teague, Fastrak Crates-Steve Jones, Mini-Rocky McNabb, Pure Mini-Scott Webb, Street Stock-James Price, Mod Mini-Kendall White.
411 Motor Speedway winners: LM-Jason Cardwell, Mod Street-Robbie Comer, Street Stock-Bryan McDaniel, Mod Mini-Terry Poore, Pure Mini- JD Rector of Crossville
Tazwell Speedway winners: LM-Travis Fultz, Fastrak Crates winner-Brad Hall, Mod Street- Allen Holt, Pure Street-Jordon Horton, 4cylinder- Chuck McMahan
Cleveland Speedway winners: Southern All Stars SLM- Jimmie Owens, LLM-Craig Burrows, Hobby-Tanner Works, B Hobby- Patrick Harvey, Pony-Jim Elliott, Front Runner- Kenny Kizzar.
Volunteer Speedway announced that they will be closed until May 31 when they will run a $3K SLM race and then close again until June 21.

Kyle Picks Up Win 3, Continues Point Lead

2008-05-12T12:49:00.002-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN Wednesday May 14, 2008

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

Kyle Busch was introduced with his Mother to a booing sea of Junior Nation before the start of the Dodge Challenger 500 Sunday at Darlington Raceway. The boos intensified as he rode the track in the back of a Pick up truck.
If the discontented fans thought that would get your Busch down, they were sadly mistaken and he immediately charged to the front. After a lap 11 caution, Busch took the lead from Dale Earnhardt Jr. until he got his own Darlington Stripe and backed out of the gas. But Kyle stayed up front most of the day and actually lead 7 times for 169 laps. But during pit stops following a lap 147 caution, Busch was sent to the back of the field, the result of a pit lane violation when a crew member missed a lug nut.
Restarting the race in 29th place, on a track that Dale Jr. said after the race, “Was impossible to pass on”, the 18 car fought through the field back to 10th place by lap 170. With 64 laps to go, Kyle took the lead for the last time and hung in there for the win. Busch climbed from his Toyota after a huge burnout on the front stretch, to another chorus of boos. His response was to climb on the car and do an exaggerated bow to the fans. The win keeps the younger Busch brother atop the points standing in the Nextel Cup Series as the teams head for the All Star weekend at Lowes Motor Speedway in Charlotte.
On the local racing scene:
Friday, Crossville Raceway dodged the rain once again, getting in the full weekly racing program. Fridays winners included, Crossville’s Brandon Williams in the Late Model Sportsman, Last years Open Wheel champion Billy Palmer claimed his first win of the season, Sparta’s Mike Selby won the Pro Street feature for the second week in a row. In the Mod Mini class, Kingston’s Brad Hamilton was a repeat winner, while Crossville’s Cody Rector took the win in the pure Mini feature with newcomer, (Carl) Jackson Griffith taking second. In the Cruiser Cars it was Tim Roach and Jason Sharp getting the win.
Next week Crossville will highlight three of the weekly classes with increased payouts for the winners, $700 for Sportsman, $350 for Pro Street and $150 for Cruisers.
Wartburg Speedway fought back after the rains hit the track Friday night and managed to get their program in which included the SRRS Super late model show. The big winner was Brandon King of Decatur, AL who led flag-to-flag in route to the $3,000 win. Wartburg will run the weekly racing program Friday.
Saturday night, the Mountain Raceway hosted an AAPTS Super Late Model event where Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Georgia picked up the $3,000 win. McDowell was the big winner at Crossville’s SRRS race last month. Saturday, the mountain will run the weekly racing program with a $1,000/800 mini stock feature.
Spring City Raceway as well as 411 motor Speedway will be back in action again Saturday night.
Get off the couch and catch a local race this weekend, there are too many tracks with a great entertainment value to pass it up.

$1,000 UMP Open Wheel Modified at Crossville Raceway

2008-05-12T09:00:00.002-06:00

Crossville Raceway presents the Mountain Farm International $1,000.00 to win UMP Open Wheel Modified race on Friday June 6, 2008, brought to you by Budweiser of Cookeville and The Tennessee Governor’s Safety Office. Crossville Raceway has been home to the Open Wheels for many years and always proves to be very popular among the UMP racers. In addition to the open wheels from our UMP weekly series, drivers are expected from throughout Tennessee as well as Kentucky and other states. The High banked 1/3 mile clay oval has been home to some of the south’s top names in dirt racing.
In addition to the Open Wheel Modifieds, fans can enjoy the tracks regulars in the Late Model Sportsman, Pro Street, Mod Mini, Pure Mini and Cruiser Car classes. Crossville Raceway is a full service family oriented race track with a playground area for the kids adjacent to the Pits and the Grandstand area. Spacious seating areas, hot food from 2 concession stands, Souvenir Shop with goodies for the kids as well as photos from track photographer Joe Dunn with same night photos available.
Our tier parking area is one of the largest and cleanest in the region and our new trackside radio station (91.5 FM) makes all the racing action available on your car or portable radio. Tune in as our highly acclaimed announcer, ‘BiggdaddyT’ Tom Montgomery calls all the action live.
Gates open at 5 pm (CT) with hot laps at 6:30 and racing to begin at 7:30 pm. General Admission $12 - Seniors $10 - 6-10 yrs $5 - 5 & under Free - Tier $20 - Pits $30
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.crossvilleraceway.net

Weather Plays Games with Local Racing Efforts

2008-05-05T15:57:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-04T00:09:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-03T00:46:00.001-06:00

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

2008-04-28T20:11:00.003-06:00

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

2008-04-27T14:23:00.000-06:00

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

2008-04-23T07:26:00.000-06:00

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

2008-04-20T22:56:00.004-06:00

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

Southern Regional Racing Series Returns to Crossville Raceway

2008-04-20T20:27:00.000-06:00

On Friday April 25, the Southern Regional Racing Series will return to Crossville Raceway for a $3,000.00 to win Super Late Model Race. Crossville Raceway was the first East Tennessee track to host the Series.
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.
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

Jimmie Johnson claims first victory of 2008

2008-04-14T10:03:00.001-06:00

from the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn Wednesday April 16, 2008

By Joe Dunn / Joe@onpitroad.com

In what turned out to be a fuel mileage victory, Jimmie Johnson coasted across the finish line to take his first win of the season.
Johnson was scheduled to pit on lap 304 for fuel, but having seeing the lead he would maintain, Crew Chief Chad Knaus decided to leave him out and slow him down to conserve fuel. The gamble paid off as Johnson finished more than 7 seconds ahead of second place Clint Bowyer. With enough fuel for a victory burnout, the 48 car ran out on the backstretch doing a victory lap. Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and mark Martin rounded out the top 5.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series takes a week off while the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to Mexico City Saturday. The Sprint Cup and the Nationwide Series will head to Talladega for the weekend of April 26/27 while the Craftsman truck series will be back in action on the 26th at Kansas Speedway.
In Local racing action, both Crossville Raceway and Wartburg Speedway were rained out Friday night. Several local tracks did see action on Saturday night.
At the Mountain Raceway in Maryville, the Southern Regional Racing Series made it’s first ever appearance to the track. With 51 cars vying for the 24 starting positions, local favorite Bobby Giffin was the top qualifier. But Brasstown, North Carolina’s Ray Cook was the show of the night leading all 50 laps to victory and the $3,000 payout. At Tazwell Speedway, Joey Kramer of Hanover, In took the win and the $2,000 prize in checkered flag for the 30 lap Battle of the Bluegrass Open Wheel Series race. At Cleveland Speedway it was Joe Armes winning the $3,000 B.J. Parker Southern Thunder Series race over second place Dale McDowell as Crossville’s Randy Weaver finished 5th. 411 Speedway and Spring City also got their weekly racing events in on Saturday.
Crossville Raceway will try again to get the season opener in this Friday with a full card of the weekly program plus a kids foot race at intermission. Gates open at 5pm with hot laps at 6:30 and Racing at 7:30 pm. For more information check the track website www.crossvilleracewayusa.net or call the track (931) 456-5000.

Edwards gets win number 3 in Texas

2008-04-07T11:10:00.001-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn Wednesday April 9, 2008

By Joe Dunn joe@onpitroad.com
For the third time in the 2008 season Carl Edwards has put his Roush Fenway Racing Ford in victory lane Sunday for the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Carl took the lead on lap 215 and stayed out front to the finish, that included a two lap shootout as he held off a charge by Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch to the finish.
Rounding out the top ten Sunday were Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth and Clint Bowyer in tenth place. Starting on the pole, Dale Earnhardt Jr suffered handling problems but fought back to a 12th place finish. His teammate Jeff Gordon did not fair as well, suffering handling problems Gordon spun out on lap 109 which ended his day with a 43rd place finish.
After the Samsung 500, Jeff Burton remains the points leader with Kevin Harvick second. Kyle Busch jumped 2 spots to 3rd, with Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Stewart rounding out the top five.
In local racing several tracks, Wartburg, The Mountain, Tazwell, Volunteer, 411 and Spring City canceled due to the rain once again. Cleveland Speedway ran the only regular scheduled program on Saturday night, it was reported that they had 33 Limited Late Model (sportsman) cars and a full field in the other classes. Bristol Motor Speedway hosted a Frank Kimmel street stock race on Saturday. The crash filled event ended several laps short of the schedule due to rain.
Crossville Raceway finally got in the open practice on the third attempt on Sunday as track workers spent the morning working in the rain soaked track. With about 50 cars from various classes signing in, the racers were optimistic about the season at Crossville. Promoter William Scogin welcomed the racers and promised to work hard at bring this track back to it’s potential.
Racers and fans all showed enthusiasm for the 2008 season that is scheduled to kick off Friday April 11. The regular schedule for Fridays include gates opening at 5 PM with hot laps at 6:30 and Racing action starting at 7:30pm.

CROSSVILLE RACEWAY Open practice on for Sunday April 6

2008-04-05T16:04:00.003-06:00

April 5, 2008
Crossville Raceway PR

Despite the weeks of rain hitting Tennessee so far this year the management at Crossville Raceway Inc., Crossville, Tn. have decided to make every effort to run the remaining open practice Sunday. The track is still pretty wet and it may not be too pretty, but we are gonna give these guys a place to get their cars dirty.
A pending sale of the track did not materialize after months of negotiations and those efforts left the track weeks behind in preparation for 2008 but we are working diligently to get it up and running. A new truck was delivered to the track this week and will be outfitted ASAP as the new water truck. A replacement grader arrived a couple of weeks ago, repairs are in progress in the area of turn one where water run off from the pits has caused some problems with the track surface. Those repairs are expected to be completed before the season opener on Friday April 11.
The track is in need of new clay and we are aware of that, but as Promoter William Scogin explained, “We need to address the access ramps between the pits and the track. Those both have a lot of rocks and we can’t fix the rock problem on the track till we fix those ramps. The ramp in turn one has been graded and we have had drainage work done there, with a retaining wall to hold the water off the track to be finished this week.”
Weather permitting, the track should have several loads of new clay brought in over the next month and the entire track resurfaced to make for better racing. Clean up and repairs have been ongoing for several weeks as we attempt to get this facility up to the stature it deserves.
In an attempt to make this happen sooner we are seeking sponsors and advertisers for the track with signage, displays and race sponsorship opportunities. Those interested are asked to contact Joe Dunn who will be handling the advertising and sponsorship programs. Joe can be reached at (931) 200-2276 or by email at Promotions@onpitroad.com. Opportunities for other events at the track facility are available, inquiries should also be made to Joe for these.
For race day information phone (931) 456-5000 or visit crossvilleracewayusa.net

Wimmer claims victory in the Pepsi 300 at Nashville

2008-03-23T23:27:00.003-06:00

From the Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, Tn. Wednesday March 26, 2008

Photo by Joe Dunn

By Joe Dunn / joe@onpitroad.com

In a NASCAR Nationwide Series race that was dominated by Kyle Busch, a late race mistake turned the lead over to Clint Bowyer on lap 162. That head would be lost on lap 205 to Bowyer’s Richard Childress Racing teammate Scott Wimmer who laid claim to the win and the coveted Gibson Guitar Trophy.
The win is the first of the 2008 season by a driver who is not a competitor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Wimmer last drove full time in the Cup Series in 2006 for Morgan McClure Racing in the #4 car where he was released after 20 races. Late in 2006 he hooked up with RCR as a part time driver doing mostly testing. "Stepping down and running a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series is not what I want to be doing, but those are the cards that are dealt to me right now," Wimmer said. "I'm with a great team with Richard Childress Racing and have great teammates. You can struggle in a single-car operation or a lower-budget team, but that's not where any driver wants to be. I'm just trying to do the best I can for Richard right now, and hopefully, it'll fall that someday I can get back to racing Nationwide full time or Sprint Cup full time. But right now, I'm having a good time."
Following Wimmer across the line was Bowyer and Defending Series Champ Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, Kelly Bires and David Stremme in sixth. Seventh through tenth were Denny Hamlin, Cale Gale, David Reutimann and Nashville native Bobby Hamilton Jr.
David Stremme has a local connection as he teamed up with D&R Motorsports and Randy Weaver of Crossville this year in the Super Late Model Dirt Racing action. David’s participation in the Weaver team has been limited somewhat this year as his Nationwide Series racing and negotiations to get back into a NASCAR Sprint Cup ride have kept him very busy. But that has not curbed his enthusiasm about the working with Randy, Speaking of Randy, David commented, “It’s neat to see what he does and just how talented he is on dirt. I want to do some dirt racing and I figure with a guy like Randy that would really be good. I saw Randy run and he does real well, I want to do some dirt racing and I figured he would be a great guy to get hooked up with.”
For Crossville fans of Randy Weaver who have not had a chance to see him lately, his schedule indicates that he will be at Crossville Raceway USA on Hwy 70N, Sunday afternoon for an open practice. This will be the first event of the season for the track as they prepare for a full season of racing at the legendary track. The gates will open at noon on Sunday and practice will run until dark. For updated information on Crossville Raceway USA call 456-5000 or go to www.Crossvilleracewayusa.net.

Clarksville Speedway adds 2nd UMP Open Wheel Modified race for this weekend

2008-03-18T17:02:00.001-06:00

By Joe Dunn - On Pit Road http://www.onpitroad.com
March 18, 2008

With the Bluegrass Bash at Western Kentucky Speedway having to be postponed due to flooding, the management of Clarksville Speedway have decided to add a second UMP Open Wheel race to the weekend schedule.
In addition to the $2,000.00 to win race scheduled for Friday March 21, a $1,000 to win UMP Open Wheel race will be added for Saturday March 22. Saturdays entry fee for the Open Wheel will be $25.

20 Cars Start Each Feature
WWW.CLARKSVILLESPEEDWAY.COM
CALL 931-645-2523 FOR MORE INFO.
Clarksville StormPay.com Speedway located at:
1600 Needmore Road Clarksville Tennessee 37040