Speedway News (10124)
Keep up on racing and speedway news from around the US
NASCAR Hauler Parade rolls through Las Vegas on Feb. 20
13 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffThe NASCAR Hauler Parade, a fan-favorite which marks the start of racing weekend, returns to Las Vegas next month.
NASCAR fans can see their favorite drivers’ haulers make their way up the Las Vegas Strip beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, Feb. 20, as the city and Las Vegas Motor Speedway kick off the spring 2020 NASCAR Weekend. The parade, something racing fans look forward to each year, will begin at the Las Vegas welcome sign on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Approximately 40 brightly colored 18-wheeled NASCAR Cup Series haulers will receive a police escort as they drive north on the Strip before making their way west on Sahara Ave. and hitting Interstate 15 headed for the 1.5-mile speedway.
The haulers will proceed to Speedway Boulevard and make their way through the LVMS tunnel under turns 1 and 2 to their garage stalls outside the Neon Garage.
LVMS’s spring 2020 NASCAR Weekend begins with the Strat 200 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 21, continues with the Strat qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Boyd Gaming 300 on Saturday, Feb. 22, and finishes with the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 23. That NASCAR action will be preceded the Star Nursery 150 ARCA Menards Series West race at The Bullring on Feb. 20, giving the nearly 1,000-acre facility four consecutive days of top-notch racing.
All children 12 and under get in free on Friday and Saturday with a ticketed adult and can attend the Pennzoil 400 alongside a ticketed adult for just $10 on Sunday. Call 1.800.644.4444 or visit www.LVMS.com to order tickets and purchase upgrades or special access passes.
LVMS PR
AMS celebrating 60th Anniversary during 2020 NASCAR weekend
13 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffThe Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend will not only be the setting for three days of NASCAR thrills and family entertainment – it’ll also be a celebration of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 60th anniversary.
Since it opened in 1960 AMS has hosted 158 races across NASCAR’s three national tours: 112 NASCAR Cup Series races, 28 Xfinity Series races, and 18 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races. Across those six decades of races a myriad of historic and unforgettable moments have taken place on Atlanta Motor Speedway, many of which will the recognized during this year’s NASCAR weekend on March 13-15. On top of that, AMS has several special additions to this year’s race weekend planned, including:
60th Anniversary Decals
Commemorative Atlanta Motor Speedway 60th Anniversary decals will be provided to each NASCAR team which they can run on their cars during the race.
These exclusive decals will also be given to fans who are members of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Insiders Club as a perk of their membership.
Historic cars on concourse
Classic racecars that have taken to the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway will greet race fans when they arrive on race weekend. Each of the cars on display were part of a race or championship winning effort at AMS.
Among the cars confirmed to be on display on the concourse during race weekend are:
- #12 – Bobby Allison (1972 race winner) – Chevy Laguna
- #22 – Bobby Allison (1970 race winner) – Dodge Daytona
- #43 – Richard Petty (1971 race winner) – Plymouth Road Runner
- #71 – Bobby Isaac (1970 championship car) – Dodge Daytona
- #98 – Leroy Yarborough (1969 AMS winner) – Ford Talladega
Return of the pole
Just about everyone knows the fastest driver in qualifying starts first in the race and is said to be “on the pole.” For a time, “on the pole” wasn’t just a figure of speech: the fastest driver would literally sit atop a pole in victory lane after securing the top starting position.
In 2020 that tradition will return to Atlanta Motor Speedway and the best hot-lappers will take their seat on the pole in victory lane on Saturday of race weekend.
Altogether these 60th Anniversary additions will bring together the best of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s history and the present to make one unforgettable NASCAR weekend.
The 60th Anniversary features represent the 13th improvement to come from Atlanta Motor Speedway’s “20 in 20” initiative. All told the Speedway will be announcing 20 individual enhancements to increase fan value and the overall enjoyment of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 NASCAR weekend on March 13-15.
Tickets and camping locations for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway are available now by calling 877-9-AMS-TIX or visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
AMS PR
Omologato to become Official Timepiece of Watkins Glen International
13 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffWatkins Glen International announced today that Omologato watches has become the Official Timepiece of the iconic 3.4-mile circuit.
“To associate the Watkins Glen International brand with Omologato watches is exceptional,” said WGI President Michael Printup. “We respect and honor the timeless traditions and history here at The Glen, and to partner with someone who shares our same passion for motorsports goes hand in hand with the birthplace of North American road racing.”
As part of the partnership, Omologato will create a limited edition WGI-branded watch available for purchase and pre-order at www.omologatowatches.com/WGI. Only 500 will be produced and customers will have the opportunity to select a specific number, 1-500 for customization. With over 25 years watch making experience, the Windsor, England based company designed and manufactured for a number of well-known watch brands before launching their very own.
“Watkins Glen has always been one of the tracks that I’ve longed to visit let alone partner with,” said Shami Kalra, Founder of Omologato. “The Glen has one of the richest histories of any track in the world from Formula 1 to IndyCar to NASCAR. Being a partner is a massive personal privilege for me.”
Omologato started with the ethos of bringing affordable and high quality watches to people who live for motorsport. Each watch is carefully hand assembled, uses accurate and reliable Japanese movements that are guaranteed for five years for faults on mechanisms. Now Omologato is a name that’s widely recognized in both the classic and contemporary areas of the automotive scene, so much so that the brand has attracted something of a cult following.
They offer more than 25 designs inspired by everything from the world’s great circuits to cars and legendary drivers. They currently sponsor teams and drivers competing in IndyCar, Formula E, Porsche Motorsport, British GT and East African Safari Rally. Visit www.omologatowatches.com for more information.
Located within five (5) hours (~300 miles) of 25% of the US population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, three-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook and Twitter. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.theglen.com.
WGI PR
Race of Champions Tour to close out 2020 season at Mahoning Valley Speedway
12 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffWhen Mahoning Valley Speedway released its 2020 schedule on Saturday, January 4 during a Meet and Greet with new track promoter Keith Hoffman, one of the key highlights was the introduction of the Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series (MVSHoFS) which will be a special five race series run amongst the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
For Modifieds the MVSHoFS will all be extra distance/high dollar features and are centered on a select group of track Hall of Fame drivers and their signature car numbers.
Race number one of five, which will be Opening Night, April 4, honors Doug Hoffman and his No. 60. Thus the feature will be 60 laps. Next will be a 77-lapper paying tribute to John ‘Peepers’ Yerger. That will be followed by an 81-lap affair which belongs to the revered George Wambold. The next feature will be 85 laps, the number made famous by Marvin Bartholomew and finally a 99-lapper that is associated with Hal Renninger, closes out the series on October 3.
While much excitement is being generated with the newly designed series, it was taken up a notch after revealing that the 99-lap Hal Renninger race will also be a Race of Champions (RoC) Tour event.
This will mark the first time since 2016 that the RoC will be returning to the paved Lehighton ¼-mile oval when then 15-year old Kyle Strohl scored a huge upset win in a 150-lapper.
And since this race will be held following the annual Modified 250 at Lake Erie Speedway, it now sets the stage for the championship finale with the Tour to take place at Mahoning Valley.
“Mahoning is a pillar in Modified racing and we are looking forward to it. It has been missed and we all have to work together to unify what we are all doing. This is a great step in that direction,” stated Joe Skotnicki, Race of Champions, owner.
“This race will differ a little from what we have been doing. Now the Series champion will be crowned at Mahoning which puts the focus on the race at Lake Erie and a much different focus on Mahoning. It’s going to be exciting.”
Skotnicki, Hoffman and track owner Jack Carlino had been in ongoing discussions on bringing the RoC back to Mahoning and trying to find a viable date that would work for both parties and the October 3 signing was mutually agreed to be the best.
“Keith (Hoffman) has a passion for this and some fresh ideas. He has a great background and history in this sport and we’ve worked around each other before. He understands the business and the keys to being successful,” added Skotnicki.
Over the years the RoC has made numerous stops at Mahoning Valley and each time it generated solid car counts that saw an array of track regulars battling down to the wire against the Tour steadies.
“I don’t think it will be any different now than it has been. It will be a mixture of racers and it will be exciting, plus some of the teams have followed the Series now, so they will be able to have their fans and family get to see them perform on the Series locally. It’s an exciting event,” noted Skotnicki.
If needed a rain date of Saturday, October 9 will be used.
Mahoning Valley Speedway will be present at the upcoming three day Pioneer Pole Buildings Motorsports 2020 show on January 17-19 at the Great Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.
The Race of Champions is a sanctioning body presenting Modified and Stock Car racing on asphalt and dirt surfaces throughout the Northeast, with events in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey with primary marketing partners Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, US Army, Upstate Automotive Group, Waddell Communications, Pilat Graphic Design, Jerico TDH Refrigeration, Sherwood Racing Wheels, PavedTrackDigest.com and Speed51.com. The 70th annual Race of Champions weekend will take place in 2020 at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pennsylvania and is the second longest consecutive auto-racing event in North America, second only to the Indianapolis 500.
You can follow on Twitter; Instagram and Facebook; @RoCModSeries or visit www.rocmodifiedseries.com
Please log onto the official Mahoning Valley Speedway website at www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway for updated info and news. Mahoning Valley Speedway is located on PA route 443 just a few miles west of Lehighton.
MVS PR
2020 ARCA Menards Series Season Kicks Off with 2-Day Test at Daytona International Speedway
10 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffHailie Deegan and Riley Herbst are two of the 40 drivers at Daytona International Speedway this weekend for the ARCA Menards Series two-day test – the kickoff of the 2020 season as they prepare for the season-opening 57th annual Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Daytona International Speedway.
Following a successful 2019 season where she ran full time in the K&N Pro Series West and captured four top 10s in six starts in the ARCA Menards Series, Deegan will be driving the No. 4 DGR-Crosley Racing Ford full time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2020.
Deegan, who was recently announced as a developmental driver for Ford Performance, will be spending her second weekend in a row at “The World Center of Racing,” this time in a stock car facing the high banks of DAYTONA. Last weekend she was in a sports car, participating in The Roar Before the Rolex 24 in preparation for her first start in the BMW Endurance Challenge on Jan. 24
“It’s really been a bucket list thing,” Deegan says of driving at DIS. “I’ve been coming here for years, coming to every DAYTONA 500. Now to be driving on this track where so many famous and legendary drivers have been racing, it’s been an eye opener to how great this track is and how great this sport is.”
Herbst, who drives part time in the ARCA Menards Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, set the fastest lap of the morning session behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota Camry. Herbst returns to Daytona International Speedway for his third year and hopes to improve on his finishing position in the Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire.
“Daytona’s a great track,” Herbst said. “I love coming here. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting a better finish than 10th – for some reason we got 10th both times in the ARCA race, but I’m looking to get the win this year.”
Fastest of the Day: Connor Hall, driver of the No. 22 Chad Bryant Racing Ford, posted the fastest lap of Day 1 of testing with a lap of 181.046 mph/49.711 seconds.
Tickets for the 57th annual Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire, the 62nd annual DAYTONA 500 and all other DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth events can be purchased online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PISHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app.
DIS PR
New Turn 1 Camping Option Available and Sold Out Camping Sections Announced
09 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffPocono Raceway today introduced new, never-before-offered Turn 1 camping options for the 2020 NASCAR Doubleheader Week. Additionally, four premium camping sections have sold out and a limited number of reserved camping spots remain. The 2020 NASCAR Doubleheader Week at Pocono Raceway, set for June 25-28, will feature five NASCAR and ARCA races over four days, including two NASCAR Cup Series races taking place on back-to-back days – a first in NASCAR history.
Due to the expected demand for additional camping spots, the track expanded their infield camping to include Turn 1 options. The track also renovated the bath houses near the new, Turn 1 camping areas in preparation of their historic race week. These week-long Turn 1 camping tickets are now available for purchase, for the first time in the track’s history.
Pocono Raceway’s annual renewal program came to a close in early December, ahead of today’s public camping on-sale date. As a result of the renewal program, several camping areas have either sold out or are nearly sold out, including:
- Trackside RV – SOLD OUT
- Infield Preferred RV – SOLD OUT
- 50-Amp Infield RV – SOLD OUT
- 50-Amp Family Grandstand RV – SOLD OUT
- Fenceline – Less than 10 campsites remaining
- Spots are among the closest to the racing surface and located inside the infield.
For complete camping information, including general admission RV and tent camping options, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/tickets or call 1-800-722-3929. And remember, kids (ages 12 and under) camp for FREE during all NASCAR events at Pocono Raceway.
The 2020 NASCAR Doubleheader week will open with ARCA Menards Series practice, qualifying and the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 race on Thursday. On-track action on Friday will include NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series practice and qualifying, along with two scheduled NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions. Saturday’s events will feature NASCAR Xfinity Series (Xfinity Series) practice, NASCAR Cup Series qualifying to set the field for that day’s race, a 150-mile Gander RV & Outdoors Trucks race and a 325-mile NASCAR Cup Series race. Xfinity Series Qualifying, the Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons Xfinity Series race and a 350-mile NASCAR Cup Series race rounds out the bucket-list motorsports weekend on Sunday.
Note: All events, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder for gate admission and at all times while on Pocono Raceway property. Certain terms, conditions and fees may apply for ticket purchases.
Pocono Raceway PR
Las Vegas Motor Speedway has hired Justin Shaw as its new Media Relations Manager.
Shaw comes to LVMS from Colorado Springs, Colo., where he previously worked as Director of Media and Public Relations at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He also spent many years as a writer for The Gazette newspaper’s sports department.
“We’re excited to welcome Justin Shaw to the LVMS team,” said Jeff Motley, LVMS VP of Public Relations. “With his experience as a PR professional and journalist, Justin will be an asset to the speedway and should be able to hit the ground running as we prepare for our first NASCAR weekend of the year.”
As Media Relations Manager, Shaw will be responsible for writing press releases, updating LVMS.com, pitching stories to local and national media, staffing various LVMS events, assisting with event management responsibilities and providing media with assistance in covering events at the speedway.
He also will assist with social media duties, work Speedway Children’s Charities events, staff press conferences and speedway events and assist in day-to-day office operations.
LVMS PR
DIS to Host Two-Day ARCA Test Session for 57th Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire
09 Jan 2020 Written by Adam SinclairOn Friday, January 10th and Saturday, January 11th, approximately 40 drivers from the ARCA Menards Series will conduct a two-day test session in preparation for the season-opening 57th annual Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire, part of February’s DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth.
Included among the ARCA teams drivers expected to test:
- Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs and Riley Herbst
- Ford Performance developmental driver Hailie Deegan
- Venturini Motorsports’ Michael Self and Drew Dollar
- DGR-Crosley’s Tanner Gray
Tickets for the 57th annual Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire, the 62nd annual DAYTONA 500 and other DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.
Richmond Raceway Beefs Up Partnership with Virginia Beef Council
09 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffRichmond Raceway (Richmond) and the Virginia Beef Council (VBC) announce a multifaceted partnership to share awareness and the health benefits of beef at Richmond Raceway Complex events in 2020. As part of the agreement, the VBC will have a presence in the Midway for both NASCAR race weekends, Virginia Credit Union LIVE!, a fall 10K running event, and a dedicated digital campaign for National Beef Month in May.
“We welcome the Virginia Beef Council and their commitment to supporting families who raise cattle in Virginia as a partner at Richmond Raceway,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “The organization has a positive impact across the Commonwealth as they raise awareness and share the health benefits of beef. We look forward to working together on events at the Richmond Raceway Complex this year.”
The VBC was founded in 1985 with the mission to enhance consumer preference for beef to strengthen Virginia families. By enhancing consumer preference for beef, the VBC keeps beef demand high which helps families who raise cattle in the state. Through their efforts, they strengthen beef-eating Virginia families by providing a delicious, nutrient-dense protein. The VBC is dedicated to the power of choice as the public selects their favorite lean protein as part of their regular diet.
“The Virginia Beef Council, representing all cattle producers in Virginia, is excited to partner with Richmond Raceway and inspire their diverse fan base, event participants and digital media followers to think of beef in new ways as a wholesome food and important industry,” states Hank Maxey, Virginia cattle producer and chair of Virginia Beef Council. “This partnership will allow the Virginia Beef Council to communicate with urban consumers about how safe, nutritious, sustainable and convenient beef is. We hope they consider adding it to the top of their list in protein choices for their family.”
The VBC is funded through the Beef Checkoff program, which is made up of the cattlemen and women of Virginia. The Commonwealth boasts over 18,000 farms who have beef cattle. 91% of these cattle are raised on family farms with less than 99 head of cattle. Virginia cattle producers care about the quality of food they provide for their families table as well as the world. Virginia cattle producers work hard to provide safe, sustainable, and nutritious beef. Consumers can have confidence in any cut of beef they choose at the meat counter whether it is organic, conventional or grass fed.
The Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner national campaign will have a presence across the Richmond Raceway Complex for 2020 events. The VBC will be the presenting sponsor for the entertainment stage in the Midway for the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 18-19 and NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend on Sept. 11-12.
The VBC will be the naming rights sponsor of the lawn at the Virginia Credit Union LIVE! that is available for general admission to concerts. The location has become a popular area for concert goers to congregate and socialize. The branding for the section will be introduced prior to the start of the Virginia Lottery Concert Series at Virginia Credit Union LIVE!.
As the VBC encourages consumption of beef as part of a healthy diet, the organization will sponsor a fall 10K running event at Richmond. The running event date, along with race name and branding, will be announced at a later date.
In May, Richmond and the VBC will launch a digital campaign to support National Beef Month. It will highlight the health benefits of beef through recipes, food safety, and other content associated with the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner national campaign.
To learn more about the VBC, visit vabeef.org.
Richmond Raceway PR
Watkins Glen International 2020 season tickets to go on-sale January 10
09 Jan 2020 Written by Speedway Digest StaffTickets and camping for the 2020 season at Watkins Glen International will go on sale to the general public Friday, January 10 at 9 a.m.
The calendar features exciting marque events, highlighted by six racing events, including a new August date for the NASCAR Cup Series tripleheader weekend.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the best fans in motorsports to our facility for the 2020 season,” said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. “We have such a diverse schedule on and off the track – if you want to experience authentic entertainment, it’s going to happen at The Glen.”
Joining NASCAR’s annual return to New York State (August 13-16), with Go Bowling at The Glen, the XFINITY Series 200 and the Great Outdoors RV Superstore 100 ARCA Menards Series race, is the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen featuring the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (June 25-28). The weekend of nearly 24 hours of on-track activity also includes the Michelin Pilot Challenge Tioga Downs 240, Porsche GT3 Cup, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.
Joining the NASCAR and IMSA weekends on the calendar is the Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, one of the largest vintage racing events in the country featuring the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and Trans-Am Championship (September 10-13), GT World Challenge America (September 17-20), and the return of Ferrari Challenge North America (August 28-30).
In addition to the on-track action, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival returns July 10-12. The festival continues to be the East Coast’s largest showcase of New York State wines and will feature over 90 regional wineries, food and live music. The Finger Lakes Beer Festival will return to close the season out at The Glen, (October 30-31) with the newly popular Boos and Brews, Friday night and over 40 New York State breweries, distilleries and cideries showcased.
This year also features an upgraded, fan-friendly ticketing system that includes sharing tickets, printing at home and more, along with several payment plans designed to make the process the easiest anywhere.
Watkins Glen International 2020 Schedule:
Opening Weekend – April 4-5
SCCA Super Majors Tour – June 19-21
IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen – June 25-28
Finger Lakes Wine Festival – July 10-12
NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen – August 13-16
Ferrari Challenge North America – August 28-30
SVRA Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix – September 10-13
GT World Challenge America – September 17-20
Finger Lakes Beer Festival – October 30-31
How to Purchase:
- Online: www.TheGlen.com
- Call: 866-461-RACE (7223)
- Visit: The Ticket Office on the 3rd Floor at 2 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, N.Y.,
Monday – Friday 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Located within five (5) hours (~300 miles) of 25% of the US population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, three-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook and Twitter. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.theglen.com.
WGI PR
