It is difficult to believe that September is just about over and the first day of Fall will soon be upon us and unfortunately as the days go by so does the racing season. When the season began many of us, myself included, were wondering just how the changes with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars would affect the series. I think most of us were pleasantly surprised as the series regulars appear to be supporting the new Boundless Motorsports ownership. Other than Ted Johnson's attempt at a "hostile takeover" in mid-July things seem to be going smoothly.
Boundless replaced Competition Director Bobby Jackson with Dean Miracle and they seem determined to hire competent officials to run their programs however it did take Lernerville Pit Steward, Smokey Schempp, to get the World of Outlaws drivers to get in their proper positions. Oh well, I guess even the nation's premier sprint car series can have an off night!
I for one was quite skeptical of Boundless" attempt to launch a nationwide Late Model series but after seeing several of their shows in 2004 I have become a Late Model fan. There first area show at the Lernerville Speedway drew a huge crowd that was treated to a spectacular race as Chub Frank charged to the front and brought home his first WoO Late Model victory.
The series did have a rather difficult time getting organized at the Challenger Raceway in July and the criticism of the series and track officials was definitely justified. Sitting in the stands one could clearly see the yellow caution light had come on prior to David Scott's spin and the decision to send Scott to the rear was definitely unpopular with the crowd. Scott and his crew were very upset at the time but when the video was reviewed with series officials all of the parties appeared to be happy with the call.
Another traveling series, the All-Star Circuit of Champions, returned to the area for the Labor Day weekend. A series season high of 52 cars were in attendance at the Lernerville Speedway for the Earl and David Bauman Memorial on September 3rd. Jeff Shepard, aboard a brand new ride, started in the front row of the feature and led the entire 35 laps. He also captured the Sharon Nationals crown two days later. Unfortunately Shepard and car owner, Barry Jackson, had a disagreement when Shepard wanted to renegotiate his contract with the team and he vacated the ride a short time later. That is really too bad as Shepard is an excellent driver who is now looking for a ride and an equally excellent sprint car team is looking for a driver! While I do not agree with the All Stars' decisions to travel to Canada and New Mexico(these trips just seems to far for a regional series) the series does appear to be regaining some of its popularity.
I did catch a few other series' this season and I will cover them in another column. In the meantime be sure to get out and enjoy the racing action before it all ends. Mercer Raceway Park, Sharon, Challenger and Lernerville are among the area tracks that still have specials scheduled. And for all you drivers and race teams remember that now is the time to start contacting and courting those sponsors and potential sponsors for 2005.
If you are looking for press releases, marketing proposals or newsletters highlighting your team contact me at the e-mail address below.
Be safe in your travels and remember that news, notes and comments are always welcome at sprintcarfan@zoominternet.net.
