DIRTRACKR Daily Podcast - Episode Transcript
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Top late model driver weighs in on this track's revival | Daily 10-07-2024
The first laps have been turned for the Pennsboro revival, so what does a big name driver think? We'll talk about it, plus the black magic that still exists in race car chassis, Sunday results, and how you can help hurricane victims and get a free pit pass. Let's go!
It's Monday, October 7th, I'm Justin Fiedler. This is DIRTRACKR Daily presented by Kubota Genuine Parts.
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As of today we are about two and a half weeks from the practice night for the Mason Dixon 100 at Pennsboro Speedway. We've been keeping an eye on the progress there as Barry Braun and his XR folks are in the final days and weeks before racing is set to happen. There is still a lot of work to do to both the race track itself, and the surrounding facility, and there will be significant challenges to deal with in the leadup, and during the event. But in recent days they have had cars on the track taking some test laps. That's included some modified guys like Ryan Robey, and some local late model racers like Thomas Sigler and Logan Reed. Yesterday they had a big name stop by with Devin Moran taking his first trips around the speedway. Moran obviously fresh off a very strong Lucas weekend at the Pittsburgher 100. They've posted photos and videos of the cars on track to Pennsboro's social media, and included some driver commentary as well. After Moran's initial run, while he was getting unstrapped, he was asked his initial thoughts, and Moran's quote was "Uh... It's not as bad as I thought." He told Barry that it needs some grader work, but that it felt like a big Ocala. Being egg shaped like it is, it's obviously much more open and sweeping on the one end, and then much tighter on the other. So drivers will be carrying a lot of speed into what I think is turn three, and then needing to be on the binders hard. It's clear that Moran isn't sure how it will race, and he mentioned that in the past, the racing wasn't always the best at Pennsboro, but the atmosphere and parties were the draw. And I think that's a fair assessment. It's a big track, strangely shaped, and fairly narrow. I certainly appreciated Moran's candor, and for Barry not being worried about posting the videos anyway. I don't know that every promoter would have been okay posting that type of feedback from a driver. Looking at some of the videos and images, they've cleared space on the hillside, which will likely be the main place to watch the racing from. They do have some scattered sections of jersey barrier around the track, but they did say that guardrails and fencing will be installed in the coming days. It's going to be a mad dash to the finish, and we'll certainly continue to watch the progress. The Mason Dixon 100 will feature co-sanctioned late model races between the XR Super Series and ULMS, plus sport mods. Bobby Pierce leads the XR championship right now over Moran and Ryan Gustin.
Did you guys see the FloRacing and Dirt on Dirt story from Kevin Kovac about Jonathan Davenport running his famous Eldora car this past weekend during the Pittsburgher? Kovac details all of the logistics that had to happen for the car to be ready to race at PA Motor Speedway, as it was still sitting in Batesville. Crew chief Cory Fostvedt had some long drives, he slept in Steve Arpin's motorhome at the Longhorn shop, and more. That car is usually only brought out for the Eldora crown jewels, but as Davenport says in the story, he knew they had to have a good weekend if they were going to have a shot at this Lucas title. It's one of the things that is still wild about building race cars, that with all the technology we have, guys will still find a car they favor for whatever reason. I like that there is still a little black magic when it comes to building these chassis. Davenport told Kovac that he just trusts the car, like a quote "old pair of shoes." How many guys over the years have gone to great lengths to keep a specific car racing, like the Aaron Reutzel chassis deal. Or how many guys seem to have been derailed after crashing a specific car. Look at Brandon Overton right now. They build them on jigs to keep them the same, it's the same welders, they buy the same tubing from the same manufacturers, but no two cars are the same.
At Terre Haute yesterday, the final Silver Crown dirt race of the season took place, with Logan Seavey finally getting to victory lane. He got past Brady Bacon just beyond half way, and led the rest of the feature. Seavey hadn't won in the Silver Crown car since sweeping the non-wing portion of 4-Crown at Eldora in 2023. Daison Pursley ended up second, Justin Grant third, and points leader Kody Swanson was 10th. The Silver Crown season wraps up in about two weeks on the pavement at IRP. This championship is not quite settled though. Headed to that finale, Swanson leads Grant by just six points. Swanson definitely has the edge, as he's won three of the last eight races at IRP, and he's led laps in all eight of those shows. But if he has any issues, Grant could easily take this thing. If you want to check out Silver Crown stats and results, that is one of the series we track in the database over at dirtrackr.com/analytics.
In New York, it's Super Dirt Week time at Oswego. Teams and campers are already arriving there, and activities started yesterday with the Kickoff Party. Tech inspection is happening all day, they've got the charity golf tournament going on, and then they'll have quarter midget and micro mania races later today. Those races will be carried on DIRTVision this evening if you are so inclined. Dirt racing action starts Tuesday with the Hurricane Harvey 75 program at Brewerton. If you want more info, visit superdirtweek.com.
I got an email from Kendra at High Limit a few days ago, and I wanted to pass this information along. If you are headed to any of the High Limit races this week, they are collecting new blankets, unopened diapers, and baby wipes to help with Hurricane Helene relief. If you bring those items, you can get a free pit pass upgrade for the night. They are also accepting cash donations. This is in conjunction with Speedway Children's Charities. So that means tomorrow at I-70, Wednesday at Lucas Oil Speedway, and Friday and Saturday at the Dirt Track at Texas Motor Speedway. Donations at I-70 will be collected inside the main grandstand entrance at the High Limit pop up tent. At Wheatland, they are taking items at the VIP door of the ticket booth starting at 5PM. And at TMS, they'll have a track branded tent inside the main grandstand entrance both days. You can find more details, including a link to donate if you can't attend, over at highlimitracing.com.
At Millstream Speedway last night, Zane DeVault was a GLSS sprint car winner, topping Kasey Jedrzejek and Van Gurley Jr. DeVault now with four 410 wins, and two 360 wins on the season. Max Stambaugh was crowned GLSS champion on the strength of six victories.
Quick side note, is it bumming anyone else out that we are almost at the end of the dirt racing season? This year went by really fast, and I can't believe we are down to the final few races.
Anyways, that's the daily for today. Dirt racing news and more at dirtrackr.com. Follow DIRTRACKR across social media, and drop a comment or show review.
Hope you guys have a great Monday out there, we'll see you back here tomorrow!