|
When most people think of a front-wheel-drive or four-cylinder division at their local dirt track, they typically don't give it much attention and might view it as an opportune time to head to the concession stand. However, the SCDRA aims to shift this narrative.
The Sport Compact Dirt Racing Association (SCDRA) was established in 2016, building on the successes of the Winter Freeze held every February since 2010 at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Georgia.
The event began as an unsanctioned competition, featuring a $5,000 prize for the winner, a rarity in the front-wheel-drive community at the time. The annual event has seen a consistent $1,000 growth in the champion's prize purse, reaching $20,000 for the main event in 2024.
Last year, the series attracted an average of over 40 competitors per event. Notably, unlike most front-wheel drive classes that utilize stock motors, this is not the case with SCDRA. Almost all cars feature tuned motors and enhanced components, elevating their horsepower and torque, establishing them as the 'Super Late Model' equivalent within their community.
The Winter Freeze is the season finale for the series which is different from most series that usually span from early spring to the fall.
What makes the Winter Freeze at Screven so special? According to drivers and other SCDRA community members, it feels like a yearly family reunion. It is the first event in over three months where everyone can catch up and have fellowship with each other while competing through the weekend. Some drivers come from different regions of the country and they only have the chance to see everyone at this event and also at The King Of The Compacts at Florence Speedway every October.
From talking to Kelley Carlton on Episode 58 of The Dunewich On Dirt Podcast, he is expecting anywhere from 100-130 cars for this year's edition of the Freeze.
The Format of Winter Freeze XIV goes as follows. On Thursday, February 1st, drivers will hit the track for practice from 7 pm to 11 pm.
On Friday, February 2nd, drivers have their opportunity to qualify and heat race. The top six qualifiers will be locked in and the top two from each of the eight heat races lock themselves into the main event.
On Saturday drivers will also be able to lock in through one of three b-mains to complete the field for the 60 laps, and $20,000 to win main event.
This event has plenty more to offer besides the SCDRA. The Southern All Stars Late Models will be beginning their 2024 season with $3,000 and $12,000 to win features.
The Ultimate Street Stock Challenge will be making its debut in this event with a $ 10,000-to-win feature. The local favorites 602 Bandits series will be racing with $1,500 and $2,000 to-win events.
The Road Warriors and Cop Stocks will also be returning to Screven as well. The SCDRA Young Lions division will be making their debut with a $500 feature for drivers 10-17 years old.
If you have not made the trip to Sylvania, Georgia to check out Screven or the Winter Freeze before I highly encourage you to.
Screven is one of the best facilities in the southeast in my opinion with the best concession stand of any race track I have been to. If you love home cooking and food that stands out compared to other tracks you surely will be impressed.
Last year was my first time to the Winter Freeze and I did go into the event with high hopes. Red Griffin, Kelley Carlton, and the whole crew there blew my expectations out of the water.
If you cannot make it in person, you can watch every lap on FloRacing to see what the Winter Freeze is all about!
|
