Successful Practice At Georgetown With New, Smooth Surface
Story By: BRETT DEYO / GEORGETOWN SPEEDWAY – GEORGETOWN, DE – Despite frigid temperatures and wind, Georgetown Speedway came to life for the first time in 2017 on Saturday.
Approximately 35 race cars, spanning a variety of divisions, took part in a three-hour open practice session at the Sussex County half-mile, turning the first laps since a complete resurfacing of the speedway during the off-season.
The 200-plus loads of clay knitted well, providing smooth track conditions throughout the session and requiring minimal track prep. The surface and added banking in the first and second turns drew positive reviews from competitors in attendance.
“We got so many positive comments from racers,” Georgetown promoter Brett Deyo said. “The clay held up extremely well and produced minimal dust despite daytime conditions and wind. We are really optimistic heading into the opener.”
Among the divisions represented were big-block/small-block Modifieds, L&J Sheet Metal Crate 602 Sportsman, Super Late Models, RUSH Crate Late Models, Delmarva Chargers, Delaware Super Trucks, Vintage Cars and a Sprint Car.
The day’s activities also marked the debut of a completely remodeled concession stand operated by Fat Daddy’s BBQ. The award-winning “Fat Daddy’s” food was a hit with attendees.
Attention now turns to the March 10-11 opening weekend.
On Friday, March 10, gates will open at 4 p.m. with open practice 6:30-9:30 p.m. Grandstand admission is free. Pit admission is $20 (Adults, over age 13), $10 (Kids 6-12) and $2 for children under five.
Saturday, March 11 is reserved for the Melvin L. Joseph Memorial, headlined by a 49-lap, $4,900-to-win main for the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By VP big-block/small-block Modifieds.
Joining the STSS Modifieds on the program are the Crate 602 Sportsman paying $1,000 to win and $100 to start plus Southern Delaware Vintage Stock Cars, Little Lincolns, Delmarva Chargers and Delaware Super Trucks.
On March 11, pit gates will open at noon. Grandstand gates will be unlocked at 1 p.m. Hot laps get underway at 3 p.m., with racing at 4 p.m.
Adult grandstand admission is $20. Seniors (ages 65 and up) and Students (ages 13-17) pay $16. Kids 9-12 pay $10 and Children eight and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35 (ages 13 and up), $10 (ages 6-12) and $2 (five and under).
A rain date of Sunday, March 12 is in place for the Melvin L. Joseph Memorial.
Overnight camping will be permitted on site and teams may leave their haulers in the pit area from Friday to Saturday.
The recently remodeled Quality Inn (formerly Comfort Inn) just north of the speedway on Route 113 in Georgetown, is offering the following discounted rates for the Melvin L. Joseph Memorial on both Friday and Saturday nights: $98.10 for Double Beds; $89.10 for a King Size bed; $107.10 for a Suite. Call the Quality Inn directly at 302.854.9400 and mention Georgetown Speedway to receive the discount.
Georgetown Speedway, originally constructed by Melvin L. Joseph in 1949, is located at the intersection of Route 113 and Speedway Road in Georgetown, Del., just miles from the Delaware beaches and less than a 40-minute drive from Ocean City, Md.
