Storm Damage’s Repaired; Georgetown’s Ready To Race This Friday

Story By: BRETT DEYO / GEORGETOWN SPEEDWAY – GEORGETOWN, DE – After 13 straight days of work, Georgetown Speedway is again “race ready” in advance of this Friday night’s (July 21) program.

A rogue ‘micro-burst’ storm carrying extreme high winds caused significant damage to the speedway on Independence Day. The winds tore down the entire backstretch wall/fencing, signage, pit-area fencing, dislodged the pit office and spread debris across the facility.

Crews have been at work since July 5 and once again, the historic Delaware oval is ready to go!

“I have so many people to thank for getting the facility back in shape,” Georgetown Speedway promoter Brett Deyo said. “It was overwhelming at first looking at the extent of the damage, but there were several who offered their help and here we are.

“We couldn’t have been ready to race Friday without the help of Jake Marine, William Mears, Alan Ellingsworth, Penuel Sign Co., Lou Johnson and Paul Tomaszewski. It’s been non-stop, but we are better off now than we were before.”

Two headline divisions are on the agenda when racing returns to Georgetown this Friday.

The “fan-favorite” Sprint Car-Modified combination is set to tackle the historic half-mile clay oval for the season’s second Friday night program. The lightning-quick 360 Sprint Cars of the United Racing Club (URC) make their only 2017 appearance at Georgetown, sharing the spotlight with big-block/small-block Modifieds in a $2,500-to-win, 25-lap main event.

The evening has also been designated as ‘Youth Night’ at the speedway. All those under the age of 12 will be admitted into the grandstand free of charge!

A Bicycle Giveaway is also on the evening’s agenda.

Legendary Bobby Wilkins, a driver who represented the First State by racing and winning across the Northeast, will be recognized during the night, as well.

Joining the URC/Modified doubleheader are the L&J Sheet Metal Crate 602 Sportsman and features-only for Southern Delaware Vintage Stock Cars, Little Lincolns, Delmarva Chargers and Delaware Super Trucks.

Blue Hen Dispose-All, based in Millsboro, Del., serves as the night’s presenting sponsor.

Gates will unlock at 4 p.m. in the pit area and 5 p.m. in the grandstands. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:20 p.m., with racing to follow at 7:15 p.m.

Grandstand admission for adults is $20. Seniors (ages 65 and over) and Students (ages 13-17) pay $16. Kids 12 and under are FREE.

Pit admission for those ages 13 and up is $35. Those ages 6-12 pay $10. Kids five and under are $2.

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.

A new website is live for the speedway at www.thegeorgetownspeedway.com. Like Georgetown Speedway on Facebook, follow @thegtownspdwy on Twitter, e-mail georgetownspeedway@gmail.com or by contacting the speedway hotline at 302.563.GTWN (4896).