World Of Outlaws Set To Invade Port Royal For Two-Day Nittany Showdown To Close ’19
Story By: JUSTIN SNYDER / PORT ROYAL SPEEDWAY – PORT ROYAL, PA – Port Royal Speedway will close out their 2019 racing season with a two-day visit by the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series Friday and Saturday October 25-26 for the Nittany Showdown.
This will be the second consecutive season where the Outlaws will attempt to visit for a two-day event and it’s expected that a large field of cars will trek to Juniata County for a chance to take home the victory and the bragging rights against the best the sport has to offer.
There is a Sunday Oct. 27 rain date available if needed and times are to be determined if needed.
Last year’s event was rained out on Friday night and Saturday night, pushing racing activities to Sunday. It was also the first ever time that the Outlaws sanctioned the Tuscarora 50 due to rain showers cancelling the event earlier in the year.
Ultimately, Donny Schatz took home the $51,000 victory, which was his second consecutive triumph at Port Royal, as he won in 2017 as well.
Past winners in Outlaw competition along with Schatz (3) are Logan Shuchart, Brad Sweet, Ryan Smith, Jason Meyers, Brad Furr, Danny Wood, Doug Wolfgang, Don Kreitz Jr. and Lynn Paxton won the very first visit in July of 1979.
Logan Wagner is the leading Weikert’s Livestock 410 Sprint Car feature at the Speedway in 2019 with five wins to his credit and is the 2019 Port Royal Speedway track champion. He will be looking to defend the local turf along with Lance Dewease (110 career speedway victories), Danny Dietrich, Lucas Wolfe, Anthony Macri, Dylan Cisney and many more.
It is also expected that several other outsiders will make the trek to the Juniata County oval such as Brian Brown (Knoxville Track Champion) and many of the All Star Circuit of Champions regulars as well.
To go along with the PA Posse vs the Outlaws rivalry, the Outlaws points battle is also up for grabs entering the weekend. Currently Brad Sweet holds a 32-point advantage in the standings over Schatz and a -102 advantage over David Gravel.
Daryn Pittman and Schuchart also have a spirited battle for the fourth spot and currently Pittman has a 40-point advantage over him. Carson Macedo, Ian Madsen, Sheldon Haudenschield, Shane Stewart and Brent Marks, who just picked up the win at Williams Grove in the series most recent visit to the area round out the top 10.
This would be the first career championship for Sweet if he is to hold off Schatz and would make him the first champion other than Schatz since Daryn Pittman won in 2013. A strong run in Central Pa. would do wonders in his quest as the field will be as tough as anywhere and points are crucial.
Friday’s Preliminary event will pay $8000 to win and Saturday’s finale will pay $15,000 to win.
Reserve Seats are still available for the weekend and are on sale through the World of Outlaws website. The entire main grandstand towards turn 1 will be reserved seating and the top five rows of the new grandstand are as well. Everything else is general admission and season reserved seats will be honored for both nights.
Ticket prices and times are as follows-
- Friday- $30 Adult General Admission, Students (12-17) $20, Kids- Free, Pit Admission $40
- Gates Open at 4pm, Racing at 7pm
- Saturday- $30 Adult General Admission, Student (12-17) $20, Kids- Free, Pit Admission $40
- Gates Open at 1pm, Racing at 5pm
- Camping will also be available for $20
There will also be a Cornhole Tournament being held Saturday. It is the 2nd Annual Port Royal Speedway Cornhole Classic. It is rain or shine and will be held in the commercial building right inside the front stretch gates. Registration is from 9:30am to 10:45am and the tournament will start at 11:00 am.
It is double elimination and is a bring your own partner event. If you need a partner, they can try and find you one. Entry fee is $30/team and payout is guaranteed to the top four teams. The event is BYOB (Bring your own beverages and bags. House bags can be provided if needed. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing.
