RPW Column: Penn Can Makes ’20 Debut Under New Management With Packed Pits, But Mother Nature Wins

RPW Column By: LAURIE FALLIS / RPW – SUSQUEHANNA, PA – Finally! The Northeast racing world was able to come to life and those in attendance at the Penn Can Speedway located in Susquehanna County, PA packed the pits.

After a long winter and COVID-19 restrictions on racing, those who were at the Pennsylvania speedplant were set up for what many had hoped would be a great night of racing.

Rookie promoter Gary Folk and his crew had the new clay surface in excellent shape. Nothing could have been better to race fans ears then listening to the music of dirt cars finally hitting the track. Let’s not forget the smell of Sunoco Racing Fuel fumes in the air.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature came in and joined the party. However, she was actually the spoiler. A persistent drizzle continued through the early portion of the night.

The Modifieds and Sportsman got their warmup sessions in, but as the 600cc Modifieds hit the track for theirs, rain came down a little bit harder, and they were called off the track.

With hopes that the forecast would clear, the Speedway held off as long as possible.. However, Ma Nature prevailed and now the even has been pushed back to Sunday, May 24th.

Management stated to me that they couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout of cars and fans that came to support the track’s opener.

In regards to car count, 36 sail-panel Modifieds checked in the back gate, all who were looking to compete in the night’s 40-lap feature. A strong field of 50 Sportsman cars were also on hand ready to give the fans a great show in their 30-lap main event.

The Grit Series 600 Modifieds had 26 machines ready to do battle for 20 grinding laps of competition.

With no heats in the record books, and racing rescheduled for Sunday, fans can look forward to some great racing at a much-improved facility. Remember, with better weather on the horizon, car counts could also get higher.

Congratulations Penn Can Speedway for giving racing back to the racers and fans!