Sportsman Added To Short Track Super Series’ “Return To Racing” At Cherokee Speedway

Story By: BRETT DEYO / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – GAFFNEY, SC – The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply “Return to Racing” for the Modified division has gained traction in a few short weeks.

Now, the Crate 602 Sportsman division will have its chance.

This Saturday (May 23), the STSS Crate 602 Sportsman will join their Modified counterparts on the storied Cherokee Raceway in Gaffney, S.C., running a 35-lap, $1,500-to-win, $150-to-start event. Just as bonus bucks are being accepted for the Modifieds, any individuals or businesses may contribute to the pay structure for this event. Those wishing to contribute should PayPal: bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com or Venmo: @Brett-Deyo-1.

“We wanted to give our Crate 602 Sportsman drivers the option to get away on Memorial Day weekend,” STSS organizer Brett Deyo said. “I’ve had so many questions about adding the Crates to a show. I know it isn’t ideal and the addition comes at the last minute, but the Northeast has been quiet for so long, racers are anxious.

“As soon as this announcement hit social media, my phone has been buzzing, so the interest is there.”

Drivers will follow STSS South Region Crate 602 Sportsman specs (6,200 rev chip and 2,350 lbs. minimum weight). The tire rule is as follows: left-front – 33 compound; right-front – 38 or 44 compound; left-rear – 44 compound; right-rear 48 or 53 compound.

Heats will be determined by a draw for position with a redraw of top qualifiers for the feature. Qualifying events will be 10 laps.

For the Cherokee event only, there is no limit on the number of crew members in the pit area.

The “Return to Racing” for the STSS is highlighted by two events for the Modifieds at Ray Cook’s Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown, N.C., on Thursday (May 21) and Friday (May 22) paying $3,000 and $5,000 to win for 40 and 50 laps, respectively, before venturing to Cherokee Speedway on Saturday (May 23) with a $4,000-to-win 40-lap Modified event joined by the STSS Modifieds and the track’s “Run What You Brung” full-fender division.

Hot laps begin at 7 p.m. each night, with racing at 7:30 p.m.

These events will be streamed live on Dirt Track Digest TV (www.dirttrackdigest.tv) exclusively with single-night and package pricing available.

Cherokee Speedway is a high-banked, three-eighths-mile oval located at 153 Speedway Road Gaffney, SC 29341. To learn more, call 864.489.1969 or visit www.cherokeespeedwaysc.com.

Tri-County Racetrack, operated by Late Model star Ray Cook, measures one-quarter mile through the center. The speedway address is 10456 Old US 64 Brasstown, NC 28902. On the web: www.tricountyracetrack.net. Track phone is 828.837.3815.

Reminder: the STSS Modified events at Tri-County are invite only with teams allowed to bring a maximum of 8 people in the pits.

The Cherokee event is open for all competitors – Modified and Crate 602 Sportsman – and there are no pit-area attendance limits.

As of Sunday (May 17), the grandstand areas will not be open to the general public at either facility.

The Short Track Super Series “Return to Racing” is presented by Hurlock Auto & Speed Supply, Mike’s Racing Heads, Competition Carburetion, St. Lawrence Radiology, Evergreen Fuels Inc., K&B Auto, The Scumgang, Midstate Recycling, Manmiller Electric and a host of special award, bonus and purse booster contributors.