Super DIRTcar Series Ready For Airborne Park Speedway
Story By: ROBBY KNOWLES / AIRBORNE PARK SPEEDWAY – PLATTSBURGH, NY – For the first time in Super DIRTcar Series history, the Big Block Modifieds will take to the Airborne Park Speedway dirt oval on Thursday, July 6 for the “Northline Utilities 100.”
In addition to the Super DIRTcar Series invaders, some Airborne Egglefield Ford 358 Modified regulars are expected to put their machines to the test. Current point leader and three-time winner in 2017, Chris Raabe, plans to campaign his St. Lawrence Radiology, Genesis Racing Shocks, Mike Sauve Construction, Husqvarna 358 Modified.
“It always fun to run against that level with the top guys on the series,” Raabe said. “We don’t have high expectations on Thursday, we will look to use it as a test session for our program.”
Raabe has already found success with his 358 Modified in series races in Canada. Raabe picked up a win at Cornwall Motor Speedway back in 2012. In addition, he also has a 4th place finish at Cornwall, a 3rd place finish at Brockville and a 5th place finish at Le RPM Speedway.
“We’re really gonna need the track to slick off to have a chance against the Big Blocks, they should really wear out the track on entry because of their power,” Raabe added.
The Super DIRTcar Series brings the best drivers in the northeast and is sure to put on a fantastic show. Series regulars include five-time and defending champion, Matt Sheppard, three-time champion, Billy Decker, eight-time champion, Brett Hearn, five-time champion, Alan Johnson and more.
In the most recent event at the Utica-Rome Speedway, an on-track incident landed Sheppard a seven day suspension that he is likely to appeal. With twelve laps remaining in the race, Larry Wight made contact with Sheppard on the backstretch that launched Wight’s car in the air and sent Sheppard spinning. When their cars came to a halt, both drivers exited their cars and became tangled in turn three.
The current unofficial point totals for the Super DIRTcar Series pins Decker in first, 21 points ahead of Friesen and Hearn. Sheppard and Wight are listed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Six events have been run this season with five different drivers collecting a checkerd flag. Decker has two wins and is the only repeat winner this season. Sheppard, Friesen, Ryan Watt and Tim McCreadie have each won a series race this season.
The Fidelis Care Sportsman and Busch Beer Mini-Mods will also be on hand to fill out Thursday’s racing card. The event will be a regular points race for both divisions.
Post time for the event is 7 p.m. with grandstands opening at 4:30. Ticket prices are $25 for adults with kids ages 12 and under free of charge.
Pit sign-in will open at 2:30 and the pit gate will open at 3:00. Pit prices are $30 for DIRTcar License Members and $40 for Non-Licensed Members.
For more information and to stay up to date visit airborneparkspeedway.com or on Facebook at Airborne Park Speedway.
