Video Aims At Getting Street Racers To Local Drag Strips

GLENDORA, Calif. — NHRA and POWERade Series drivers preach “Race the Strip, Not the Street” in a public-service video produced by the NHRA.
With recent illegal street-racing deaths and numerous bystanders injured or killed, the NHRA wants the public to know that there are safer alternatives.
Over 140 NHRA-member tracks across the country offer NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. In addition, the NHRA and a handful of the POWERade Series drivers produced a video to bring the “Race the Strip, Not the Street” message to the public eye.
The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK_aTZm1hfw.

Benefit Planned For Injured Arpin

GRAND MEADOW, Minn. — A benefit to help defray medical expenses incurred after modified driver Steve Arpin was burned while working on his race car at Volusia Speedway Park is scheduled for March 22 at Grumpy’s Restaurant, which is located just minutes from Deer Creek Speedway.
The event features a donation spaghetti dinner, live and silent auctions as well as entertainment by the Heartland Express band.
A benefit fund for Arpin, who suffered second-degree burns when a loose radiator hose doused him with hot liquid, has been established at First Farmers & Merchants State Bank at 105 Main St. North, Grand Meadown, Minn., 55936.
Items for the fundraiser auctions are still being sought. For more information or to make a donation, contact Julie Reich at (507) 732-4761 or at julie.reich@hotmail.com.

IRA Outlaw Sprint Series 2008 Schedule Is Set

McHENRY, Ill.— The IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will kick off its 49th season of competition on April 19. For the seventh-consecutive year, action will begin at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway with the running of the Rick Schmidt Memorial.
The series will run a total of 30 events across the Midwest.
Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts returns as title sponsor for the eighth season. The IRA will continue its association with ASA. 

New Management Takes Over Lonesome Pine

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, Va., underwent several changes during the off-season, including the new management group headed by Jeff Roark and former track promoter Harold Crook.
The track also hired Tom Buchanan, a former contestant on “Survivor: Africa,” as the track promoter and created a charger class to join regular racing divisions starting April 19.
The biggest change for 2008, however, is its inclusion in the American Speed Ass’n’s Member Track program.
“I think, most of all, the ASA Member Track program will bring credibility to Lonesome Pine Raceway,” explained Crook. “I am more excited now than I have ever been at the start of a new season.” For a full schedule, visit www.LPRaceway.com.

Macon Speedway Ready To Begin Its Slate

MACON, Ill. — Macon Speedway gets set for the 2008 season with a car show March 16 and the annual Test-n-Tune day March 22.
Late models, sportsman, modifieds, street stocks and hornets will be on hand for the Macon Speedway season opener, scheduled April 5, and will open the doors to an exciting fun-filled 2008 schedule.
Three nights of NASCAR stars are included in Macon Speedway’s special events, when NASCAR drivers will compete with locals and sign autographs for fans. July 30 marks one of these nights, when two-time champion Tony Stewart will pose as grand marshall.
For a full schedule, visit www.maconracing.com.

Norwalk Event Stops General Admission Sales

NORWALK, Ohio — General admission tickets for the second-annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals will no longer be sold.
Ticket sales for the event are currently 30 percent ahead of last year, and with a possible-sell out, Summit Motorsports Park management has announced that there will only be reserved-seating tickets and standing-room tickets for  the event. Those who have already bought general admission tickets will receive a letter with options, thus guaranteeing every fan an assigned seat and allowing families and friends to sit together.  To buy tickets, log on to www.SummitMotorsportsPark.com or call (419) 668-5555.

TBARA Increases Payouts For Drivers

TAMPA, Fla. — A major purse increase will be in effect March 22 for the TBARA Florida Sprint Car series. With more than 19 percent enhancement in the payouts, not only will the purse increase for top finishers, but also the majority of the boost will be distributed to 10th through 24th places.
President Lenny Puglio said that the larger payouts would help offset the ever increasing costs of racing and will help keep a full field and great shows for the fans.

I-77 Gets New Management Group

RIPLEY, W. Va. — A new management group led by General Manager Rocky Estep has signed a three-year commitment to operate I-77 Speedway, beginning immediately.
Veteran driver Shon Parsons will take over as race director, Scott Estep will be facilities manager, Tony Dillow will handle public relations and Robbie Cline is the new marketing director.
I-77 Speedway will continue to run on Saturday nights with a lineup of super late models, AMRA modifieds, AMRA late models, sportsman, mod lites and “4-fun 4-cylinders.” No opening date has been set, but a date in early May is projected. Management expects to have the track’s Web site up and running again soon. Until then, contact Parsons at i77speedway@hotmail.com.