By John Clayton
Staff Writer
CONCORD, N.C. — World of Outlaws Late Model Series point-leader Shannon Babb and two-time winner Freddy Smith are among a long, impressive list of the top late-model drivers from across the country preparing to chase “The Dream” at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
“The Dream,” scheduled for Saturday, June 9 at 7 p.m., offers the richest winner’s purse in dirt-late-model racing, with $100,000 to the winner.
“Winning that race, being able to walk out of Eldora with $100,000 in your pocket is a dream come true for us in this sport,” said Billy Moyer, who won “The Dream” in 1998.
Steve Francis, Earl Pearson, Jr., 1999 winner Rick Eckert and Jeep VanWormer are among the early entries who will vie for this year’s $100,000 first prize.
Babb’s best finish in “The Dream” was third in 1998, which he followed with a 10th-place run in 1999.
Eldora is also the scene of one of Babb’s more recent nightmares. After taking the checkers at the 2005 World 100, Babb was disqualified afterward because his car was too light. A year later, he finished second to Pearson in the same event.
“I love Eldora. I’ve always run good there,” Babb said. “We won that deal that time, but we just have to take that experience and go for it and try harder next time.”
Dream Week activities open tonight (June 6) with the third annual Prelude to the Dream, featuring track owner Tony Stewart and more than 20 other NASCAR competitors racing late models on the historic half-mile oval.
Activity continues with Thursday’s crowning of Ms. Eldora Speedway. Warm-ups for time trials are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Friday, with time trials to follow.
All races, including the 100-lap feature, will be on Saturday.