Doug Borger Takes Penn Can Speedway into 2017 as New Promoter
Story By: PENN CAN SPEEDWAY MEDIA
Photos By: DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
SUSQUEHANNA, PA- November 6, 2016- Occasionally you must take a step back to move forward. Learn from the past to make it better than it was. Penn Can Speedway will see a new leader at the helm for the next couple of years.
Doug Borger, founder of the popular Xcel 600 modified series and chassis manufacturer, looks to the future with new enthusiasm. His career in racing has come full circle for the Pennsylvania native. Piloting his self-sponsored sprint for many years, only to watch cost get out of hand, had the driver switch gears. He wanted to bring racing back into the driver’s hands and not their pockets. At this point, The Xcel 600 modifieds were created and has grown beyond expectations.
“First and foremost, I want to wish Dan Harpell luck in his next adventure in the racing industry,” stated Borger, “Racing is a passion that cannot be matched. After spending the summer talking to drivers, fans and car owners, I could form a plan for Penn Can Speedway. The majority want to see racing when it was racing. Drivers want a fair shake. It shouldn’t matter how deep the pockets go, what matters is passion”.
It seems to be the format Borger plans on following. First on tap will be a simplified qualified format. The handicapping system works but no one understands the system. Each week a driver will pull a pill for a heat race position. The top three from the heat will redraw. Where you finish in the heat will determine your place in the feature. No previous finish or money earned will determine your position.
5 classes will be hitting the hard clay for the 2017 season. The popular modifieds and the always growing 602 crate sportsman will have the fans on the edge of their seats. Factory stocks and 4 cylinders will join the group as well. The Xcel Chassis 600 modifieds will now call Penn Can their home track on Friday nights.
Increasing fan participation will also be on the agenda. Included with your paid admission, whether the pits or grandstands, will be a ticket. 5 lucky fans will be in victory lane at nights’ end. 5 gas cards will also be raffled off throughout the night. Nowadays the fans just don’t want to be spectators but part of the action. This system will give 10 people a unique experience.
A mix of drivers will also be available on a weekly basis. A different driver and division will be on hand behind the grandstand to meet and greet young and old alike. Nothing is better than seeing a twinkle in a young child’s eye.
Two popular events will stay on the schedule in 2017. Legends of Penn Can will be welcomed back. Gary Folk will continue Bike Night with an added twist. The Friday following the giveaway the kids will be racing their new bikes on the front stretch.
The phone has already been ringing with interest from drivers. Announcements will be made as confirmation from teams are secured. There are teams that will be returning and new blood will call Penn Can home.
Over the next month, Borger will review the grounds and prioritize what needs attention first. Paint and new bleacher boards are already ordered. Mother Nature will also be in on the plans and Borger hopes to utilize whatever time he can. Penn Can Speedway will be represented at the Parts Peddler Show Nov 18th thru the 20th. Borger will be on hand to discuss the future of the speedway.
This November 7th, Borger will join Ron Hills on The Race Report. He will be interviewed at Brothers 2 restaurant, located in Endwell, NY. Information on rules, payouts, sponsorships and partner tracks will be announced. Following the interview will be a question answer session. Portions of the night will be broadcast on the Race Report at a future date on WICZ Fox 40.
Doug can be reached at the Xcel shop (610) 681 2689 and will gladly answer questions. He plans to keep an open-door policy. Look for future news and updates as they become available. He knows the racing world will be watching and looks forward to the future of Penn Can Speedway.
