410 Sprint Car Series Will Thunder Around High Banks Sunday August 21st
Story By: ROB HAZER / LEBANON VALLEY SPEEDWAY
Photos By:DAVE DALESANDRO and TOMMY HEIN / RACERSGUIDE.COM
WEST LEBANON, NY – March 24, 2016 – For over 30 years, fans have seen some of the best 410 Sprint Car drivers race around the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway with blistering speeds. In 2016, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to witness the first ever appearance of Tony Stewart’s All-Star Circuit Of Champions on August 21st in what promises to be anything but your grandfather’s typical sprint car race at the valley of speed.
Lebanon Valley Speedway has offered race fans a major 410 sprint car race each year going back many years, which had typically flown the WoO (World Of Outlaws) Sprint banner. In the summer of 2016 sanction names may change for the event, but action will remain red hot with a breath of fresh air courtesy of the Artic Cat All-Star Circuit Of Champions.
“When I was in Alabama visiting a race last spring, Tony Stewart asked me if I’d consider it at Lebanon. I thought it’s time for something new, a change one could say, and we agreed to give it a shot,” said Lebanon Valley Owner Howard Commander.
Tony Stewart acquired the ASCoC Sprint Series in January of 2015 when he struck a deal with Guy Webb to become the sole owner of the original winged sprint car tour. It was a concept forged during meetings to build a super speedway back in the late 60’s, but in 1970 became one of the first and oldest traveling winged sprint tours in the United States. ‘Smoke’ is only the 4th owner of the ASCoC Sprint Tour, with others including Bud Miller (1970-1979), Bert Emick (1980-2002), and Guy Webb (2003-2015).
Fans can expect to see familiar faces, surprise drivers, super fast speeds, talents they may not have witnessed before, and a diverse field of skills battling it out for the $7,000 to win top prize. There’s also a healthy $1,000 to start so making the 24 car starting field will be challenging to all drivers, with qualifying spots at a premium. Have no fear though; Mr. Commander isn’t afraid to spend some green for the fans if they prefer to see a few more cars added to the starting field.
While a comprehensive list of drivers making an appearance is being formed some skilled winged warriors who competed in the ASCoC Sprint Tour last season include Dale Blaney, Cody Darrah, Chad Kemenah, Tim Shaffer, Sheldon Haudenschild, and popular PA sprint driver Ryan Smith to name a few.
One name that will be on hand for sure is Tony Stewart who will make his first visit back to Lebanon Valley Speedway since mid summer in 2014. Stewart has made frequent visits to the Valley in the past to compete; however this trip he will be in an official’s capacity for his highly successful grass roots sprint series.
Don’t miss out on the final race of the Northeast swing for the ASCoC Sprint Tour at Lebanon Valley Speedway August 21, 2016. Tickets are available now for this historic event, which will give fans time trials, heat races, B-Main, dash, and an eye candy A-Main that’ll make your mouth water.
Also included on the card that evening will be the stars and cars of the 358 Small Block Modified division. Bragging rights will be on the line in a 24-lap showdown that should include some high bank heavy hitters, such as Kenny Tremont, JR Heffner, Wayne Jelley, Brett Haas, and Jason Herrington to name a few.
Prices are $25 general admission, $27 reserved seating, $44 VIP climate controlled tower, $7 for children, $30 for the pits with a license, and $35 for the pits without a license.
To obtain tickets in advance of August 21, 2016, please contact speedway offices at 518-794-9606, 518-794-9965, or visit the website at lebanonvalley.com. Lebanon Valley can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
All-Star Circuit Of Champions Sprint Tour can be found at allstarsprint.com or through social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Please note the annual infield pit party will again take place in turns 3 and 4 with parking for pick-ups, Sprints will pit on the drag strip as normal, and no mufflers will be on the racecars so be prepared and bring ear protection if needed.
Both Lyle DeVore and Howard Commander invite everyone to what they believe has the potential to be the greatest sprint car race in the history of Lebanon Valley Speedway. It’s not your grandpa’s sprint car race; it’s going to be the smoking hot super all-star show.
