Sportsman Visit 2 New Tracks; Pro Stocks Double At Malta & Utica
Story By:ROB HAZER / KOD SERIES MEDIA Photos By:DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
FONDA NY- March 6, 2016 – After much anticipation, date jockeying, and fine tuning the official 2016 King Of Dirt Crate Racing Series schedules for both Sportsman and Pro Stock are set in stone and ready for the upcoming racing season. Drivers can now start planning their KOD season accordingly.
In 2016 the 1-800-GOT-JUNK? King Of Dirt Crate Sportsman Series presented by Dodson Construction, Elmo’s Speed Supply & Auto Body, and driven by Hoosier Racing Tire will have a total of seven races, with two new tracks a welcomed addition to the tour.
One of those new tracks to the KOD Sportsman tour is Utica Rome Speedway in Vernon, NY where the tour kicks off on Sunday May15th for the ‘602 Spring Fever’ 30-lap throw down for the crown. The $1,000 to win and $100 to start purse structure for KOD races has already drawn heavy interest from multiple drivers who will be in attendance for the opener at the action track of the east.
Next up the King Of Dirt Sportsman are headed to Albany-Saratoga for the first of two races at the great race place again in 2016. ‘Friday Night Lights 2’ hits the 4/10ths of a mile clay surface Friday June 24th for another monumental throw down for the crown. Last year Connor Cleveland claimed a wild victory at evenings end. Time will tell who grabs this year’s $1,000 winner’s share.
After racing the great race place KOD Sportsman head to West Lebanon, NY for the ‘Valley Swing’ starting Saturday July 9th with ‘Battle On The Banks’ for the $1,000 winners loot. Last year John Virgilio found himself in victory lane with a solid home turf win. The valley proved to be a turning point in last years point battle between Rocky Warner and Chad Edwards.
On Thursday September 1st the KOD Sportsman visit the high banks one more time for the highly anticipated ‘Mr. Crate Track USA’ 30-lap throw down for the crown. This race took on a life of it’s own last season, as it accompanies the Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified series. Michael Sabia stormed to victory after a spirited battle with Scott Duell last year. This year the slate is wiped clean and title of Mr. Crate Track USA is up for grabs at Lebanon Valley.
After the ‘valley swing’ KOD Sportsman drivers head to Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday September 9th for an important throw down for the crown. The prestigious Northeast Crate Nationals will once again feature a 100-lap epic battle for more money, more points, and more honors. Previous winners have highlighted their Nationals championship triumph as a career highlight. It’s also the first race on the tour in 2016 time trials will play a factor in how the race day unfolds. Rocky Warner fended off all challengers last season to finally etch his name into the history books. No driver has won the Nationals twice; could 2016 be the year?
The following night Saturday September 10th the KOD Sportsman find themselves part of the New Yorker weekend at Utica Rome Speedway for the ‘Salute To Our Troops’ 30-lap event. Scheduled to offer $1,000 to win and $100 to start at this point, however may grow in value as the season progresses according to Bill Shea, promoter at the action track of the east.
Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, VT plays host to the KOD Sportsman season finale on Saturday September 24th. The ‘Green Mountain State Clash’ 100-lap finale will boast a $1,250 winners share and crown a tour champion. It’s the first visit by KOD to Bear Ridge, but the competition will not be any easier. Bear Ridge plays home to some tough racers who are battle tested and ready to throw down for the crown.
“I’m excited about the Sportsman schedule for 2016. There are some races we tried to schedule, but when people intentionally work to appear as if getting along, but undermine efforts out of spite we want not part of that. 2016 will have two amazing races at Albany-Saratoga, two game changing races at Lebanon Valley Speedway, two awesome shows at Utica Rome, and an anticipated trip to Vermont to crown a king at Bear Ridge,” said KOD Promoter Rob Hazer.
“Lyle DeVore took care of us at Albany-Saratoga and Lebanon Valley along with Howard Commander. They are top-notch professionals to work with. Along with our core tracks at Malta and Lebanon, we are excited to announce two races at Utica Rome. Bill Shea and his group are professionals also and we’re excited to be working with them going forward. Chuck Elms is down to earth and has been a pleasure to work with so far at Bear Ridge. Super nice guy and open minded so we made sure to do whatever we could to make things work out best for him and his regulars as well,” continued Rob Hazer.
The Lazzaro’s Auto Body King Of Dirt Pro Stock Series presented by Speed’s Garage, Stone Motorsports, and A1 Installers will see a schedule consisting of five dates through the 2016 racing season. The full fender division gets things started Sunday May 15th at Utica Rome Speedway for and ‘Action Track Throwdown’ season opening 30-lap battle.
Full Fender drivers then shift their focus to the ‘Pro Stock Classic’ on Friday June 3rd at Albany-Saratoga Speedway for a door-to-door 30-lap tussle. KOD is currently working to make the Classic a special event on the Pro Stock tour. More details to come as the race approaches.
On Friday July 8th KOD Pro Stock tour drivers head back to Albany-Saratoga for a ‘Full Fender Firecracker’ 30-lap event that promises to be another epic showdown. Lasts season Nick Stone and Robbie Speed battled until the end for the win. This year others will challenge for a piece of the crown.
The focus then shifts to Lebanon Valley on Saturday August 27th for the Pro Stock drivers with the ‘High Banks Hustle’ 30-lap throw down for the crown. Last year Jay Corbin rolled into victory lane with the big win, while Nick Stone was crowned King Of Dirt Pro Stock champion in front of a packed house.
Drivers will attempt to ‘Seize The Crown’ during the King Of Dirt Pro Stock Series championship night at Utica Rome Speedway on Friday September 9th. A 30-lap throw down for the crown at the action track of the east will ultimately determine a full fender champion for 2016.
“The Pro Stock tour is has grown nicely thanks to Lyle DeVore and Bill Shea. Our goal was five races this year and we hit that mark. Much like our Sportsman program, we wanted to double up at some of our core tracks. That’s why we have added a second date to the Pro Stock schedule at Malta. Bill Shea was also excited to have KOD at Utica, so we were able to get two dates there. That’s exciting for everyone on the Pro Stock side of things,” said Rob Hazer.
“We attempt work with everyone for the benefit of all involved. All promoters, sponsors, and supporters of King Of Dirt Racing work hard to make sure we include everyone who has the same interests as KOD, which is doing things that, make the sport better for all involved. We don’t have top-heavy payouts, we don’t force drivers into decisions, and we don’t play games. That’s just not who we are as human beings. We appreciate the support we get, we value those who follow our series, and that’s the message we deliver on,” concluded Rob Hazer.
An exciting schedule with multiple shapes, sizes, and challenges awaits KOD Sportsman and Pro Stock tour drivers in their efforts to become king. With structured purses, simple rules, and growing support KOD is ready for the new season. Be sure to listen to the all-new KOD Radio Show Episode 3 ‘From The Promoters Chair’ on demand this week for more KOD news.
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King Of Dirt Crate Sportsman Tour Schedule
05/15/16 – Utica Rome Speedway – ‘602 Spring Fever’ – 30 Laps / $1,000 To Win / $100 To Start
06/24/16 – Albany Saratoga Speedway – ‘Friday Night Lights’ – 30 Laps / $1,000 To Win / $100 To Start
07/09/16 – Lebanon Valley Speedway – ‘Battle On The Banks’ – 30 Laps / $1,000 To Win / $100 To Start
09/01/16 – Lebanon Valley Speedway – ‘Mr. Crate Track USA’ – 30 Laps / $1,000 To Win / $100 To Start
09/09/16 – Albany Saratoga Speedway – ‘Northeast Crate Nationals – 100 Laps / $TBA / $TBA
09/10/16 – Utica Rome Speedway – ‘Salute To Our Troops’ – 30 Laps / $1,000 To Win / $100 To Start
09/24/16 – Bear Ridge Speedway – ‘Green Mountain State Clash’ – $1,250 To Win / $100 To Start
King Of Dirt Pro Stock Tour Schedule
05/15/16 – Utica Rome Speedway – ‘Action Track Throwdown’ – 30 Laps / $750 To Win / $50 To Start
06/03/16 – Albany Saratoga Speedway – ‘Pro Stock Classic’ – 30 Laps / $750 To Win / $50 To Start
07/08/16 – Albany Saratoga Speedway – ‘Full Fender Firecracker’ – 30 Laps / $750 To Win / $50 To Start
08/27/16 – Lebanon Valley Speedway – ‘Battle On The Banks’ – 30 Laps / $750 To Win / $50 To Start
09/09/16 – Utica Rome Speedway – ‘Seize The Crown’ – 30 Laps / $750 To Win / $50 To Start
King Of Dirt Racing Series are brought to you in part by sponsors and partners that include Albany Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Bear Ridge Speedway, Utica Rome Speedway, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Dodson Construction, Hoosier Racing Tire, Elmo’s Speed & Supply, Elmo’s Auto Body, DKM Fabrication, Fox Racing Shocks, Fastline Performance, Beyea Custom Headers & Exhausts, Bicknell Racing Products, Axcel Sports, Boyd’s Motorworks, Flach Performance Products, Bill McGaffin Photography, Lazzaro’s Auto Body, JTees Screen Printing, Bloomfield’s Florist, Dean’s Electrical Services, H&R Motorsports, Ryder’s Lawn Care, Next Generation Roofing, Speed’s Garage, Stone Motorsports, A1 Installers, Racers Guide, Race Pro Weekly, Final Reward Trophy, Dirt Track Digest, Midnight Music Machine DJ Service, and Mayhem Motorsports.
