The Greatest Show on Dirt invades on Sunday May 22nd for the Second Annual Empire State Challenge
Story By:SHANNON PHELPS/ WEEDSPORT SPEEDWAY MEDIA Photos By:JAY FISH / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Weedsport, NY – April 23, 2016 – The anticipation is building because in just one short month the Craftsman World of Outlaw Sprint Cars will invade Weedsport for the only regular season appearance in New York State in 2016. The Greatest Show on Dirt has gotten off to a phenomenal start in 2016, and with the strength of the competition, Weedsport’s checkered flag is truly up for grabs.
Jeff Hachmann, World Racing Group Director of Events, agreed with that sentiment, stating “It’s been a great year to date. The racing has been intense and very competitive while huge crowds have come out to many of the events on the most recent West Coast swing with standing room only at Cotton Bowl Speedway, Arizona Speedway and Placerville Speedway. The momentum started back at DIRTcar Nationals and we look forward to bring the Greatest Show on Dirt to the Northeast and Weedsport Speedway.”
Thus far, seven different winners have graced victory lane, underscoring the tenacity and toughness of the field. Donny Schatz, last year’s Empire State Challenge winner and reigning series champion, has his sights set on another trip to Victory Hill. “We looking forward to making another trip to Weedsport. I’ve always enjoyed racing in New York and fortunately have had a good amount of success. Most of that is because of the team I am surrounded by. The Bad Boy Off Road/Chevrolet Performance guys have been doing an amazing job the last few years of putting me in a great car. That was the case last May in Weedsport. To be able to come to a track for the first time and adapt that quickly says a lot about them. Weedsport is a racy place and the fans in central New York are some of the best in all of motorsports. They really supported the event last year, and I can’t wait to get back there and see if we can make it two for two” commented the seven-time World of Outlaws Champion.
The newly renovated Weedsport Speedway has continued its transformation with a number of ambitious off- season improvements and is now in the final stages of completion to prepare for the gigantic 2016 opener. Fans on hand for the Empire State Challenge will witness history in the making as the sun begins to set: for the first time ever, on any race track in the world, state of the art LED Lighting will illuminate all the action.
While Team Weedsport looks forward to the efficiency and safety provided by the new technology, the never- ending entertainment capabilities has them really excited. “These lights can do some really awesome stuff from a visual effects standpoint. It has been our goal to keep enhancing the fan experience here at Weedsport, and this Technology will certainly help us do that.” stated speedway General Manager Jimmy Phelps.
The Speedway’s commitment to enhance the fan experience is apparent with the acquisition and installation of a 27 foot digital video screen behind Weedsport’s Victory Hill. On this “Jumbo Tron, ” fans will be able to view live track action, see instant replays, and witness behind the scenes interviews, all while enjoying premium seating in the grandstands. Sponsors and marketing partners can take advantage of the live commercial and digital advertising capabilities, targeting their own customers in a non- traditional venue. “We are so excited about the Jumbo Tron, and all of the entertainment capabilities it brings. We have a great team in place to produce the content, and we can’t wait to see it in action.” stated Phelps.
Along with the Craftsman World of Outlaws, the best Sportsman racers in the Northeast will be on hand for the inaugural 2016 NAPA Sportsman Shootout Series. The 9 race series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will showcase the talent of the sport’s future drivers, while providing these competitors with a strong purse structure and lucrative point fund. As announced in March, the Sportsman will compete with DIRTcar sanction in 2016, providing more opportunity for the competitors. For more info on the NAPA Sportsman Shootout Series visit weedsportspeedway.com.
Advanced tickets, reserved seating, and reserved camping are now available online at weedsportspeedway.com For questions, please contact us at info@weedsportspeedway.com. Follow along on social media at facebook.com/weedsportspeedway, twitter.com/weedsportspdwy and Instagram.com/weedsportspeedway.
