66TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL AT FIVE MILE POINT SPEEDWAY PART OF A LONG HISTORY OF BIG EVENTS AT THE QUARTER MILE OVAL.
Story By:ANDREW HARPELL / FMP SPEEDWAY MEDIA Photos By:DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
BINGHAMTON, NY – July 12, 2016-When the DIRTcar Super Dirt Series comes to Five Mile Point Speedway later this evening it will be another major event in a rich history of big races that have taken place at the quarter mile oval. Last year Stewart Friesen edged out Pat Ward with a last lap pass to record the victory in the closest finish of the 2015 series.
A lot of excitement is on tap for the 66th Anniversary Special at the speedway. Racing gets underway at 7 p.m. Shakelton Auto and Truck Parts is the participating sponsor of this event.
Eight of the previous twenty-four SDS events at Five Mile Point Speedway have been won by weekly track regulars. Don Beagell started that tradition by winning the first qualifier back in 1972. Six of the top Five Mile Point Speedway weekly Modified teams are expected to compete on Tuesday for the victory in the 66 lap event. One of those weekly drivers is Defending Track Champion and fall Southern Tier 66/American Racer Cup race winner Shaun Walker. Kevin Bates, Jeff Crambo, Anthony Perrego, Joey Colsten and Brad Szulewski are expected to compete on Tuesday as well.
Five Mile Point Speedway was one of the original charter members when DIRT of Central New York was originally formed. That rich history always makes the special events at Five Mile Point Speedway a fan favorite.
The DIRTcar Super Dirt Series 66 lap Big Block Modified event will be joined by the GRIT Crate Sportsman in a 30 lap special paying $1,000 to win. The “Big Cat” 20 for Four Cylinders will serve as the third race on the 2016 STAR Series (Southern Tier Auto Racing) among Five Mile Point Speedway, Penn Can Speedway and Skyline Raceway Park. That race will pay $400 to win. A special heldover STAR Series Street Stock feature will also be held.
Tuesday, July 12th will mark the 24th visit by the DIRTcar Super Dirt Series to the popular quarter mile oval. Five Mile Point Speedway was one of the original tracks involved in what was the old Schaeffer Qualifying trail in the early 70’s. Local businessman Don Beagell was the winner of the first 100 lapper on July 20th, 1972. Beagell, the owner of Don’s Automotive Mall is also one of the original speedway “50 Greatest Drivers” that was celebrated in 2000.
Group time trials will begin at 7:00 p.m. for the Big Block Modifieds with GRIT Crate Sportsman and Four Cylinder Heat racing to follow. The Big Block Modifieds will then go through qualifying heat races as well prior to the 66 lap feature event. The feature will be all green flag laps for the Big Block Modified teams.
Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 5 p.m. Hot Laps will begin at 6:15 p.m. with racing set for 7 p.m. Adult grandstand admission is $25, Seniors (65 years and older) are $22, Youth (ages 13-17) are $15. Kids 12 and younger will be admitted absolutely free! The Family Five Pack will be available for $75. This includes 2 adult, 3 senior/youth or child grandstand tickets along with 5 hot dogs and 5 sodas. The Family Five Pack is a very popular ticket package at the speedway.
For more information on the Five Mile Point Speedway racing season please log on to www.5milepointspeedway.com or phone 607-775-5555. You can also email the offices directly at fivemilepoint1@aol.com.
All-Time Five Mile Point Speedway SDS Win List: Don Beagell (’72), Larry Catlin (’73), Buzzie Reuitimann (’74), Will Cagle (’75), Will Cagle (’76), Jack Johnson (’77), Jack Johnson (’78), Chuck Akulis (’79), Carl Reynolds (’80), Carl Reynolds (’81), Jack Johnson (’82), Doug Worthing (’83), Chuck Akulis (’84), Jack Johnson (’85), Jimmy Horton (’86), Danny Johnson (’89), Brett Hearn (’90), Doug Worthing (’91), Billy Decker (’92), Kenny Tremont (’95), Doug Hoffman (’96), Billy Decker (’97), Stewart Friesen (’15).
