Dale Blaney Set to Pilot Zemco Sprinter for 2017 Season
Dale Blaney Signs Deal to Drive Famed Zemco Speed Equipment #1
Story By: JEREMEY ELLIOTT / PENN LIVE MEDIA
Photos By: RACERSGUIDE.COM PHOTO STAFF
York Haven Pa.- November 29, 2016- It’s been a tough couple of months for Sprint Car driver Dale Blaney, one of the top competitors in the sport.
Blaney lost backing from Big Game Motorsports, which forced him to start looking for a new ride. Then came the big blow when long-time crew chief and friend George Fisher lost his battle with cancer.
It’s forced change into Blaney’s life, but that’s not always a bad thing. And the Ohio driver is looking forward to his new opportunity outside of his home state.
Blaney signed on to drive the familiar John Zemaitis-owned Zemco Speed Equipment No. 1, which is based in central Pennsylvania. The deal has been in the works but was finalized over the last few days.
“I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to it,” Blaney said. “I think, right now in my life, I need a new challenge. I need some new scenery with what has gone on over the last two months. Sometimes, you need a change of pace.
“John Zemaitis is one of the most respected guys in the business, and I’ve known him for years. That car has a ton of history, and I’m looking forward to jumping in it.”
Blaney, a six-time Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions titlist, is no stranger to the central Pennsylvania scene. He’s had success when the All Stars have visited the region and in unsanctioned events.
There will be plenty of opportunities for more in 2017. The Blaney-Zemaitis combination plans to run 50 to 60 races, including Pennsylvania Speed Week, World of Outlaws and All Star events and special races in the area.
Blaney, 52, also hopes to add more races to his schedule. When he isn’t running for Zemaitis, he plans to have a ride to compete in All Star races and other events in the Buckeye State.
“I’m trying to look for a ride in Ohio where I can run another 20 races,” Blaney said. “We’ll see. I want to run out here as much as I can.
“Running for John is my No. 1 priority. They don’t run every weekend, so I will do whatever fits in, whether it’s an All Star weekend in Ohio or the Midwest or some other races like the Kings Royal or Brady Doty race. I’m just working on some things on that end. Hopefully that will happen.”
Central Pennsylvania is a hotbed for Sprint Car racing and is considered by some to have the toughest group of weekly competitors in the country.
The locals make a good case. It’s not odd to see a central Pennsylvania regular in Victory Lane when the World of Outlaws and All Stars come to town.
Blaney, who was inducted into the Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2016, adds to the distinguished contingent. But he also knows he will have to be at his best to compete when he travels to the area.
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