King Of Dirt Racing To Add Small Block Mods In 2017
Story By: ROB HAZER / KOD SERIES MEDIA
Photos By: DAVE DALESANDRO / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Fonda, NY – December 13, 2016- When King Of Dirt Racing launched in December of 2014, promoter Rob Hazer laid out a five-year growth plan for the series that would ultimately wield the three major divisions of racing. After two successful years of Sportsman and Pro Stock racing, KOD will be adding Small Block Modifieds two years ahead of schedule.
King Of Dirt Racing consisted of nine races during the 2015 season between two divisions of racing including Sportsman and Pro Stocks. During this past KOD season there were 12 races between the two divisions. In 2017 there are tentatively 18 races already on the docket, with more possibly between three divisions of racing.
There were several discussions over the summer months about a KOD Modified series to join the Sportsman and Pro Stocks. Through further discussions with tracks involved with King Of Dirt Racing, the decision was made to add the Small Block Modifieds.
“I’m a fan of trying to keep cost effective racing in play. That means crates, spec motors, etc. When I decided the time was right to add Mods, it had to be Small Block Modifieds. I’ve always enjoyed Small Block racing, because I feel it has the potential to be more conducive to competitive and cost effective racing,” said KOD promoter Rob Hazer.
Currently the King Of Dirt Racing plan for Small Block Modifieds is to start with about six races through the summer months in and around the Capital Region. Currently scheduled are appearances at Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, and Utica Rome Speedway. Other options are on the table as well, but nothing set in stone at this point.
King Of Dirt Racing maintains minimal travel expenses through the summer months for drivers on tour, which will also be the goal for Small Block Modifieds. With about 6-8 tracks available within a 2 ½ hour travel radius from KOD base of operations there is plenty of options.
All Small Block Modified races will be 30 laps in length, with heat race lineups set by timed hot laps. Top 12 qualifiers will redraw for the feature, which is a similar format all divisions will follow in 2017. The purse structure is currently being set with emphasis on balance through the field.
Rules for the King Of Dirt Small Block Modifieds will be a driver friendly combination of weights via engine packages similar to what was used at Malta during the Nationals. Currently the KOD Small Block Rules are being finalized, but will offer a competitive mix of packages including Spec/Spec, W-16, LS3, and ported options along with remaining rules that mirror DIRTcar 358 Modified rules.
“We’ve been working on the rules package and most guys I’ve spoken to are good with what we have in place. I’m sure it’ll be a work in progress to find that competitive balance at all tracks we visit, which is important to me,” continued Rob Hazer.
A short list of drivers who have expressed interest either at the Nationals or through communications with series promoter Rob Hazer include Ronnie Johnson, Marc Johnson, Matt DeLorenzo, Elmo Reckner, Brett Haas, Olden Dwyer, Jimmy Cottrell, Shuan Pangman, Joey Williams, Nick Lussier, Jeff Kelley, Brian Gleason, and more.
KOD promoter Rob Hazer concluded by saying, “There’s been a lot of buzz since I discussed this on our Social Media pages. I’ve had a lot of calls and messages inquiring about it and I’m looking forward to the Small Block Modified guys enjoying the same rewarding programs we set forth for Sportsman and Pro Stocks. I must thank the track promoters for taking a chance and being part of our growth. Without them none of this would be possible.”
Last year the King Of Dirt Racing Series packed the banquet hall at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant and expects to do so again this year. With space being limited, everyone attending is asked to be prompt with ticket sales. Please send checks or money orders made out to King Of Dirt Racing along with a list of names in your party no later than January 2nd.
The KOD Night Of Champions Banquet Party is scheduled for January 14th at the Winner’s Circle Restaurant in Fonda, New York. There will be dinner, dancing, fun, and friends to close out the 2016 season. Also announcements for the 2017 season will first be made at the banquet for those in attendance.
For more information on the King Of Dirt Racing Series visit on the web at www.kingofdirtracing.com.
You can also find King Of Dirt via Twitter @kodracingseries or @kodracing.
Look for KOD also on Instagram @kingofdirtracing or on Facebook www.facebook.com/kingofdirtracing.
Follow King Of Dirt Racing Series happenings via Instagram @kingofdirtracing.
2016 KING OF DIRT RACING SERIES FEATURE WINNERS: (Sportsman) Connor Cleveland, Scott Duell, Kevin Ward, Tim Hartman Jr., David Schilling, Rocky Warner, (Pro Stock) Robbie Speed, Dan Older, Nick Stone, Daniel Sanchez, and Luke Horning.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
King Of Dirt Banquet Date Set
Saturday January 14, 2017
Winner’s Circle Restaurant Route 5 – Fonda, NY 12068
Crate Sportsman Series
Pro Stock Series
Dinner – 6:30 PM
Awards – 7:30 PM
$30 Per Ticket Due By January 2nd
Please RSVP Names Along With Money
Anyone Is Welcome To Join Us; We hope to see you there!
Dinner, Awards, Products, Point Funds, Dancing, 50/50’s, Prizes, & More!
Dinner included with ticket price, which includes: Roast Beef, Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Dinner Salad, Soup, Dinner Rolls, Tea, and Desert.
All who plan to attend must RSVP along with paying for tickets by January 2nd please. Make Money Order or Check payable to King Of Dirt Racing and on the memo line note KOD Banquet. Mail to 2204 Hickory Hill Rd, Fonda NY, 12068.
Top 10 King Of Dirt Crate Sportsman Series Points
1) Connor Cleveland
2) David Schilling
3) Michael Sabia
4) Cody Bleau
5) Cody Hunt
6) Kevin Chaffee
7) Scott Duell
8) Andrew Buff
9) Jon Miller
10) Adam Pierson
Top 10 King Of Dirt Pro Stock Series Points
1) Robbie Speed
2) Rob Yetman
3) Dean Charbonneau
4) Nick Stone
5) Dan Older
6) Chuck Dumblewski
7) Byron Wescott
8) Jason Casey
9) Jon Routhier
10) Mike White
Following dinner and awards stick around for dancing and fun with DJ Craig Moore and More 2 Music Entertainment & Karaoke!
KING OF DIRT AND NORTHEAST CRATE NATIONALS is brought to you in part by sponsors and partners that include: Albany-Saratoga Speedway, Bear Ridge Speedway, Lebanon Valley Speedway, Utica Rome Speedway, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, A-1 Installers, Andy’s Speed Shop, Beyea Custom Headers & Exhaust, Bicknell Racing Products, Bill McGaffin Photography, Buff’s Auto Service, Burt’s Tree Service, Dean’s Electrical Service, DE Signs & Designs, Dirt Track Digest, Dodson Construction, Electric City Taxi, Elmo’s Auto Body, Elmo’s Speed Supply, Extreme Speed & Performance, Fastline Performance, Final Reward Trophy, Flach Performance Products, Fox Racing Shocks, HICO Fabrication, High Octane Heating & Cooling, Hoosier Racing Tire, Horn Lady Motorsports, J-Tees Screen Printing, Lazzaro’s Auto Body, Macedon Parts Plus, Mayhem Motorsports, Moore 2 Music Entertainment, Next Generation Roofing, Race Pro Weekly, Racers Guide, Redline Graphics, Saratoga Masonry, Speed’s Garage, Stone Motorsports, Team Dirt Dog.
