LOCAL RACING
All-Stars race into Eldora
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sprint car driver Greg Wilson is well aware of the All-Star Circuit of Champions title winners from seasons past. And Wilson, the two-time defending champ, knows he had better stay close to the top or be history himself.
The ASCoC races into Eldora Speedway on Saturday, April 26. Wilson sits in eighth place, 195 points behind, with some talented drivers between him and leader Lance Dewease. The series is scheduled to race at Lernerville Speedway today, April 25.
Extras
"Every year is a new year. I know how tough it is, especially this year," Wilson said of a third straight title. "We have a lot of tough guys coming to run with us. It'd be cool, I look up to those guys."
Wilson, from Benton Ridge in northwestern Hancock County, has to find a way past the likes of Dewease (a member of the famed PA Posse in Pennsylvania), Dale Blaney, Randy Hannagan and Brian
Paulus to name a few. He hopes it all starts Saturday at Eldora.
"Eldora is probably the reason why I wanted to drive race cars," he said. "We've won some races there, and it's the most unbelievable feeling. From my standpoint, people look at the Knoxville Nationals as the biggest race of the year for sprint cars. The biggest race for me is the Kings Royal. If I could win the Kings Royal, that would be the highlight of my career no matter what happens from there on out."
Also in ASCoC action, Sidney's Lee Stark sits in fourth place in rookie points. He trails leaders Neil Shepherd and Ryan Myers by 12 points.
Around the track
Tonight, Kil-Kare Speedway hosts Fan Appreciation Night. Tickets are $5 for general admission to the Greene County track. Late Model
drivers Tim Allensworth and John Vallo put on a great show last week battling door-to-door to the finish.
On Saturday, Shady Bowl Speedway kicks off the American Modified Series. Bud Perry opens defense of his AMS title. The Detroit Iron, where trading paint is highly encouraged, makes its debut.
Leon Bryan goes for his second Super Pro win at Kil-Kare Dragway. The points, though, don't start until May 1. Dave Caplinger had an impressive season-opener back on April 5 (the track has been rained out the past two weeks) as he reached the finals in Super Pro and won the Pro division.
On Sunday, Winchester Speedway opens with the Rich Vogler Classic. The United States Auto Club sprint car event was postponed from April 20.
Quote
"We'd like to see more people coming out and giving their opinions, whether they're cheering you or booing you. The one thing you don't want to hear is silence. That happened to me at Columbus Speedway one night when I was introduced. That's worse than getting booed." — Beavercreek resident Russ Bobb, on getting more spectators to come out and watch the action at Kil-Kare Speedway
Weekend schedule
Kil-Kare Speedway
Today: Late Models, Modifieds, Sport Stocks, Compacts. Gates open at 5 p.m., qualifying at 6:30, heats at 7, racing at 8.
Kil-Kare Dragway
Saturday: NHRA-sanctioned racing (Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Pro Bike, Jr. Dragster, high school). Gates open at noon.
Eldora Speedway
Saturday: All-Star Circuit of Champions, UMP Modifieds, Eldora Stocks. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., hot laps at 6, racing at 7:30.
Shady Bowl Speedway
Saturday: American Modified Series, Late Model, Compacts, Sport Stocks, Dwarfs, Pro-4s. Gates open at 3 p.m., hot laps at 4, qualifying at 5, racing at 7.
Winchester Speedway
Sunday: Rich Vogler Classic featuring USAC Sprints, CRA Supers Series, CRA Street Stocks, CRA Compacts. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., practice at 10, qualifying at 12:25 p.m., racing at 2 p.m.
