News from Tri-City Speedway - Franklin, PA 11-5-2007

-Kathy G.
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LATE MODELS ADDED TO SUNDAY NIGHT CARD AT TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY FOR 2008
by Brian Spaid

November 4, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRANKLIN, PA .. Tri-City Speedway officials announced this weekend that Late Models have been added to the weekly Sunday night card at the Venango County half-mile oval. The Late Models will join the E Mods, Pro Stocks and "Sunday Night Thunder" Cars in 2008.
In the near future, Tri-City Co-Promoters Mike Graham and Roger Crick will decide upon one more weekly division. Still under consideration are the Super Sprints, Super Late Models, Big Block Modifieds and Small Block Modifieds.
"We believe that we need to focus on the future of racing at Tri-City, not the past," said Graham. "After examining all of our options, we have concluded that adding Late Models to the weekly card will produce the best show, and provide our drivers and race teams the ability to continue to compete in an affordable division, and our fans will be able to continue to watch their local heroes."
Tri-City's Late Model division will be based on economical motor rules with certain restrictions. Teams will be allowed to use GM 602 or 604 engines. The remainder of the Late Model rules will be published at a later date.
"At this time, we have not committed to sanction our Late Models with FASTRAK," added Graham. "Although that is still an option, we know that many, many race teams have been holding off on decisions for their 2008 season while waiting for our announcement. Now, those teams can move forward with their plans. Likewise, we are currently working on sponsorship for the Late Model division and we will be able to make a further announcement at a later date."
The Late Models appear to be the wave of the future in the region as the division continues to grow in popularity. The Late Model division that will compete at Tri-City races under similar rules at Mercer Raceway Park, Raceway 7, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, McKean County Raceway and Dog Hollow Speedway. The Super Late Models also compete annually at Tri-City's Oil Region Labor Day Classic under the sanction of the World of Outlaws. The Super Late Models last competed at Tri-City on a weekly basis in 1997. Robbie Blair was the track champion a decade ago.
Having a significant impact on Graham and Crick's decision was the fact that a number of local drivers and teams are expected to compete in the class. Scott and Chad Myers, Bobby Powell and Stephen Hollabaugh, and Dave Ferry should return to competition at Tri-City. E Mod track champion Carl McKinney will now be able to race in two divisions. Other drivers rumored to have expressed interest in racing Late Models at Tri-City include Super Late Model racers Robbie Blair, Dick Barton, Brent Rhebergen, Matt Lux and Darrell Bossard. Other E Mod and Pro Stock drivers that have indicated that they want to move into the Late Model division include Pro Stock track champion Doug Iorio II, Bobby Whitling, Jason Reagle, Andy Buckley and Russ Coyne.
Graham and Crick continue to solicit comments from racers and fans about divisions and special events, and everyone is encouraged to contact them via e-mail at speedway@tricityspeedway.com.

Tri-City Speedway is owned and operated by Roger and Susie Crick and Mike and Margaret Graham. They have promoted Sunday night racing at the popular facility since they reopened it in 1996. The Late Models, E Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars race each week at the Venango County half-mile dirt oval. Tri-City is located seven miles north of Franklin, Pa., off State Route 417.