6/9/2021
Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series
Cherokee is the Next Stop for Crate USA Dirt Late Model Series
EASTABOGA, Ala. — A new stop this season for the Newsome Raceway Parts-sponsored Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series is South Carolina’s famed Cherokee Speedway, which will host the Adam Stewart-managed traveling circuit that features cars and drivers who will be powered by GM Performance Circle Track Engines.
Current points leader Jason Welshan will lead a strong field of entries into the historic facility for the $10,000-to-win Tomahawk Tussle that will also be part of the E-Z-GO $100,000+ Challenge, which is a “series within a series” that carries a separate points fund from the regular touring series. It awards $5,000 to the overall champion, and features approximately 10 events during the year that all pay at least $10,000 to the winner.
The series, which was formerly based in Adairsville, Ga., but has now relocated its home offices to the grounds at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala., is eagerly anticipating its visit to one of the most recognized ovals in the Carolinas. The importance of the weekend is not lost on Stewart, who has negotiated a ’21 schedule that includes multiple positive forward steps for the organization.
“If you’re going to race in the Carolinas, you can’t beat the history that practically oozes from the dirt at Cherokee Speedway,” Stewart said. “You can walk through the gates at that place, and it’s a palpable feeling as you enter the grounds. Few tracks have that type of atmosphere and that storied history you find there, and the facility has a loyal audience that we look forward to having watch our event. That place is legendary in the sport, and we’re thrilled to be going there to feature our drivers, and hopefully to become a part of that place's history with a competitive and entertaining event.”
Weekend Schedule
The track will stage an open practice for all divisions on Thursday, June 10. Gates open at 5 p.m., and practice is scheduled from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. There is a $20 admission fee for the pit area.
Qualifying and heat races for the Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model division will take place on Friday, June 11. Gates open at 5 p.m., and drivers meeting is slated at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 (grandstands), and $30 (pits). Double features for the Pure Stock division, paying $500 each to win, will also be on the program.
The headline Tomahawk Tussle for the Burns Chevrolet-sponsored 604 Late Model division will be a 100-lap main event, with a fuel stop somewhere between lap 40 and 50. Should a caution flag wave for an on-track incident between those laps, the fuel stop will take place. If no caution appears between those laps, the caution flag will be displayed on lap 50, and the fuel stop will take place at that time.
The tire rule for the weekend will be: Hoosier Racing Tire Crate USA D21 and D55, or HTS 1350 and HTS 1600. Grooving and siping IS allowed on those tires. ALL cars eligible for the feature MUST start the main on the following tire: Hoosier 92.0/11.0-15 Spec D70. NO grooving or siping will be allowed on the D70.
The following tires are NOT allowed: 92.0/11. 0-15 Spec W70 and 11.0/29. 0-15 NRMW D70.
Racing on the final day of the three-night weekend will include Super Sportsman, Thunder Bomber, Young Gun V8, Open Wheel Modifieds, and Extreme 4 main events.
Gates open at 4 p.m., and the drivers meeting will start at 7 p.m. Grandstands are $20, and pits are $35. A three-day pit pass for the entire weekend is $80, and a two-day pass for the grandstands is $30.
About Crate Racin’ USA
The economical Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 Circle Track Engine is utilized by competitors in the various divisions presented by Crate Racin’ USA. It’s in stock and available for free, next-day delivery from Newsome Raceway Parts in Hartsville, S.C.
Each engine is built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications. To place an order, call 1-877-497-3624.
For more information and rules, visit the organization’s website at www.crateracinusa.com, or follow our extensive social media programs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Newsome Raceway Parts, a division of Raceway Chevrolet in Hartsville, S.C., is the title sponsor of Crate Racin’ USA. E-Z-GO Golf Carts is the title sponsor of the newly-established E-Z-GO $100,000+ Challenge.
Chevrolet Performance is an official sponsor of the organization, along with Advanced Laser & Machine, Cruise with the Champions, Hoosier Racing Tire, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, My Race Pass, VP Racing Fuels and Lubricants and Willy’s Carburetors.
Official chassis sponsors include Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis and CVR Race Cars.
Article Credit: Brian McLeod
