7/30/2022
Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series
Rain Forecast Halts Thunderhill Appearance
EASTABOGA, Ala. (July 28) — A dismal weather forecast with a high percentage of rain predicted for the coming weekend has forced postponement of a $4,000-to-win Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series event scheduled July 30, 2022, at steeply-banked Thunderhill Raceway Park.
The decision was agreed upon between track promoter Jason Walker and series manager Adam Stewart, and a makeup date has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 3, during Labor Day weekend.
“We’ve got some pretty severe storms headed into the region this weekend, and we both felt it was best to postpone the event instead of asking our teams to travel with such a high chance of inclement weather in the forecast,” Stewart said. “We’d rather postpone the race and come back later in the season, and hopefully have better weather next time. Thunderhill is a great facility that produces excellent racing, and having our touring series make an annual stop there gives us a great chance to showcase not only our touring series, but also one of our weekly-sanctioned facilities. We just needed a little cooperation from the weather, and it doesn’t look like we’re going to get it.”
Walker, who promotes the track with his wife Janie, had been closely watching the weather for a few days. As the rain chances have increased into the 80 percent range for the weekend, he knew the decision had to be made.
“As much as we hate to postpone the show because we always look forward to having the series make an appearance at our facility, it’s probably in the best interest of our drivers and fans, and also the series and the racetrack,” Walker said. “There’s one thing you can’t beat, and that’s the weather. With the high probability and several areas already having severe issues, we felt it was prudent to make this decision early to let fans and drivers know in advance before they start hitting the road to come here.”
The race would have been the 11th event of the season for the popular touring series that has drawn strong fields for much of the season. Due to the postponement, the next activity on the schedule will be a doubleheader weekend featuring two nights at two different tracks—Aug. 19 at Boyd’s Speedway in Ringgold, Ga., and Aug. 20 at Senoia (Ga.) Raceway.
Nine different drivers have won races, and current series points leader Jason Welshan is the only repeat winner of the year, taking down victories at 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tenn., and Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala. Other drivers who have visited victory lane once each include Randall Beckwith, Jimmy Thomas, Jake Rainey, Henry Carter, Hunter Peacock, Seth McCormack, Austin Horton and Mark Whitener.
Whitener is the most recent winner on the circuit, earning $10,000 in the Ray Miller Memorial on July 23 at Golden Isles Speedway, which drew a 47-car field to the 3/8-mile facility.
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 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 second-year 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
