SCOTIA SPEEDWORLD: Mid-season Showdown on Tap for Weekly Racing Series

HALIFAX, NS - Scotia Speedworld’s Weekly Racing Series is rounding the mid-way point of the season and contenders for division Championships have emerged. Action on the track is only going to heat up as these contenders want to gain every advantage they can on their competition. This Friday five divisions of hotrods will see action under the lights at the 3/10 mile oval. Heat races to determine starting positions for each division get underway at 7:00pm with feature racing to follow immediately after. Gates open at 5:00pm

It was an exciting event last week for the Sportsman cars. A young Russell Smith JR (Lakeside) piloted a Sportsman car for the first time in his career, to the amazement of all in attendance, the first-timer pulled off a win in Scotia’s top class. Another youngster Mike Alexander (Cole Harbour) also found himself in victory lane, coming in second, a season high finish for the rookie who has also been very impressive this season. Steve Ross (Waverly) remains top dog in the points, with Alexander 20 markers behind.

Steve Pye (Lantz) leads the Legends point standings but he has lots of competition still to beat if he wants to take home the big trophy. The top 5 Legend drivers are all within 28 markers of Pye. Justin MacNeill (Bedford) sits just outside the top 5 and as a former division champion he should not be overlooked as a strong contender. MacNeill has proven that he can win and the top 5 will be keeping close eyes on his #10.

Russell Smith JR, yes our first time Sportsman winner, hopped in his regular ride, the #144 Lightning car following his incredible debut in the top series and put on another show for the fans taking the checkers twice in one night. Now this gives new meaning to Tim Terry’s double down! Scotia Speedworld has been open for 23 years and as far back as our records go no one has ever won two features in two classes on the same night! It was a historic night for all involved. Not surprisingly Smith JR leads the Tirecraft Lightning division chase for the title. Smith JR holds a healthy 38 point lead over his closest competitor Nick Hurshman (St. Margret’s Bay)

The Tirecraft Thunder cars also have a good battle for the championship emerging at the half way point of the season. The top four cars seem to have pulled away from the rest of the 31 car field with a 64 point advantage on 5th position. Tylor Hawes (Porter’s Lake) leads the way and has a slim margin over second in points Ross Harvie (Kennetcook). This four cylinder class will offer some great excitement down the back stretch of the season.

The Trucks division is in its rookie season at Scotia Speedworld, but action has been hot, so don’t mistake any of these Truck drivers for rookies! 7 trucks have competed regularly in the class but it is two brothers who will take sibling rivalry to the next level as they battle for the Championship and history books becoming the first Champion of the Truck class. Gordon Ritchie (Milford Station) holds a 23 point lead over Brother Wayne (Stewiake). Big trophy, big title, history and a mix of two brothers going head to head ensures this class will be one to watch for the remainder of the season!

Admission for the Weekly Racing Series is $12.00 for adults; $2.00 for youth aged 8-15; children 7 and under are admitted free. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pit admission is $15.00 and restricted to those 16 and older.  Tickets are available at the gate on race day. Visit www.ScotiaSpeedworld.ca for more information or call our event hotline at 902.873.2277.

SSW RACEDAY FORMAT for Friday, July 30th
4:00pm Pit Gate opens
4:30pm Tech Inspection starts
5:00pm Grandstands open
5:10pm Practice starts (TR, LG, SP, LI, TH)
6:35pm Practice Ends
6:40pm Drivers Meeting @ line up board (TR, LG, SP, LI, TH)
7:00pm Opening Ceremonies

Heats
Trucks (10 laps)
Legends (10 laps)
Sportsman (10 laps)
Tirecraft Lightning (10 laps)
Tirecraft Thunder (10 laps)

Features
Trucks (20 laps)
Legends (25 laps)
Sportsman (30 laps)
Tirecraft Lightning (20 laps)
Tirecraft Thunder (25 laps)
Subject to change without notice

From Tara Foster / Scotia Speedworld