News and Notes

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DRIVER’S PERMIT NOT REQUIRED

It’s a fine time to be a 14 year old racer on the American dirt track circuit. For the past few decades, very young teenagers have done their fair share of winning in America but as more sanctioning bodies add age limits, 13 and 14 year olds have become less common on speedways. This year, two 14-year-olds to watch will be Ryan Timms and Ben Easler. Oklahoma City’s Timms has already raced to two ASCS Regional victories this year in Missouri and Easler is set for his first full campaign with the RUSH Sportsman Modified Touring Series. Best of luck to both and here’s to breakout seasons.

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND

Think the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars were fast at Bristol? The high speeds literally ripped the stickers and wraps from race cars. Logan Schuchart’s crew member Brendon Collum had to replace his wrap early in the event while one of Parker PriceMilller’s number decals landed in the dirt on the grandstand side of the back stretch wall. Proof positive the winged warriors were full tilt.

Photo: Paul Arch Photo: Paul Arch

Ryan Timms celebrating an ASCS victory. Photo: Ken Simon Ben Easler in his 02 prepares to take the RUSH Sportsman Modified Touring Series by storm in 2021. Photo: Gary Thayer

Photo: Paul Arch

ELDORA SPEEDWAY 2021

Last year, Eldora Speedway, like most racetracks in America, went above and beyond to try to keep the doors open for racers without being allowed to have fans in the stands due to the global pandemic. They pushed their historic events back a year and even ran the Stream instead of the Dream in an attempt to satisfy appetites without tarnishing historic events (similar to Knoxville’s One And Only). This year, however, the events are back in a big way. Check out Eldora’s rundown for their big money shows in 2021 with their three largest events being held over three massive four-day weekends crowning two champions.

June 9-10 ....................... 27th Dirt Late Model Dream June 11-12 ..................... 26th Dirt Late Model Dream July 15-16 ...................... 38th Kings Royal July 17-18 ...................... 37th Kings Royal September 8-9 ................ 51st World 100 September 10-11 ............ 50th World 100 September 24-25 ............ 39th 4-Crown Nationals

Photo: Eric Arnold

QUARTER CENTURY OF CALLS

When the Knoxville Raceway kicked off its season in mid-April, there was a very familiar voice celebrating a very special anniversary in the announcer’s booth. Tony Bokhoven, from nearby Pella, Iowa, started his 25th season of announcing at the Sprint Car Capitol of the World and has officially become the voice of the raceway for an entire generation of racing fans. Bokhoven has parlayed his success there into various television appearances and also announces events like the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and Short Track Nationals but his voice never sounds clearer or more perfect than it does when firing fans up with a rousing “Lets Goooo Racing!”.

EIBACH PARTNERS WITH SRX

Things are really starting to come together for the SRX Series and they took another big step forward by officially announcing Eibach Springs as the Official Spring Supplier of the SRX Superstar Racing Experience. According to the release, “Our direct involvement with top level motorsports series is just as impressive as the SRX roster… It was imperative for Ray Evernham, Tony Stewart and his team to work with a manufacturer who could deliver the closest manufacturing tolerances and consistent performance to level the playing field. For the 2021 season, all SRX vehicles will be equipped with Eibach’s XT Barrel race springs.