This weekend will kick off the opening weekend for the new racing season at Needmore Speedway. Friday night will be the unofficial start since practice will begin to get ready for Saturday night. Saturday will be the official start with drivers sitting with itchy palms ready to sling it sideways on the track and fans ready to catch the excitement by being a part of a who knows what can happen next kind of night. At Needmore there's never any telling what can happen from one moment to the next with something new and exciting happening at every corner and every bump and run.
In every division there's drivers that are looking to topple last year's dominant drivers. Gene Ross had an impressive season in 2012 driving his number 33 late model not to mention the Roberts' brothers in the #11 and #111 late models. Regulars Kelly Walker, Kyle Bridges, Lavon Sloan, and Adam Giles are all looking to take over the top spot for this season and become the King of Late Models at Needmore. Gene will have his hands full especially with a son, Michael Ross, in the field ready to beat dear old dad for the win.
Limited late models were strongly dominated by Gene Maine last season and he is ready to start the season new this year and I'm sure he welcomes any comers who would like to try to knock him off the top spot. It will be sure to bring lots of excitement when Cole Exum will also be there to prove his claim on the Limited division. He and Gene Maine battled last year for the top spot in almost every race. Jeffrey Summerlin was a big winner at one of Needmore's biggest races last year showing that he is a powerhouse in the limiteds and sure to be there to cheer him on will be his biggest fan and supporter, his dad, Ben. Cousin Cole Summerlin will also be there who has been impressive at Albany this year already and will be driving the #C4 to the front in dramatic fashion.
Hobby division was one of the most exciting divisions last year with drama, fights, arguements, and good old father-son battles. Ronnie Newsome had 7 wins last season in hobby and was always in the front in the black #8R car. He is looking to be the King of Hobby's for this 2013 season and will be putting his mark on the division by driving his way to being the leader of the pack. That is if he can get around his dad, Lee Newsome, who won last years big race in the #0 blue hobby aptly nicknamed "Old Blue". Neither father nor son will be giving each other an easy time on the drive to the front. Also, speaking of dynamic duos, there isn't just one father-son dynamic in the Hobby division. The Guthrie's made their mark at Needmore by both running in their hobby stock switching from one driver to the other. Slyder and Josh are both either in the lead or coming to the lead quickly. Regulars, John Wesley and Tanner Connell are going to bring their super fast hot rods to the front for sure and are never to be counted out.
Superstreet division was fast and flying in 2012 with Michael Ford running roughshod heads and tails over the pack. It wasn't until he had some engine issues that forced him to stay out a few races but he can always move it around Needmore when he is racing. Terry Redding was always a front runner in the white and red #22 and could be seen sliding it sideways putting it hard in the corners each time making his way to the front. Jimmy Sloan will hopefully be back in the division after medical issues from last season have delayed him somewhat this season but nothing can keep him down and out long. He proves age doesn't matter in racing because skill and know-how will always win out. Leon Childs will be back in superstreet and brought many an interesting interactions on the track coming up through the field.
Enduro will have, as usual, a mixed bag of winners with Cameron Connell, Ryan Hembree, and Dalton West representing the young guns of the division and looking to comtinue their runs from last season to this season and Jamie West looking to show his son Dalton a thing or two about getting to the front but all in love and fun because these two are definitely some of the most fun to be around. A new division called the Old School Late Models will be making their debut at the track and will bring the fans back to the days of old.
This season is sure to bring lots of excitement to the fans and with it, old grudges and even new grudges between the drivers. This weekend will only be the start. There are sure to be memories made and new and old friends found and made. It's serious competition and intense rivalry. If you think you can come and take down the top, Needmore welcomes any and all competition and with it will come respect and admiration from fans and fellow drivers alike. Gates open Friday at 4pm and practice starts at 7pm. Saturday's start time for racing will be at 7pm. Bring your A game and prove you're the best. For any other questions check out their website at www.theneedmorespeedway.com.
