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| Billy Clanton
Photo Credit - Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
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Submitted by Ted Austad
(Senoia, GA - May 10, 2016) The Southern All Star Dirt Late Model Series last appeared at the Senoia Raceway in Senoia, GA., over three decades ago. This weekend will mark the first time since 1985 that the Southern All Stars will be back in action at the ‘Bull Ring’ as they headline the second Annual Billy Clanton Classic paying $5,025 to the victor and $400 to start the main event this Saturday, May 14.
The race honor’s the legend of dirt track racing, Billy Clanton. The recent Georgia Racing Hall of Fame inductee was successful across the southeast, especially in the state of Georgia where he competed in many Southern All Star races during his racing career.
The Southern All Stars have raced two times at the 3/8ths mile and that was in 1987 when Mike Head of Ellenwood, GA., took the win and in 1985 when another Georgia dirt late model Hall of Famer Leon Archer of Griffin, GA., took the win.
Now after a three decade layoff, the series returns to ‘Bull Ring’ with the honoree’s son, Shane Clanton, the race’s defending titlist coming back to defend his emotional victory. Clanton won the inaugural race last summer taking a break from his championship charge on the Craftsman Tool World of Outlaws tour.
“This is great for our family for me to win this race,” said Clanton in the winner’s circle after last year’s inaugural race. “This is one of my greatest wins.”
Clanton will have his hands full this Saturday night as the growing entry list has some very good competition. He will have to contend with defending Senoia Raceway Super Late Model points champion and four-time Southern All-Stars champion, Clint ‘Cat Daddy’ Smith who is coming off a flag to flag victory this past weekend at Senoia Raceway. The Southern All-Stars current points leader and three time defending champion Riley Hickman will bring along series regulars Brad Skinner, Jim Rogers and recent series victor Jason Hiett. Also expected to compete this Saturday are Brandon Overton, Tyler Millwood, Chase Junghans, Austin Smith, Frank Heckenast, Jr., Dylan Ames and Ivedent Lloyd. Local hot shoes planning on a run at the special event title include Joe Armistead, Jr. and his son Joey Armistead, Brian Reese, Tod Darda and the Senoia Raceway contingent of young guns Austin Horton, Mason Massey, Ashton Winger and Zach Leonardi.
“This should be a great race,” said promoter Mayes Massey. “I am anxious to see how everyone performs on the ‘gumbo clay’ that has made for some really great racing this season.”
Practice and Racing Schedule and Information for May 13 and May 14, 2016:
Friday, May 13th – Open Practice (ALL DIVISIONS)
Pits Open at 5pm.
Practice from 7pm to 10pm.
Pit Passes – $20
Grandstand Admission – FREE
Saturday, May 14th – 2nd Annual Billy Clanton Classic
Pits Open at 4pm. Grandstands at 5pm.
Hot Laps at 6:30pm. Racing at 7pm.
Southern All-Stars – $5,025 to win/$400 to start
Limited Late Models – $1200 to win
Crate Late Models – $1000 to win
B Cadets – $700 to win
Hobby Stock – $600 to win
Mini Stock – $500 to win
Bomber – $500 to win
Pit Passes – $35; kids 5-12 $20
Grandstand Admission – $25; Kids 5-12 $10
Senoia Raceway is located approximately 3 miles west of Senoia, GA just off State Hwy. 16 at 171 Brown Rd., Senoia, GA 30276. For directions to Senoia Raceway and event info please visitwww.senoiaraceway.com.
