In the great state of Georgia, right off I-75 sits one of the crown jewels of South Georgia. A beautifully renovated race track by the name of South Georgia Motorsports Park, or SGMP for short. Opening up this weekend, August 20th, in Cecil, Georgia and bringing new life into the racing world by making itself slowly into the premiere track of the south. We've all waited with baited breath for this moment and it's finally arrived. The previously asphalt track has garnered much attention from racers and fans from all around the country. The huge half mile track will be bringing one of the widest and smoothest surfaces you can find anywhere.
New owner Ozzie Moya found SGMP by word of Wade Rich who worked for the previous owners of the track. Ozzie himself started out as an engineer with an automotive company then went on to own a parts business and from his hard work and earnings he purchased his first track, Orlando Speed World. Ozzie went on to own three more tracks before purchasing SGMP. From there, he found his now manager of SGMP, Chris Davis. Chris already had an extensive background in racing having spent 28 years in racing. He's raced everything from mini-stock all the way to late model. Which already gave him the experience and also a point of view as a driver which is invaluable as a track manager. Ozzie realized this and thus the two began their plans for the future of the track.
In the racing world, dirt is king and realizing this, Moya set about to pull up all the asphalt and start to lay down some of the best clay you'll find anywhere. An open practice was held to rave reviews and happy drivers. Drivers and fans having a positive experience at the track are of the upmost importance to Chris Davis. He believes that you can not have one without the other and wants to create a fun atmosphere for fans and a fair experience for drivers. He puts actions to words in all he says and does but especially in the fairness of the drivers part. Davis believes to create equality among drivers the track must always stay on top of the rules and he is making teching premiere for his track by having not one, not two, but three tech men for SGMP. Staying on top of the rules keeping things fair will mean no driver will get beat by cheated up cars but rather outran by driver skill.
Looking at the rules for surrounding tracks they used what was working and successful for each and decided how best to create their rules packages. You can find their rules for each class at http://www.goracesgmp.com/dirt/ .Doing their research, they found what the four biggest classes in the area were and decided that was what they would run. Late model, C class, hobby and enduro are the four that will be running and with only four classes you can be assured that you will get to see some pretty fantastic racing and get to be home at a decent time. This, along with an 11pm curfew pretty much guarantees that. Looking forward for the track, Moya and Davis are in planning with Lucas Oil and Southern All Stars for upcoming races and looks to be a done deal bringing in even more excitement to the South Georgia area. In my interview with Davis I asked what his hopes were for this track and his words were, "To make this track the Eldora of the South". By hanging his hat on fairness and creating an entertaining atmosphere plus having one of the absolute best racing facilities and surfaces around, SGMP will be everything Davis has said it will be plus more. From what I've seen, the anticipation for this track opening this weekend is bringing drivers from far and wide. SGMP will be THE place to be this weekend. There won't be anything else like it. For more info call 229-896-7000.
