EASTABOGA, Ala. (Nov. 22) — The annual Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series-sanctioned World Championship has been held at several different facilities over its long and storied history, but in recent years has found a home at Cochran Motor Speedway.
Now the annual event that pays $20,000 to the winner is changing once again, but the location of the race will remain the same. What will be adjusted is the format for the race, which will provide an interesting twist to one of the organization’s marquee events.
Two $10,000-to-win races will share the bill during the traditional Thanksgiving Weekend event scheduled Nov. 24-26, 2022, at the 3/8-mile oval, and each race will feature a 24-car starting field and pay $400 to start.
Entry fees are $200 per car, or $250 after midnight on Nov. 23. No money is required up front for early registration and the fee can be paid at the track, but will save a competitor $50 if form is completed before midnight on Wed., Nov. 23. Here is the link for early registration: https://www.myracepass.com/series/1848/registrations/6666
The top five finishers in each main event will advance to a special 10-lap feature. Those 10 cars will start in a draw-for-position format, and the winner of the short sprint will be declared the ’22 Crate Racin’ USA World Champion.
That means 48 different drivers will have an opportunity to make money in a main event, which series director Adam Stewart feels is gradually becoming more necessary for events that routinely draw large fields of cars, which has been happening most of the season on the Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series.
Car counts are up to an average of 41 drivers per event this year as the final race approaches, which is higher than the ’21 season numbers. The upward trend appears to be one that could easily continue in the future.
“It’s something we’ve been seeing for most of this season, and the series’ popularity among drivers has been on the increase the past two or three years,” Stewart said. “Car count numbers are also becoming more important to these racetracks, and while that is not always the best thing because the front gate attendance is what makes the real difference for track promoters, we all know that more cars will often bring more fans as friends, relatives and family members will show up to watch.”
Last year’s winner of this event was Matt Henderson of Loudon, Tenn., and Jason Welshan of Maryville, Tenn., is the current series points leader heading into the weekend, and is effectively the champion already with a 134-point advantage over Jake Knowles. Both competitors have been seated in Savage Race Cars-built machines since the start of the ’22 season.
The track is located at 241 Jim Wimberley Rd. In Cochran, Ga., just off Highway 23 north of Cochran. Access the web at www.cochranspeedway.com, or www.crateracinusa.com for additional information. The track’s hotline is (478) 456-4036.
Crate Racin’ USA World Championship Schedule of Events
Thursday, Nov. 24
Open practice (all divisions): 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Gates open: 5 p.m.
Pit passes: $25 (age 6-11 are $10); Ages five and under admitted free.
Friday, Nov. 25
Gates open: 2 p.m.
Hot laps: 5:30 p.m.
Pit passes :$35 (age 6-11 are $20); Ages five and under admitted free.
Grandstand admission: $25 (age 6-10 are $10); Ages five and under are admitted free.
Saturday, Nov. 26
Gates open: 2 p.m.
B-mains: 5:30 p.m.
Pit passes: $45 (age 6-11 are $20); Ages five and under are admitted free.
Grandstand admission: $25 (age 6-10 are $10); ages five and under are admitted free.