EASTABOGA, Ala. (Dec. 27) — Saturated grounds and an overnight rain that has continued without interruption has forced cancellation of The Hangover scheduled Dec. 29-30, 2023, at 411 Motor Speedway.
The race was slated to kick off the ninth annual Crate Racin’ USA Winter Shootout Series with a $3,000-to-win contest, but the inclement weather that has moved into the region, along with predictions for additional rain and cold during the upcoming weekend, has forced the decision.
“It has rained overnight here and it’s expected to continue, and it’s become obvious that we’re not going to be able to get this racetrack ready the way we would want it to be,” said track promoter Mitch McCarter. “The grounds are already too saturated, and we’ve got more rain and cool weather on the way this weekend. We’ve decided to not fight the elements because we always want the best track conditions we can provide for our drivers, teams and fans. Unfortunately, the weather is going to make our goals impossible.”
The event will not be rescheduled, but the high-banked facility plans to release a tentative schedule for the 2024 season, and the Adam Stewart-managed touring circuit will revisit the facility for a regular touring series event on June 21-22 for the third year in a row as the sanctioning body for the prestigious J.T. Kerr Memorial.
“Obviously we’re disappointed about The Hangover cancellation, because that has become a hallmark event for one of our region’s most successful facilities,” said Crate Racin’ USA series director Adam Stewart. “There’s absolutely nothing we can do about inclement weather, and now we’ll turn our attention to the Ice Bowl at Talladega Short Track on Jan. 4-6, 2024, as the first event in our nine-race Winter Shootout Series. At the same time, we’ll also look into the future with much anticipation for the J.T. Kerr Memorial, and the return of our regular touring series to 411 Motor Speedway this coming summer for that event on June 21-22.”
The popular traveling series will enter the 2024 season with a new sponsorship from Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts and Rogers Dabbs Chevrolet in Brandon, Miss., ushering in a new era for the organization’s 20th season as “America’s Leader in Racing.”