ADAIRSVILLE, Ga. — After two successive weather-related postponements of the annual Rumble on the Gumbo at Greenville (Miss.) Speedway, there’s a new season-opening weekend in town for the Newsome Raceway Parts-sponsored Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series. It will be a weekend doubleheader, and take place in Eastaboga, Ala., as third-mile Talladega Short Track prepares to host three different Crate Racin’ USA divisions April 23-24 as part of its annual NASCAR weekend.
Always a much-anticipated doubleheader at the high-banked facility, the track will host the popular touring series for two nights, paying $2,000-to-win on Friday [April 23] and $2,500 to win on Saturday [April 24] as a brand new campaign kicks off for the Adam Stewart-managed touring series. Crate Racin’ USA-sanctioned events for 602 Late Model Sportsman and Modified Sportsman machines are also included on the racing card both nights.
Pete Walton’s United Sprint Car Series (USCS) will co-headline both programs, and there will also be regular weekly features for the track’s local divisions, including Super Late Models, Talladega Sportsman, Factory Stocks and Hot Shots. Gates will open each day at 4 p.m., and racing will start at 7 p.m. both nights.
The two nights of racing are traditionally held on the same weekend as NASCAR-related activities across the street at 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, drawing in strong fields and plenty of fans as the historic oval becomes a drawing card for race fans from far and wide after the sun begins to settle into the horizon at the big track.
The event will kick off the points season for the popular Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series, which recently completed its nine-race Winter Shootout Series with Dylan Knowles of Lanett, Ala., claiming the championship in the annual miniseries. It turned out to be a seven-race schedule due to a pair of events that were canceled by inclement weather. Knowles actually claimed his first-ever victory on the regular Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series last summer at the track during the Salute to America Nationals held July 3.
Wil Herrington of Hawkinsville, Ga., is the reigning champion on the touring series for drivers who utilize GM Performance Circle Track Engines, but is not expected to defend his title. That will open the door for a new chase for the championship in the traveling circuit’s 17th season of existence, and a large field of entries is expected as drivers will be hungry to get the early edge in the quest for the title.
The economical Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 Circle Track Engine is utilized by competitors in the various divisions presented by Crate Racin’ USA. It’s in stock and available for free, next-day delivery from Newsome Raceway Parts in Hartsville, S.C.
Each engine is built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications. To place an order, call 1-877-497-3624.
For more information and rules, visit the organization’s website at www.crateracinusa.com, or follow our extensive social media programs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Newsome Raceway Parts, a division of Raceway Chevrolet in Hartsville, S.C., is the title sponsor of Crate Racin’ USA. E-Z-GO Golf Carts is the title sponsor of the newly-established E-Z-GO $100,000+ Challenge.
Chevrolet Performance is an official sponsor of the organization, along with Advanced Laser & Machine, Cruise with the Champions, Hoosier Racing Tire, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, My Race Pass, VP Racing Fuels and Lubricants and Willy’s Carburetors.
Official chassis sponsors include Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis and CVR Race Cars.