By Dustin Jarrett
STEWART, OHIO -- An annual event that packs the house with both cars and fans is less than two weeks away as the Topless 50 is set for Friday, April 15th at the Skyline Speedway.
The Topless 50 is a unique event in which all roofs and window supports are removed from the Late Models to provide the fans with a "birds-eye" view of the drivers as they work their way around the high-banked, 3/8-mile speedway. Paying $2,000 to win and $200 to start for the Late Models, it's one of Skyline's most successful and highly-anticipated events filling both the grandstands and pit area with spectators and competitors alike.
"We always get a ton of positive feedback from drivers and fans on this one," stated Skyline Speedway owner Lou Hubbard. "The drivers seem to like the 'change of pace' and the fans certainly enjoy seeing the cars without their roofs. It's just something a little different that we all look forward to."
If the unique look and feel of the roofless Late Models isn't enough, the Topless 50 has a reputation for being an event in which the winner isn't determined until the closing laps. In 2004, young gun Nick Bocook used a late race caution to slip by race-long leader Larry Bond on the restart. Bocook's fame was short-lived, however, as the veteran Bond was able to motor ahead on the next circuit and hold off all challengers the final six laps to lock up the win.
The 2003 version of Skyline's Topless 50 also had the fans on their feet until checkered flag was waved. Steve Lucas led the majority of the event only to have Ralph Withem grab the point with five circuits remaining. A caution with just three laps remaining gave Lucas the break he needed as he used the restart to pull even with Withem and eventually take sole possession of the lead with less tham two laps to go.
Aside from the usual strong contingent of Skyline Speedway regulars, a host of "outsiders" will more than likely take their shot at the $2,000 first-place paycheck. As of April 4th, RJ, Rod, and Delmas Conley plan to be in attendance for the race. And with the Lucas Oil NARA DirtCar Series in action the following night at Brownstown (IN) Speedway, the possibility lies for several other outside contenders to make the trip to southeast Ohio as well.
In addition to the Late Models, Skyline Speedway will also be running the AMRA Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, and FWD 4-Cylidners.
Tickets are just $15 for General Admission and $30 for a pit pass.
Skyline Speedway is located between Athens, OH and Belpre, OH, 4.4 miles off US 50 on County Road 53 (Bethany Ridge Road). For more infomation, please visit our website at www.skylinespeedway.com or call (740) 662-4111 on race day.
STEWART, OHIO -- An annual event that packs the house with both cars and fans is less than two weeks away as the Topless 50 is set for Friday, April 15th at the Skyline Speedway.
The Topless 50 is a unique event in which all roofs and window supports are removed from the Late Models to provide the fans with a "birds-eye" view of the drivers as they work their way around the high-banked, 3/8-mile speedway. Paying $2,000 to win and $200 to start for the Late Models, it's one of Skyline's most successful and highly-anticipated events filling both the grandstands and pit area with spectators and competitors alike.
"We always get a ton of positive feedback from drivers and fans on this one," stated Skyline Speedway owner Lou Hubbard. "The drivers seem to like the 'change of pace' and the fans certainly enjoy seeing the cars without their roofs. It's just something a little different that we all look forward to."
If the unique look and feel of the roofless Late Models isn't enough, the Topless 50 has a reputation for being an event in which the winner isn't determined until the closing laps. In 2004, young gun Nick Bocook used a late race caution to slip by race-long leader Larry Bond on the restart. Bocook's fame was short-lived, however, as the veteran Bond was able to motor ahead on the next circuit and hold off all challengers the final six laps to lock up the win.
The 2003 version of Skyline's Topless 50 also had the fans on their feet until checkered flag was waved. Steve Lucas led the majority of the event only to have Ralph Withem grab the point with five circuits remaining. A caution with just three laps remaining gave Lucas the break he needed as he used the restart to pull even with Withem and eventually take sole possession of the lead with less tham two laps to go.
Aside from the usual strong contingent of Skyline Speedway regulars, a host of "outsiders" will more than likely take their shot at the $2,000 first-place paycheck. As of April 4th, RJ, Rod, and Delmas Conley plan to be in attendance for the race. And with the Lucas Oil NARA DirtCar Series in action the following night at Brownstown (IN) Speedway, the possibility lies for several other outside contenders to make the trip to southeast Ohio as well.
In addition to the Late Models, Skyline Speedway will also be running the AMRA Modifieds, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, and FWD 4-Cylidners.
Tickets are just $15 for General Admission and $30 for a pit pass.
Skyline Speedway is located between Athens, OH and Belpre, OH, 4.4 miles off US 50 on County Road 53 (Bethany Ridge Road). For more infomation, please visit our website at www.skylinespeedway.com or call (740) 662-4111 on race day.
