MARKLEYSBURG, PA (April 27, 2011) – When the 2011 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule was released last October, many took a second look at the track that would host a series event on April 30th. “Where is that?” proclaimed some that were unfamiliar with the track. For the first time Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex on Markleysburg, PA will step into the national spotlight by hosting the series on the second night of a doubleheader this Friday and Saturday in the state of Pennsylvania.
None of the top 20 in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series have ever raced at the 3/8th mile track nestled just a few miles from the West Virginia border, there may have been some who had never heard of the facility which is promoted by Rick Jones, but after Saturday Night, Jones hopes they all will know about the track as he and his crew are pulling all stops to make it a successful program.
The facility first opened in May of 1998 with Jim Kutas going down in the history books as the first driver to win at the track. Jones, a veteran promoter took over the reigns of the track last year and immediately wanted to bring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series to the track.
“On a national level, I thought they had the best drivers racing with them,” said Jones who also promotes Allegany County Speedway in Cumberland, MD, and is no stranger to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series as he hosted a series event in 2005 when he promoted Potomac Speedway in Budds Creek, MD. The event was won by Don O’Neal.
“We have had success with the UFO and Three State Flyer Series, and to add a Lucas Oil Series race to our schedule was definitely a plus for the track,” said Jones, who kept busy in the off-season adding several truckloads of clay to the track, which elevated its banking to make for more side-by-side racing. The track will host its first-ever Appalachian Mountain Speedweeks race on Monday, June 6th
Even though Roaring Knob’s season opener was rained out last week, the track has been able to practice twice on the new surface. “It’s held up really well, and with the moisture this week and a promising forecast for Saturday Night, we will be ready to go,” said Jones, who hails from Westminster, MD, and operates RJ Custom Homes, when not promoting.
There will be a familiar face on hand for Saturday Night’s first-ever visit to Roaring Knob as veteran race official, Dixie Phillips, who works at the track will welcome the series she worked two years for. “It will be good to see the drivers again, it’s just still unbelievable that we are hosting a Lucas Oil Series race, I never thought in my wildest dreams when the track first opened this could happen, we are really looking forward to it.”
Jones said one the endearing characteristics of the seating for the spectators is that yes there is grandstand seating for those that prefer to watch the races that way, but there is plentiful room for those that can bring their blankets and lawn chairs to sit on the hillside to enjoy the racing action.
Roaring Knob is teaming up with Bedford Speedway, about an hour and a half away for a pair $10,000 to win events this Friday and Saturday. Bedford Speedway is celebrating its 75th year of racing and will hosting the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the third time this Friday Night.
For more information on this weekend’s event you can visit www.bedfordspeedway.com, www.roaringknob.com and www.lucasdirt.com.