WAYCROSS, GA (June 13, 2012) – After a break from racing action this weekend, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is poised to invade the Carolinas and the mountains of Virginia. The series rolls into Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC on Friday night, June 22nd, and Wythe Raceway on Saturday night, June 23rd. Both shows will feature Red Buck Cigars Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and 50-lap $10,000-to-win main events.
As the series makes its only stop in the Carolina’s, on Friday, June 22nd, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series comes to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC for 14th Annual Grassy Smith Memorial. This event has drawn the attention of the nation’s top drivers since the inaugural running of the Grassy Smith Memorial Race in 1999. The late Clarence “Grassy” Smith is known throughout the racing world for his contributions to motorsports. Grassy Smith stamped his name in the Southern racing scene building engines for NASCAR pioneers Holman Moody with their racing stable boasted of drivers such as Ned Jarrett, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Fireball Roberts. Grassy earned his reputation by being a top engine builder and a great friend to many people.
Jeff Smith operates his own racing team and is the owner of J & J Racecars in Gastonia NC. “I remember my grandfather for always making racing a family event. He made everyone laugh with his one-liners and was willing to help anyone at the track – even those he didn’t know. We look forward to our Grandfather’s race. Hopefully, we can get a good run and bring home one of those checkered flags.”
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be making it’s second appearance at the Fred Brown-promoted Wythe Raceway located in Rural Retreat, VA on Saturday Night, June 23rd. The nation’s top drivers are set to do battle with one of the strongest contingents of regional drivers in the county for the Inaugural “Blue Ridge 50”. Vic Hill of Mosheim, TN will be leading the pack of regional stars, having just broken the track record at Wythe, being the first man to ever break into the 15-second bracket. He laid down a lap of 15.864 seconds, besting the old record previously held by Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC. Also preparing to take on the LOLMDS stars will be Team Dillon Racing driver, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA; Kenny Compton of Bland, VA, and Jeff Smith. Chris Madden of Gray Court, SC; Billy Hicks of Mt. Airy, NC; and Dennis “Rambo” Franklin of Gaffney, SC will also be competing, and are tied for most wins at Wythe Raceway with 4 wins each.
“We are excited to bring this premier event to Wythe for all of our loyal fans,” exclaimed Wythe Raceway Promoter, Fred Brown. “We are very fortunate to be involved with the series [LOLMDS], and we are all looking forward to seeing the best drivers in the country putting on a great show for the fans! We have been working hard at the track to make sure we are ready, and look forward to seeing everyone come out to the track.”
The last series event at Wythe saw Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN take home the win. He currently leads the pack atop the Lucas Oil Championship Points Standings. Don O’Neal is second in the standings and is itching to get back into victory lane. Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN is coming off of a series win at Tazewell and will be searching for his first win at Wythe. He is currently in 3rd. Steve Francis of Ashland, KY and Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL round out the Top-5 and also look to challenge for the win.
Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA is currently sixth in points, and has 3 wins in competition at Wythe. John Blankenship of Williamson, WV is poised to win his first series event of the year, after several close finishes recently, including his 2nd-place finish in the Eldora “Dream” last weekend. Rounding out the top-ten are Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Tyler Reddick of Corning, CA; Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL; Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE; and Eric Wells of Hazard, KY. Davenport leads Hubbard by 210-points in the chase for the 2012 Quarter Master Rookie of the Year honors.
For more information on Cherokee Speedway and Wythe Raceway, check out their respective websites at www.cherokeespeedwaysc.com and www.wytheraceway.com.
Fans and racers are reminded to log onto the LOLMDS website during events and keep up with all the action through the “Live Timing and Scoring” page at http://www.lucasdirt.com/live.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com and follow us at www.facebook.com/lucasdirt and www.twtitter.com/#!/lucasdirt.