SUPER DIRT WEEK 40 Preview

    The sun is going to shine on the 40th running of the fall classic in Syracuse. The campers started moving in to the massive NYS fairgrounds, for a week of Dirt Modified Racing.

    Today's Happy Hour Practice was cancelled due to the last two days of rain in the area. Track officials chose to stay off the track and let it sit until a full day of Modified madness on Thursday. Thursday at noon at least 16 of the past race champions will come back to the Moody Mile to relive some old memories as well as do some bench racing with some dedicated fans. Two time winner Buzzie Reutiman, four time winner Gary Balough will be among the cast of champions to talk to the media. Jack Johnson, Jimmy Horton, Kenny Brightbill, Brett Hearn, The Johnson boy's, and the most recent winners will attend the 12:00pm media event Thursday.

    Over 80 cars lined up under the main grandstands Tuesday for inspection that has become a event it's self over the years. Today a boat load of more cars will line up for the yearly inspection to start off the week of racing. A lot of things have changed since the first time I attended this race. From the cars them selves to the nice black top in the infield for the motor homes, and campers that pack the facility for the entire week. I remember camping in the horse barns the first few years before we had to move to infield in turn three. Most years we would be in turn three fighting off the bad weather, and water running over our shoes, just trying to survive for a week. I have met a lot of great people through out the years that remain friends today.

    This year will be the first time I've been back since 2001, I feel like a little kid again waiting to see all of the new cars.  The weather report looks to be beautiful for this years race, with sunshine and temps. in the 60, and 70's.

    This years SEF Small Engine Fuel 200 will have a new twist. Between laps 150-175 drivers will have to make a mandatory pit stop for fuel. In the past teams have made this a race a fuel mileage event. Officials have put this pit stop in, trying to make a more exciting finish for the fans.

    The infield is starting to fill up with big campers/Motor Homes. Cars are in the pits also, with the likes of Tim McCreadie is in the pits standing around chatting with friends. Last years winner Stewart Friesen is also here looking to repeat this year in the 200. Matt Sheppard has two cars under a tent being worked on as we speak.

The front stretch is the only part of the track that is wet, the rest of the surface is nice, and ready to run.

                     
It is great to see all of the new equipment here for the richest Dirt Track Race in the country. Danny Johnson is here with one car looking for another win at the Moody Mile. The vendors are busy setting up their displays awaiting the massive crowd that will fill this place for the rest of the week. Some of the fans are digging trenches across the road waysto put their water lines and electrical cords underground saving them from the traffic that will be constant here in the infield.
Stay tuned all this week for updates on all of the action her in Syracuse.

 

2010 Winner Stewart Fresien