SWEENEY RUSH SPORTSMAN MODIFIEDS TO HAVE A WEEKLY HOME IN 2015 AT SHARON SPEEDWAY
By Mike Leone
October 2, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Pulaski, PA)…One year ago, Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Racing Series directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone announced the formation of the RUSH Sportsman Modified division to join the RUSH Late Models. With one race to go in the inaugural 2014season, RUSH is thrilled to announce that the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will have a weekly home in 2015 as Sharon Speedway has picked up the GM 602 crate engine division on Bilstein "sealed" shocks, and spec Hoosier Tires!
"This is a huge announcement that will really spur the growth of this division," stated Emig. "The Sharon events were the most successful this year with 10-12 cars at every event and we're really excited Sharon has stepped up to give the division a home in 2015. Last year at this time we announced the formation of the division, now this early announcement by Sharon should give new potential racers plenty of time to prepare to compete in 2015. Even before this announcement we've known of at least four new drivers that are in the preparation stages of getting their cars race ready."
To date, 26 different drivers have competed in 18 different cars in the 18 completed events. New York drivers Greg Martin and Adam Hilton each have six wins; however, it's Martin leading the $3,000 to-win Sweeney Weekly Series points by three that looks at driver's best 10 finishes throughout the season. Dave Conant, Jr. and Jeremy Zufall each have a pair of victories, while Jordan Eck and Rocky Kugel have single victories. Eck, who sold his car earlier in the year, is looking at returning to the division in 2015.
The 2015 season will mark the 86th anniversary since racing began back in 1929 at the Hartford, Ohio oval. Racing has come a long way since then as has the Speedway itself, which is a state-of-the-art facility, and will be an honor for the division to be part of their weekly "Steel Valley Thunder" card that also features the DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds.
The Crate Sportsman Modified division has gained popularity throughout the East Coast and Northeast in recent years and with the western Pa./eastern Ohio region down to just two Big-Block and two "358" Modified tracks, the Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds will hopefully complement these divisions into the future offering an affordable option to go Modified racing.
"We really have to thank this inaugural class of drivers, speedways, and sponsors for supporting our efforts and believing in the concept to get the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds off the ground," stated Leone. "Our goal was to get the product showcased at various speedway and show the region that the division was here to stay and be a viable option to go Modified racing. Though we had hoped a few more drivers would have made it out this season, many are these racers are still hopeful to be at the track in the future and the interest just continues to build with additional racers."
The following tracks scheduled events during the inaugural 2014 season: America's Motorsports Park, Eriez Speedway, Lernerville Speedway, Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway, Raceway 7, and Sharon Speedway.
"With the establishment of Sharon as the home track and an larger bed of racers in year two, we look forward to now being able to also put together a touring series of approximately eight events in 2015 with the other speedways throughout the region that were helpful in introducing this division this season," continued Leone. "Any tracks wishing to participate in 2015 either running the division on a weekly basis or hosting weekly and/or touring events should contact us during the fall and winter months as we work toward establishing the schedule of events."
All Modified racers throughout the region are urged to e-mail any equipment, chassis, parts, etc. they may have for sale so that it may be listed on the RUSH Sportsman Modified Classified link on the website.
Thanks to the following 2014 marketing partners: Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, FK Rod Ends, AERO Race Wheels, Velocita-USA, Driven Racing Oil, Precise Racing Products, Alternative Power Sources, Rocket Racing, and B.R.A.K.E.S.
Sharon Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt track with a GPS address of 3241 Custer-Orangeville Rd. NE, Burghill, OH 44404. For more information, check out their website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. As for their social media outlets, you can like their page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SharonSpeedway or follow them on Twitter @SharonSpdwy.
E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Sportsman Modified website is www.rushsportsmanmods.com. Those on social media can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rushsportsmanmods and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSportMods.
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