(PASS) South Super Late Models have competed on a variety of different
race tracks across the Southeast. From Virginia to Georgia, from flat
half-miles to high banked 3/8 miles, the PASS South Series has been
there and done that. But, perhaps, PASS South's greatest test rests
this weekend at its smallest venue. On Friday night, the regulars of
PASS South will tackle the .23 mile Wake County Speedway near Raleigh,
NC for the Capital City Clash. Wake County Speedway is the only track
in Virginia, North or South Carolina that features Super Late Models
as its premier division. The combination of a tough, unfamiliar track
could play right into the hands of the Wake County regulars.
"This is a race our fans have been waiting for ever since it was
announced last December," said Ginger Pleasant, Director of Public
Relations for Wake County Speedway. "You haven't seen anything until
you've seen Super Late Models on a track the size of Wake County.
This is definitely the biggest race our track has seen in a number of
years."
Several PASS South regulars honed their skills at Wake County prior to
moving up the racing ladder. Among those drivers is Alex Fleming.
Fleming managed to win the 2007 Wake County Speedway track
championship at the same time he finished 11th in the 2007 PASS South
standings. Despite more than his fair share of bad luck, Fleming
comes into this weekend's Capital City Clash 10th in PASS South points
and as one of the favorites among PASS South regulars. Nashville,
NC's John Batten, Winston-Salem, NC's Mark Gibson and Goldsboro, NC's
Clay Jones are some of the other PASS South regulars who look to run
well while close to home.
Even though Wake County might not be as close to home, several other
PASS South drivers hope to be in contention on Friday night. PASS
South points leader Corey Williams is originally from Boothbay, ME and
has competed on a number of tracks in New England that are similar in
length to Wake County Speedway. Additionally, Kyle Busch development
driver Alex Haase and 13-year-old Brentwood, TN native Logan Ruffin
have tested at Wake County in preparation for the Capital City Clash.
The biggest variable for this weekend's race though, could be the Wake
County regulars and who shows up and who does not. Wake County points
leader "Big" Jim Kelley and Matt Jones have both indicated that they
are planning to compete in the Capital City Clash. Other Wake County
regulars including David Clark, Curtis Simpkins, and Jonathan Logan
along with veterans Randy Renfrow and Eddie Massengill are other
possibilities that could use their Wake County "know how" to take win
away from the PASS South contingent.
"There's no telling who might show, but I can guarantee you it'll be
worth it to see what happens Friday night," said Pleasant.
Gates open Friday, June 20 at 1:00 PM, PASS South Super Late Model
practice will be at 3:00 PM, PASS South qualifying will be at 7:00 PM,
and racing starts at 8:00 PM. In addition to the PASS South Super
Late Models competing in the Capital City Clash, there will also be
racing for the Citgo Mini Mart Four Cylinders and the Dirt Cheap Sand,
Rock, and Mulch U-Cars. Wake County Speedway is located in Raleigh,
NC just off US Highway 401 at 2109 Simpkins Road.
Also, don't forget the second race of the four race PASS National
Series comes up July 18-19 at Orange County Speedway near Rougemont,
NC. The Southern Sizzler 200 will feature the best Super Late Model
drivers from across the country competing for a $10,000 top prize.
Joining PASS will be the Late Model Stock cars racing for 150 laps
paying $3,500 to win.
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