2020-05-09

Devil’s Bowl Speedway COVID-19 UpdateFriday, May 8, 2020

Dear Fans, Racers, and Friends,

 

We hope and trust that you all are staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are certainly unprecedented times that have affected, and will continue to affect, every aspect of our daily lives. While it is certainly frustrating to not always be allowed to enjoy things that we have sometimes taken for granted – like dirt track racing at Devil's Bowl Speedway – the health and safety of everyone is far more important.

Some encouraging news: Governor Phil Scott on Wednesday, May 6, announced new guidance under Addendum 13 of Vermont's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order, which will allow outdoor recreational activities to resume, albeit under strict guidelines. With this new guidance, Governor Scott has granted permission for the state's stock car tracks to open with limited practice sessions.

As of this writing, we have postponed the date of our 54th season opening race event at Devil's Bowl Speedway. The racing event on Sunday, May 17, has been cancelled. For now, the smart choice is to take things step-by-step and await further guidance from Governor Scott. We will evaluate any further changes daily, and we will be sure to communicate any adjustments promptly.

We have been working to ensure that Devil's Bowl Speedway will follow mandated health and safety guidelines, and we are pleased to say that we are ready to begin holding private testing sessions next week.

Please note that these testing sessions will be held under many restrictions in accordance with the "arrive, play, and leave" guidance in Addendum 13 to Executive Order 01-20 (Play Smart and Play Safe: Restart Phase V), issued by Governor Phil Scott on May 6, 2020. It is crucial that all participants understand and adhere to the following rules:

 

1.      HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES:

1.      No persons shall be permitted on the grounds of Devil's Bowl Speedway if they are sick or symptomatic with fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.

2.      Each person will have their temperature taken (with a non-contact thermometer, if available) before entering the premises.

3.      The use of face masks covering the nose and mouth will be mandatory for Devil's Bowl Speedway employees. All others will be highly encouraged to use face masks, and Devil's Bowl Speedway will make every effort to have a supply available.

4.      Hand sanitizer will be made available for everyone.

5.      When possible, walking paths will be indicated with direction and traffic flow.

6.      Race team trailers/pit stalls will be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet apart. Participants will be required to stay in their respective pit stalls as much as possible, and to always maintain proper physical distancing of six (6) feet or more from other groups.

7.      Personal vehicles will be parked no less than ten (10) feet apart in the parking lot.

8.      Restrooms will be open, with hot water and soap readily available.

9.      Registration windows will not be open. Upon arrival, each team will be given a registration form/waiver of release, a pen, and five (5) pit pass wristbands, to limit physical contact. Teams will be directed to leave completed forms at a designated area to be determined.

10.  Food concessions will not be open.

 

2.      FACILITY OPERATING PROCEDURES:

1.      Racing and general admission ticket sales will be suspended at Devil's Bowl Speedway until such time that it is safe to have spectators attend as in any previous non-pandemic period. Only closed, private testing sessions will be held until further notice.

2.      Officials and staff will work strictly on a volunteer basis, with a limited number of staff permitted to be on Devil's Bowl Speedway grounds.

3.      Competitors are not required to attend – registration and attendance is strictly voluntary.

4.      Test sessions will be available only to residents of Vermont, per the Governor's orders, to include drivers, team and family members, track staff and officials, or others.

5.      Grandstand seating will be closed.

6.      Test sessions will be by reservation only. Race teams will not be permitted to attend unless they have received prior approval from Devil's Bowl Speedway officials.

7.      Testing sessions will be restricted to a maximum of ten (10) race teams.

8.      Teams will be restricted to not more than five (5) persons per racecar including the driver.

9.      A flat fee of $125 will be charged per team, plus a 4% credit card transaction fee ($5). Payment for registration ($130 total) must be made electronically via credit card at the time of reservation, prior to entering the facility.

10.  The pit area will be open at 4:30 p.m., with testing sessions held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The facility will close, and all persons must exit by 8:45 p.m.

11.  No personal vehicles will be permitted in the pit area.

12.  There will be no tires or fuel sold on site.

13.  Rental electronic scoring transponders will not be available.

 

3.      TESTING DATES FOR RESERVATION:

·   Wednesday, May 13        5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.            Pits Open 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

·   Thursday, May 14           5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.            Pits Open 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

·   Friday, May 15                 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.            Pits Open 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

·   Saturday, May 16            5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.            Pits Open 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

·   Sunday, May 17               5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.            Pits Open 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

 

4.      PRICING & RESERVATION INFORMATION:

·   First come, first served at all dates

·   Teams must register and complete payment prior to attending

·   Each test session – 1 racecar, 5 people – $130.00 (credit, debit, or PayPal)

·   Individual track rental is available – contact for details and pricing

·   Contact:

o   Mike Bruno – (802) 236-9141

o   Justin St. Louis – (802) 355-3282

o   Email – devilsbowlspeedway@gmail.com

 

We realize – and deeply regret – that this current order excludes our dedicated and passionate supporters from New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and elsewhere; nearly half of our regular fan and competitor base is from outside Vermont, along with several track officials and key personnel. We understand the Governor's reasoning for this exclusion, though we hope that those restrictions can be relieved soon.

We have been clear since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that we cannot and will not race without our fans present. Racing in front of an empty grandstand would be a poor financial decision for our business, and it would simply be unfair to hold a race without the people who love and support it.

Whether the Governor's orders change or not, Devil's Bowl Speedway will not survive either in spirit or on the bank ledger without the support of ALL our fans and participants, whether they are from Vermont or not. Other facilities are planning to race without spectators while offering a live video stream, but that is not a viable option for Devil's Bowl Speedway, and it will not be in our plans. We can get by on test sessions for now, but we will wait to hold racing events until it is safe to do so with everyone present.

With that said, we are excited and relieved that things are moving in a positive direction for Vermont, and we will do what it takes to ensure that the opening of Devil's Bowl Speedway does not set that progress back. We encourage you to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic has not gone away. Several of our own loved ones and many more in our extended racing family have been affected by this disease, and we continue to take things very seriously. Racing is a way of life for many of us, but it should not force a choice between life and death. We will do our part to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while easing back into a normal routine. It may still take some time, but we will get there eventually.

We truly, deeply appreciate the support of everyone in the racing community. We will remain in contact with you as this process develops quickly. Get those cars ready, and as C.J. Richards used to say: "Keep the faith."

 

We will see you soon!

 

Mike Bruno, Owner/Promoter

Alayne Bruno, Owner/Administration

Justin St. Louis, Media/Marketing


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 9.5.20 0 comments

2020-05-01

NASCAR Returns to Racing with Events at Darlington, Charlotte

NASCAR Returns to Racing with Events at Darlington, Charlotte

Return Slate Includes Seven Races in Three Series Across FOX Networks

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 30, 2020) - NASCAR today announced it will return to racing on May 17, which will kick off a slate of races that includes seven events in three series at two race tracks – Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

The NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series will each host its first on-track event since mid-March.  

 

The NASCAR Cup Series will return to Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 17, with a 400-mile event scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, live on FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

 

What follows is a unique schedule that includes midweek races in primetime and a NASCAR crown jewel – the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway – in its traditional Memorial Day Weekend home for the 60th consecutive season.

 

The opening slate of races is as follows:

 

DATE               TRACK             SERIES                        DISTANCE        NET      START (ET)

Sun, May 17      Darlington          Cup                              400 mi              FOX     3:30 PM

Tue, May 19      Darlington          Xfinity                           200 mi              FS1      8:00 PM

Wed, May 20     Darlington          Cup                              500 km             FS1      7:30 PM

Sun, May 24      Charlotte           Cup                              600 mi              FOX     6:00 PM

Mon, May 25     Charlotte           Xfinity                           300 mi              FS1      7:30 PM

Tue, May 26      Charlotte           Gander Trucks              200 mi              FS1      8:00 PM

Wed, May 27     Charlotte           Cup                              500 km             FS1      8:00 PM

 

Each of NASCAR's return events will be run without fans in attendance. Further schedule adjustments will be announced in the future.

 

"NASCAR and its teams are eager and excited to return to racing, and have great respect for the responsibility that comes with a return to competition," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "NASCAR will return in an environment that will ensure the safety of our competitors, officials and all those in the local community. We thank local, state and federal officials and medical experts, as well as everyone in the industry, for the unprecedented support in our return to racing, and we look forward to joining our passionate fans in watching cars return to the track." 

 

"We are excited to welcome back the FOX NASCAR season to our airwaves to provide a return to live sports, a move toward normalcy and a much-needed distraction during these unprecedented times," said Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports. "While we are thrilled to return to the race track, the health and safety of our employees and all race participants is our top priority.  We will continue working in lockstep with our partners at NASCAR and the race tracks to follow all national and local health guidelines."

 

Following thorough collaboration with public health officials, medical experts and state and federal officials, NASCAR has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan. In accordance with CDC, OSHA and state and local government recommendations, nearly every aspect of how the event is conducted will be significantly modified, including:

 

  • One-day shows;
  • Mandated use of personal protective equipment throughout the event;
  • Health screenings for all individuals prior to entering the facility, while inside the facility and exiting the facility;
  • Social distancing protocols throughout the event;
  • Strict limits on the number of individuals who are granted access into each facility

 

As NASCAR works towards the execution of these events, the sanctioning body will continue to work with state and local authorities based on trends and local restrictions.

 

In-race competition procedures remain largely unchanged, though NASCAR will eliminate practice for all events during this opening return slate, as well as qualifying for all events except the Coca-Cola 600. 

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat ('NASCAR').

 

 

Contact:                                                                                                                               

Mike Forde

NASCAR Communications


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 1.5.20 0 comments

NASCAR announces revised May schedule as racing returns

NASCAR is scheduled to make its return to racing on Sunday, May 17, at Darlington Raceway with a NASCAR Cup Series race that will serve as the first of seven races over an 11-day span at two different race tracks throughout May.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 1.5.20 0 comments

Statement from ARCA on Charlotte Race

OFFICIAL RELEASE APRIL 30, 2020

"The ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150 scheduled for Friday, May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has been postponed until a later date. We look forward to resuming our season soon and will share more details at the appropriate time."


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 1.5.20 1 comments

2020-04-30

Ontario Legends Series Teams Turn to eRacing to Keep the Fire Burning

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

As hometown raceways push some of their early season events to the sidelines because of social distancing restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, a group of drivers with the Ontario Legends Series has satisfied the need for speed by participating in a schedule of eRacing shows. Spokesperson Andrew Massey says the KOD Disposal Ontario Legends eSeries is just what the doctor ordered.

 

"There are 20 active 2020 registered drivers competing, 3 from our tech team and a handful of former series drivers," said Massey. "The tracks we are using were selected by a vote, because iRacing – the same software NASCAR is using for their virtual series – doesn't offer any Legends friendly Canadian tracks."

 

Each event includes timed qualifying laps, heat races, a pair of pre-final races and an 'A' main; all run under the close scrutiny of Brandt Graham – a former 2-time Ontario Sportsman Series champion and current dirt Late Model racer – as race director. The top 11 from each pre-final make the starting line-up, for a 22 car feature. Drivers can talk to each other and converse with race officials. Shows are featured on the You Tube by Turn 3 Racing Network, with support from McNicol Welding & Fabrication and Jennifer Hatch of Coldwell Banker. Special thanks to Thorson's EVT for covering the server costs and to Liqui Moly for sponsorship of the best appearing car award.

 

Winners on the Wednesday night 'tour' so far include Ontario Pro Challenge racer Blake Near, who has victories at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Ontario Legends Series regular Parker Traves captured the South Boston Speedway checkered flag, while Jo Lawrence from the APC Pro Late Model tour took the Stafford Speedway win.

 

The Monday night Rookie eSeries – presented by Hastings Marine Service – has seen double feature wins by Ontario Legend and NASCAR Pinty's Series racer Connor James at South Boston Speedway. 2019 Ontario Legends Series champion Nick Ledson picked-up a Stafford Speedway victory, with Brandon Feeney – whose background includes action in the Bone Stock, Super Stock and Late Model divisions at Peterborough Speedway – won the South Boston Speedway show and is the current rookie point leader.

 

"We'll wrap-up season 1 at USA Speedway in Lakeland, Florida and there is a stand-alone virtual Legends Dirt Nationals race scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 13th that uses the layout of Lanier Speedway in Georgia," according to Massey. "A second season for the end of May and June has been discussed but will be dependant on the real world situation at that time."

 

Drivers with the Trailers Plus Ontario Legends Series have been running selected iRacing events to keep their skills sharp during COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic shutdown.

 

Prepared by Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 30.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-20

COVID-19 Postpones the May Events at Peterborough Speedway

COVID-19 Postpones the May Events at Peterborough Speedway

By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Local short track racing promoters often do their hardest work behind the scenes. From signing sponsorship partners, planning the event schedule for hometown racing divisions and touring series, stocking concession stands and any number of other related activities. No matter how many times they may have gone through the process in the past, there is nothing that can help a speedway operator prepare for the unexpected.

 

With its 2020 schedule – the 53rd consecutive season of operation – slated for a Saturday, May 16th green flag, provincial regulations and restrictions put in place as result of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced officials at Peterborough Speedway to postpone the first 3 dates of the year. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says its an unfortunate situation but a decision that has to be made to guarantee the safety of everyone who could possibly come through the gate.

 

"Its not a choice we want to make; but one we have to make. The only way to enjoy a season of racing together in the future is to spend some time apart right now," said Josiasse. "We have to keep a positive attitude during trying times and even with the delay in getting things underway this year, I want to ensure our fans, drivers and teams that we're committed to give everyone as much racing as possible."

 

Once track officials get official permission to move forward, Josiasse says the first order of business will be to announce the new date for this year's edition of the Pure Country 105 Season Opener, featuring free spectator grandstand admission. The team at Peterborough Speedway is also looking at several different options, including arranging make-up dates during the traditional downtime between Labour Day weekend and the Autumn Colours Classic to keep the 2020 schedule rolling. Depending on provincial protocol pertaining to the size of allowable public gatherings, private track rental for open testing sessions may also be available.

 

"We give our thanks to the teams of healthcare and frontline workers here in Central Ontario, across the province and the rest of the nation for their tireless efforts in battle with the Coronavirus Pandemic," said Josiasse. "Please continue to follow local, regional and national public health notices and wellbeing guidelines concerning social distancing and we'll all get through this difficult time. Stay safe. Keep well."

 

For the latest updates, schedule news and information, head to www.peterboroughspeedway.com or visit the track's Facebook and Twitter social media platforms. There is also a free app available to send news to your device 24/7/365.

 

Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

 

Peterborough Speedway race fans are looking forward to the day when they can once again see the Sound Off Signal pace truck bringing the field to the Great Canadian RV green flag.

 

Prepared by Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 20.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-17

NASCAR Statement

NASCAR Statement

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2020) – "NASCAR is postponing the scheduled events on May 8-9 at Martinsville Speedway. Our intention remains to run all 36 races, with a potential return to racing without fans in attendance in May at a date and location to be determined. The health and safety of our competitors, employees, fans, and the communities in which we run continues to be our top priority. We will continue to consult with health experts and local, state and federal officials as we assess future scheduling options."

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 17.4.20 0 comments

2020-04-08

NASCAR Announces NomineesFor NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

NASCAR Announces Nominees

For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021, Landmark Award

Burton, Earnhardt Jr., Edwards, Elder, Matthews nominated for first time

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 7, 2020) — NASCAR today announced the 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2021, introducing the Modern Era and Pioneer Ballots for the first time.

 

The list includes five first-time NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees – three on the Modern Era Ballot and two on the Pioneer Ballot.

 

Jeff Burton (21-time Cup Series winner), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (15-time most popular driver) and Carl Edwards (28-time Cup winner) join seven previous nominees on the Modern Era Ballot. Three-time Cup champion crew chief Jake Elder and renowned car builder Banjo Matthews join three previous nominees on the Pioneer Ballot, designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago (prior to 1961 for the Class of 2021).

 

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 will consist of two inductees from the list of Modern Era nominees, and one from the list of Pioneer nominees – for a total of three new inductees in 2021.

 

Janet Guthrie returns as a Landmark Award nominee, rejoining Alvin Hawkins, Mike Helton, Dr. Joseph Mattioli and Ralph Seagraves. Potential Landmark Award recipients include competitors or those working in the sport as a member of a racing organization, track facility, race team, sponsor, media partner or being a general ambassador for the sport through a professional or non-professional role. Award winners remain eligible for NHOF enshrinement.

 

The Modern Era Ballot and Landmark Award nominees were selected by the Nomination Committee, which consists of representatives from NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks. The new Honors Committee, largely comprised of all living Hall of Famers, Landmark Award winners and Squier-Hall Award winners, selected the Pioneer Ballot. Both committees' votes were tabulated by accounting firm EY.

 

Following are the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021 nominees and Landmark Award nominees:

 

Modern Era Ballot

Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories

 

Jeff Burton, won 21 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 15-time NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver and two-time Xfinity Series champion

 

Carl Edwards, winner of 28 NASCAR Cup Series races and 2007 Xfinity Series champion

 

Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories

 

Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief

 

Larry Phillips, first five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion

 

Ricky Rudd, won 23 times in NASCAR Cup Series, including the 1997 Brickyard 400

 

Kirk Shelmerdine, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

 

Mike Stefanik, winner of record-tying nine NASCAR championships

 

Pioneer Ballot

Jake Elder, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

 

Red Farmer, three-time NASCAR Late Model Sportsman champion; 1956 Modified champion

 

Banjo Matthews, built cars that won more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series races and three championships

 

Hershel McGriff, 1986 NASCAR West Series champion

 

Ralph Moody, two-time NASCAR Cup Series owner champion as mechanical genius of Holman-Moody

 

Landmark Award

Janet Guthrie, the first female to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway race

 

Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR's first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr.

 

Mike Helton, named third president of NASCAR in 2000; career included track operator roles at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway

 

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway

 

Ralph Seagraves, formed groundbreaking Winston-NASCAR partnership as executive with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 8.4.20 0 comments

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