4-18-05
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BEDFORD
SPEEDWAY READY FOR OPENING NIGHT ...
by Dave Harclerode
The first race cars sped around Bedford Speedway 69 years ago,
and this
Friday night the tradition continues as the 2005 season gets underway
at
the famed 5/8 mile oval. Last week's practice night let drivers
get the
feel of the new surface contour, and the new frontstretch wall
was even
tested by a misfortunate racer. It appears that the Bedford Speedway
is
in for yet another successful season of great racing and family
fun.
The Interstate NAPA Super Late Models will once again headline
the
weekly events, with the 2004 and 3 time Super Late Model track
champ
Jack Pencil returning to protect his crown. All-time Super late
Model
feature winner Scott Haus will be looking to score his fifth track
championship this season, and local stars Eric Zembower, Chris
Harr,
Greg Fetters, Andy Martz, Chuck LaSalle, and more will be trying
to
claim their first Super Late Model championship.
Mike Shoemaker will have a tough task at hand defending his Limited
Late Model title. A very competitive and growing division, Mike
will have to fend off the likes of John Hedge, who missed the championship
last year by a mere 30 points, all-time division feature winner
Tim Smith, Jr.,
Adam Chamberlain, young guns Howie Bussard and Coleby Frye, Brian
Duffy, Kevin Weyandt, and many, many more talented racers.
The TC Race Cars Street Stock division's championship is usually
decided
by less than 50 points each year. However, Jim Sayler surprised
everyone last season, winning the championship by well over 100
points.
The TC Race Cars Street Stock division is tough, and Jim will have
his
hands full this season.
Mike Duck scored his first championship last season in the Cruiser-Hobby
Stock class, with a 75 point edge over friendly rival Brian Weyandt,
Jr. Over 44 different drivers competed at the Speedway last season
in
this division, and 2005 shows promise of the same paint rubbin'
action.
Gates will open at 5pm Friday, with hot laps at 7pm, and racing
starting
at 7:30. You can find this season's schedule and much more at
www.bedfordspeedway.com....4-18-05
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