CHARLOTTE, NC (June 17) – Over the years, the Pro All Stars Series (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.