ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 5, 1997 TAG: 9704070031
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS THE ROANOKE TIMES
A permanent Late Model Truck Class race highlights this year's offerings.
The engines are revved up and ready to go for tonight's opening night PSK/Compton Enterprises 200 at the New River Valley Speedway.
Visitors to the Fairlawn track will find what promises to be the most competitive season in years ... if they get there in time to see it all. The speedway has adopted an earlier 7 p.m. start time this year, with gates opening at 1:30 p.m.
"We did a survey late in the season and we got back about 500 responses," said track co-owner/promoter Ronnie Snoddy. "Of the 500, more than 400 people said they'd like a 7 p.m. start time better, so that's what we're giving them. It's especially easier on the families who want to bring their kids ... we 'll get them out of here a little bit earlier this year."
Fans will find another notable difference at the speedway - the permanent addition of the Late Model Truck Class. Snoddy introduced the trucks to fans last year, running a handful of exhibition races with three or four competitors. With the number of trucks registered on the rise, the class will adopt a 30-lap schedule each week.
"We have 15 trucks that are registered, but I know two or three of those trucks are for sale," Snoddy said. "I think we'll have anywhere from eight to 13 trucks here [tonight] and I think the numbers will continue to grow. A lot of the drivers have been hesitant because they weren't sure if I was committed to the class, but I'm in it for good and I'm not going to back away. I know it will take two to three years to get going strong, and I'm prepared to let it build."
Snoddy originally predicted the truck class might take the place of the Limited Sportsman division on the weekly racing schedule, but with 31 cars registered in Limited this season, he said his plans have changed.
"I had said that 1998 would be the end of the Limited, but if I have 20 cars or more running each week it would be hard to do away with it," Snoddy said. "If the drivers are dedicated to racing, I'll keep it running."
Three 1996 track champions headline the Late Model Stock division, including the defending New River Champion Chad Harris. Jeff Agnew enters the year as the reigning Kingsport Champion, and has already picked up four wins there this season as well. The third champion, Randy Ratiffe, took the 1996 title at Lonesome Pine Speedway.
"I think we're very fortunate to have the kind of racers we have here every week," Snoddy said. "Not only do we have the three track champions, but we have several drivers who have won in other arenas in the past too. We'll have a good field of cars with a bunch of different people capable of winning on any given night."
Other notables expected to run full schedules in Late Model include Rodney "Sixpack" Cundiff, Clay Highburger, Tony McGuire and Phillip Morris, each of whom won at least two races at New River last year. Johnny Rumley, Jay Fogleman and Tim McGuire, each capable of making their presence felt as well, will run on a part-time schedule.
This season will also mark the first known team pairing at New River, with Agnew and Rumley both running cars for Clarence Pickurel.
"We've had the McGuire brothers, but this is the first real team we know of to race here," Snoddy said. "And to have two top drivers and two competitive cars they're going to be something to be reckoned with. But you can bet neither one of them is going to give the other one an inch either, they'll race each other as hard as they do the other drivers."
With Limited Sportsman Champion Tam Topham running strictly Late Model this season, Hank Turman and Eddie Walls will be among those gunning for the title. Tommie Allie, who dominated the Pure Stock class last year, capturing 19 of 22 wins, returns as that division's favorite. Allie will be challenged, however, by Mini Stock Champion Ray Sowers, who has moved up a division.
"Come out to the races and what you'll find is good entertainment," Snoddy promised. "I think it will be an exciting year for everybody."
Snoddy has planned a 24-race schedule, highlighted by a 250-lap Late Model race on May 24. The track will again host July 3 festivities, including a fireworks display, monster truck show and a demolition derby. Kids foot, big wheel and bicycle races, for ages 4-15, will resume in May. Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under.
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON THE ROANOKE TIMES. Crews and race carby CNBdrivers wait out a thunderstorm during one of last year's races at
New River Valley Speedway. color.