Lexington, NC — Early this year when C&C Racing Promotions announced the addition of the Supermodifieds to the already-exciting race card of the 5th Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout, the decision was quickly made to appoint Chuck Handley of Oswego, NY to the post of Director. The choice already has proven to be an effective one.
After working tirelessly with the various Supermodified groups that will be represented at the East-West Supermodified Shootout, a fair and equitable set of rules were developed. Handley worked with officials and competitors from the International Supermodified Association (ISMA), the Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA), the Western States Supermodified Racing League (WSSRL) and the Englewood Racing Association (ERA). Further, Handley has assembled an elite group of professionals to serve as the officiating staff for the November 2nd & 3rd event. With the same cooperative spirit, the race procedure has been set for the inaugural East-West Supermodified Shootout portion of the 5th Annual North-South Shootout.
A mutually agreed upon set of rules were established through a cooperative effort of various Supermodified competitors. The East Coast cars, which include those who normally compete with ISMA, MSA, and at Oswego Speedway, must comply with the ISMA/MSA rule book. All West Coast cars, including those from WSSRL and ERA, must follow WSSRL rules for the 410 Small block engines with fixed wing and 68% maximum left-side weight.
The following ISMA/MSA Hoosier Racing Tires rule will be in effect for the East-West Supermodified Shootout: Right Rear-M50; Left Rear-M45; Right Front-M45; Left Front- M30. Side fuels cells will be allowed. More information on the total weight requirement for the Western cars as well as other rule questions may be directed to Race Director Chuck Handley at (315) 952-1085.
Handley has assembled a strong team to help ensure that the first annual East-West Supermodified Shootout runs smoothly. On race weekend, Handley will share Race Director duties with Jerry Kritzman of ISMA. Kevin Jaycox of MSA and Dennis Heppell of ISMA will share pit steward responsibilities while Jack Murphy of ISMA and Steve Oaks of MSA will serve as technical inspectors. Through the generosity of Sandusky Speedway, transponders will be used for the Supermodified event. Overseeing the timing and scoring will be Bobby Rodier (ISMA) and Jeff Lickfelt (MSA).
Qualifying for the Supermodifieds will take place on Friday, November 2, 2007. Each driver will run a two-lap time trial. The heat race line-ups will be determined by the results of time trials. In the event that four heats are required the top 16 competitors in time trials will be inverted in assigned heats. For three heats races, the top 18 cars will be inverted. The balance of the time trial order will then start straight up in the heat race (behind the faster qualifiers).
The main events get underway on Saturday, November 3, 2007 after the traditional pit party and the “Little Shootout” for the kids. Positions 1-12 in the feature will consist of the top 12 finishers in the heat races lined-up based on their time trial order (not finish in the heat race). Positions 13-24 will be assigned based on the straight finishing order of the remaining heat race finishers. Guaranteed starters, not already qualified for the event will start at the tail of the field. Should any spots remain open on the starting grid after qualified cars have been assigned, a consolation race will be held to fill the final available spots. Consolation races will be run on Saturday as well.
Tires will be stenciled prior to time trials and must be run in the heat and feature events. Competitors required to run the consolation race will be permitted to change tires for the consolation event only. Those making the show will have to race the feature on the tires used in the time trial and heat race. The East-West Supermodified Shootout will employ a 50 Green/70 Caution for fueling guideline.
“A dedicated group of people have put a considerable amount of time and effort into making this, the first East-West Supermodified Shootout, a great experience for the competitors,” said Promoter Charles Kepley. “We believe that the Supermodifieds will live up to the reputation that the North-South Shootout has gained thanks to the Modified racing community.”
In 2007, the North-South Shootout TM will celebrate its fifth anniversary. The annual Modified racing spectacular has grown over the years gaining national attention along the way. The inaugural event immediately jumped to the forefront of short track racing and has gained momentum ever since. On November 2&3, 2007, the JBIII Memorial North-South Shootout TM will again feature a 100-lap green flag main event for the mighty Modifieds while the support divisions will include the SK-Type Modifieds, Crate Motor SK-Type Modifieds and the racy Vintage Modifieds. The excitement should hit an all-time high when the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout TM is paired with the East-West Supermodified Shootout™-a 50-lapper for the winged warriors.
The event is a throwback of sorts, with drivers from various tracks and racing organizations joining together for two days of racing excitement at one of the fastest half-mile race tracks in the country, the famed tri-oval of Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, NC. For a comprehensive look at the North-South Shootout™ featuring the East-West Supermodified Shootout™ visit www.northsouthshootout.com.
Sources: Dale Wolbrink/North-South Shootut PR