Big Name Entries Continue to File in for Clash at the Creek Mini-Outlaw Classic
CATAWBA, NC (Apr. 25, 2018) – If pre-entries are any indication, the inaugural Clash at the Creek at Mountain Creek Speedway is on track to become an instant classic. With nearly four weeks until the event is held, drivers from across the country have already sent entries and given commitments to race the event scheduled for May 20-21.
California is already well-represented as word spreads to the west coast about the event and the newly-discovered facility which outlaw kart racers have come to love. Brandon LaChance, the driver who ran second in the 2018 West Coast Nationals at Red Bluff, recently filed an official entry to indicate his intentions to compete in North Carolina in May. In just a handful of races during 2018, LaChance has already notched two victories at Red Bluff, the track known as the west coast home of outlaw karting.
Another California team was one of the first to pre-enter, promising a following of west coast drivers once their entry was submitted. Jacob Park, another regular at the Red Bluff Outlaws, submitted his entry with a note that said to expect ten drivers to be pitted out of his pit space. Park is one of many teams expected to bring multiple karts to the event and should be considered a threat to win any division in which his karts are entered.
Additional drivers from California who have committed to race the event include Logan and Tyler Seavey, which means all drivers from the podium of the West Coast Nationals have added the Clash at the Creek to their racing schedules. Casey McClain, Jessie Colwell, Tanner Carrick, and Sal Calderon are a handful of other California drivers who have indicated they will be present for the inaugural Clash at the Creek.
The Golden State is not the only west coast state represented by those who have pre-entered and committed to the event at Mountain Creek Speedway. Drivers from Washington (Renee Angel) and Oregon (Briley Pompe, Carly and Tanner Holmes) have also added their names to the list of expected competitors for the $2000-to-win open division feature and supporting events.
“When we announced this, we fully hoped to see the big names coming out to support the event,” said Adam Stewart, promoter at Mountain Creek Speedway. “A number of chassis builders have been out to the track and expressed their love of the facility and promised us to tell their customers this is where they need to be on May 20-21. So far, they’ve held true to their word. The response to this, our inaugural event, is impressive, and we can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
The Clash at the Creek has also drawn interest from international drivers and competitors from elsewhere in the United States. Texas driver Jettman Hays has verbally committed to running the event, as has Ohio native Greg DeYarmon. Kyle Craker from Pennsylvania will be one of many expected representatives from the Keystone State and its storied racing heritage. Canadian pilot Scott Chesterman will be making the tow to North Carolina from his home in the province of Ontario.
“We’ve already got some of the best outlaw kart racers here in the Carolinas, but to have all of these huge names coming for our inaugural event means the competition is going to be unparalleled to anything we’ve seen here,” said Robert Jette, facility manager for Mountain Creek Speedway. “The buzz across the industry about what has been created for outlaw kart racers here in the Carolinas is causing more and more interest across the country, and that’s good for everyone involved in the sport.”
The local talent to which Jette refers includes a number of nationally-known names across all divisions of racing. Among them, the granddaughter of national legend Dale Earnhardt, Karsyn Elledge, is expected to climb into the seat of her No. 3 kart for the Clash at the Creek. She recently picked up her first career open division win under the guidance and direction of her father Jimmy Elledge. The elder Elledge, who is also expected to race on May 20-21, is an integral part of QRC Karts and finished second in the season points opener at MCS just two weeks ago.
Additional entries from the Carolinas include SKE Chassis manufacturer Kyle Beattie, Adam Welch who won the point series opener two weeks ago, Joey Robinson, and Ben Studer. The nephew of NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, Eli Adams, has also filed an entry for the intermediate division which will be racing for a $500-to-win purse on Monday, May 21 alongside the open division.
The 20% early entry discount for teams and racers looking to run at Mountain Creek Speedway during the Clash at the Creek rescinds on Tuesday, May 1, when entry fees return to their normal rates. Entries can be filed online through the track’s website at MountainCreekSpeedway.com.
Action for the inaugural Clash at the Creek kicks off on Sunday afternoon, May 20, with beginner and box stock racing programs featuring the younger generation of racers. Open and intermediate drivers will also have track time during open practice sessions to assist them in getting acquainted with the facility. On Monday evening, the full racing program will swing into high gear for intermediate and open drivers with qualifications, heat racing and feature contests set to roll off that night.
While admission tickets are only $20 for the entire weekend, displaced fans across the globe will be able to watch the event LIVE through a broadcast by Pit Row TV.
For more information on the Inaugural Clash at the Creek and the Mountain Creek Speedway, visit their website at MountainCreekSpeedway.com.
Sources: Tony Stevens/Pit Row Media