The weather continues to play havoc with the local racing schedule.
Kingsport Speedway canceled a scheduled season-opening race for a second time due to Friday’s forecast of cold weather. The season opener for the NASCAR Advance Auto Weekly Racing Series is now scheduled for Friday, April 16.
The decision to cancel is two-fold. Obviously, the cold weather hurts fan attendance for the track. From the teams’ perspective, the race car engines are water-cooled instead of using antifreeze, so running them at cold temperatures greatly increases the likelihood of damage.
“We have been working very hard and it is very disappointing to us as we work all winter and we are very excited to see everyone come race season, but mother nature is going to win this week,” said Karen Tunnell, GM and Promoter.
“We have to take care of our drivers and fans alike. We will have plenty of warm days ahead and can kick off the season in the right way.”
For the April 16 opener, there will be six races on the 3/8-mile concrete oval with a 60-lap feature for the Late Model Stock class headlining the night’s action. Other classes include: Sportsman, V6, Mod 4, Pure 4 and Pure Street classes.
Kingsport Speedway plans to race two times in April, skipping nights when the World of Outlaws Late Models and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars are at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Racing at the Kingsport Miniway is still on tap for Saturday. Pit passes for the Bunny Bash Money Race are $20 with a $500-to-win race for the Pro Sr. Champ karts. Other classes include Sr. Champ, Jr. Sportsman Champ and Rookie Champ. Gates open at 10 a.m. with practice at 11 a.m. and racing to start at 1 p.m.
Kingsport Speedway PR
