For the first time in CARS Response Energy Tour history both the Super Late Model and Late Model Stock Cars will race on the same date at two different locations. While the supers will be at the Nashville Fairgrounds track that measures 5/8 mile, making it the largest facility the tour will compete at all season, the Late Model Stock Cars will go to the tiniest track all season, the ¼ mile track Wake County Speedway. The Wake County event has been one of the most talked about races in 2018 dating back to the tours unveiling of the season schedule last October. Never before has the track hosted such a talented field of Late Models Stock Cars as the field expected this weekend. Cousins Deac McCaskill and Bradley McCaskill lead the list of local drivers along with track regulars William Chappell and Cory Walker. From there, a majority of the touring stars like Josh Berry, Craig Moore, Lee Pullium, Bobby McCarty, and Justin Johnson, just to name a few, will race at the bullring for the first time in their Late Model careers. There will be no shortage of action on track Saturday night, thus leading to what many are talking about as the potential of a sell out to see who will survive and be crowned “King of America’s Bullring”
Solid Rock Carriers 123 NOTES & QUOTES
NOTES:
Track/Location: Wake County Speedway-Raleigh, NC
Track Size: .250-mile
Event Name: Solid Rock Carriers 123 pres. by JEDCO Lawncare
Laps/Distance: 123L/30.75 miles
Event Schedule: Practice: 1:30PM-3:05PM, Qualifying: 5:20PM, Green: 7:30PM LMSC
Twitter Handle/Event Hashtag: @CARSTour / @WCSpeedway / #ShakeandWake
CARS LMSC Tour Pre Entered Drivers:
- #08 Deac McCaskill
- #07 Bradley McCaskill
- #1 Craig Moore
- #2 Cody Haskins
- #2P Brandon Pierce
- #4 William Chappell
- #5 Lee Pulliam
- #9 Sam Mayer
- #9W Charlie Watson
- #18 Ty Gibbs
- #22 Grayson Cullather
- #22M Bobby McCarty
- #27 Tommy Lemons Jr.,
- #44 Justin Johnson
- #51 Cory Walker
- #74 Ronald Hill
- #77 Trevor Ward
- #88 Josh Berry
- #99 TBA
***Official Entry Deadline: Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 4PM***
Media Coverage:
-Speed51 (speed51.com) will provide Trackside Now Live Coverage
-Race22 (race22.com) will provide Raceday Live Coverage
-Short Track Scene (shorttrackscene.com)
-CARS Tour TV (www.carstour.tv) – LIVE Broadcast Video Production Coverage
-CARS Tour Facebook (facebook.com/CARSTour) / CARS Tour Twitter (@CARSTour)
QUOTEs:
Wake County is where it started for McCaskill:
2016 CARS Response Energy Late Model Stock Car Tour champion Deac McCaskill started his racing career, built his fan base, and even met his wife at the bullring known as Wake County Speedway. The downtown Raleigh race track has been a part of McCaskill’s life for years now, so the opportunity to race in front of a true home town crowd in a touring series such as the CARS Tour is a big deal to he and his team. Despite the track measuring just .25 miles in size, a win at Wake could produce something comparable to fans rushing the court during a March Madness victory, should McCaskill get the job done.
“That track, as small as it is, holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I started racing four cylinder cars and then went on to win some Super Late Model races when they raced those cars there on a regular basis. The track is small and the competition will be tight, but we’ve got a really good group of Late Model Stock drivers that know how to race and put on a show. If we were able to win this weekend at Wake it might be the biggest CARS Tour win we’ve ever had because we’ll be doing it in front of a lot of family and friends who’ve supported us for a long time now. ” Deac McCaskill – #08 Bobby Gregory Welding Ford
Local Racer Walker Ready for CARS Tour Challenge:
There are racers at bullrings all across the country that sometimes never get noticed or never get talked about. Perhaps you could say that one of those bullrings is Wake County Speedway and one of those racers is Cory Walker. The Apex, NC driver is looking to make his CARS Response Energy Tour debut at his home track of Wake County Saturday night. In his mind a top five is what he would love to have when the checkered flag flies, but just the opportunity to compete in a CARS Tour race at his hometown track is a win in itsellf.
“It’s an honor to be getting the opportunity to race against guys like Deac (McCaskill), Bobby McCarty, and Lee Pulliam solely because the CARS Tour is coming to Wake County. I wouldn’t ever really get the opportunity otherwise. I think this race is an opportunity to put Wake on the map and show a lot of folks that it’s more than just small track that people forget about if you’re not from this area. I’m use to racing at Wake so I know it’s a place you can actually race at and doesn’t have to be a rough race like people are building it up to be. The key is knowing it’s a long race, a 123 laps at Wake gives you an opportunity to race the track. It’s definitely a driver’s track and because of its size it’s a great equalizer when you talk engine combinations and stuff like that. I think we have a legitimate shot at coming away with a top five Saturday night, and if we do and can keep the car in one piece that’s a win in our book.” Cory Walker – #51 Glenwood Homes Chevrolet
Hansen Ready to Showcase Wake to the World:
Saturday night’s Solid Rock Carriers 123 pres. by JEDCO Lawncare at Wake County Speedway will be the first event that new track owner Charlie Hanson will promote since taking ownership of the .25 facility last month. Despite taking ownership just a handful of weeks ago Hansen has been a staple at the facility over the years. Now with the biggest race in decades, even perhaps in the tracks history, kicking off his 2018 season, Hansen says he’s ready for the big weekend ahead.
“This is going to be really big weekend for Wake County Speedway. I couldn’t imagine kicking off the 2018 season in any bigger or better way for our fans. A big thanks has to go to both Solid Rock Carriers and JEDCO Lawncare for stepping up and sponsoring the race this weekend, its key to have loyal partnerships when you want to start thing off on the right foot. I know we’ll have some challenges this weekend, but between myself and my staff, along with Chris (Ragle) and his CARS Tour group I think we’ll be just fine. I encourage fans to get here early and get a ticket, take advantage of a good parking spot, and then head down for the on track autograph session and meet these drivers before they do battle for 123 laps around America’s favorite bullring.” Charlie Hansen – Wake County Speedway, Owner
For more information and to stay up with all the latest news and information about the CARS Response Energy Tour, featuring both Late Model Stock Car and Super Late Model divisions, visit www.carsracingtour.com or contact the tour’s office directly at 704-662-9212. Stay social with the tour by “liking” the CARS Tour Facebook page and following along on Twitter @CARSTour.
