The largest event for the CARS Response Energy Tour will be getting even bigger in 2018. The 2nd annual “Throwback 276” at Hickory Motor Speedway, which commemorates short track racing’s days of old, will expand to two days with racing and throwback activities planned for both Friday, August 3rd and Saturday, August 4th.
The Throwback 276 weekend will kick off on Friday August 3rd with the normal practice sessions for both the Late Model Stocks and Super Late Models as they prepare for their Saturday night 138 lap features. That evening fans will be treated to a 52 lap Limited Late Model race at 7:30PM that will pay $800 to win and $100 to start, utilizing Hickory Motor Speedway’s rules, as the event will act as championship points race for the competitors. In addition to the $4,000 plus purse, every Limited Late Model team that utilizes a throwback paint scheme will receive a $100 cash bonus added to their purse. The race winner will then have to make a decision in Victory Lane; take his winnings and go home or be guaranteed to start the CARS Late Model Stock Tour feature Saturday night with a minimum of $800 to start, a free entry fee, a free single event license, and the ability to utilize the same pit passes for Saturday’s event as well.
The teams of the CARS Response Energy Tour will get their opportunity to shine in the Richard’s Painting Pit Stop Competition that will pay $1,000 to the winning team in Friday night’s competition. The competition will be comprised of three crew members changing a single tire on the CARS Tour house car with all teams utilizing the same spec jack and pit gun. Each team will have their driver pilot the car for each stop making it a true team competition. Fans will be invited to come down from the grandstands and watch the competition from the front stretch.
The night will conclude with a big Friday night concert party with Maiden, North Carolina’s own Tyler Hatley & The Little Mountain Band. Fans, as always, are encouraged to bring coolers and take in the show from the front stretch as well.
The Throwback 276 weekend gets thrown into full gear on Saturday with grandstands opening at 4pm for qualifying that will set the field for the Late Model Stock and Super Late Model features later in the evening. Immediately following qualifying the biggest on track Fan Fest of the year takes place allowing fans to meet the drivers and see the various throwback schemes up close in person. A wide variety of bonus bucks will be up for grabs: Hoosier Racing Tire Best Appearing Car will pay $500 to the winning team, Earnest Performance Open Trailer Bonus of $250 will be available to teams in both divisions, and once again this season, a bonus of $350 will be awarded to Best Dressed Throwback team.
In addition to the competing drivers on track signing autographs, six legendary names in the sport of short track and NASCAR racing will once again sign autographs and meet with fans. The full lineup of those being honored will be announced in the coming days. Fans will also get their chance to take home some prize money with the top three Best Dressed Throwback fans receiving $150 (1st), $75 (2nd), and $25 (3rd) for their historic attire efforts.
Tickets for the Throwback 276 weekend are now on sale at www.carsracingtour.com by clicking the advertisement banner located on the right side of the page. Tickets are $15 for Friday August 3rd and are available at the gate only. Saturday August 4th feature event tickets are $17 in advance or $25 at the gate. A special two day ticket can be purchased in advance for $30. The Throwback 276 Mega Pack which includes: FREE pit pass for both days, general admission tickets to both days, Throwback 276 hat, Throwback 276 shirt, and Throwback 276 spotters guide paint scheme poster is just $76 in advance only and limited to just the first 138 fans who purchase the package.
For additional information on the CARS Response Energy Late Model Stock Tour and the CARS Response Energy Super Late Model Tour visitwww.carsracingtour.com. Be sure to stay active and social with the tour by liking “CARS Tour” on Facebook, following @CARSTour on Twitter, and scrolling through photos on Instagram cars_tour. Additional series information can be obtained by calling the CARS Tour series office, located in Mooresville, NC, at 704.662.9212.
