Changes On, Off Track Will Greet Fans at SoBo

Competitors and fans alike have to feel like Saturday is Christmas, their birthday and the last day of school all rolled into one. It marks the opening of South Boston Speedway’s 59th season and anticipation is high.

There were more than 20 Late Models and over 40 cars total testing at the track last Saturday in anticipation of this Saturday’s Danville Toyota NWAAS Late Model Twin 100s. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. with the first race set for 2 p.m.

It has been an offseason of change at South Boston, all aimed at improving the fan experience and making racing more affordable for the competitors. So far, it’s been “mission accomplished.”

Rule changes and purse increases have attracted more Late Models than in recent memory. Drivers polled during Saturday’s test expect at least 25 cars for Saturday’s opener and maybe more.

Drivers say a new tire rule limiting the number of tires they can purchase for most of the season has cut their tire bills and allowed them to spend more money on their cars in the offseason, which should mean more fast cars.

“The end result (of the changes) is going to be to even the field,” said former track champion Peyton Sellers, who will be back running the full season in 2016.

Late Model drivers testing last Saturday and expected to be back for this week’s opener include: Josh Oakley, Austin Thaxton, Mark Wertz, C.E. Falk, Stacey Compton, Terry and Justin Carroll, Dennis Holdren, Brendan Queen, Danny Willis Jr., Trey Crews, Alex Brock, Terry Dease, Brandon Pierce, Kyle Barnes, Johnny Cash, John Moore, Dusty Ellington and Mark Keesee Jr.

Two drivers with seven NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championships between them, Philip Morris and Lee Pulliam, are also expected for the season opener.

Fans will enjoy the great racing action from awesome new seats. As part of the track’s $1 million capital improvement plan for 2016, all of the wood grandstands have been replaced by new, roomy and colorful metal seating. Handrails along the walkways in the grandstands are another nice addition.

“All the drivers, teams and all of us here at South Boston Speedway have worked hard in the offseason to make the new season better than ever,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice. “I think fans are going to be really pleased with what they see on and off the track Saturday.”