CHARLOTTE, NC :: Since the first edition held back in 2006, the Firecracker 125 has always seemed to bring out the best when it comes to the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Model division. And, this year’s race appears to be no different, with a star studded group of drivers already pre-entered for the special Thursday night show at the legendary Greenville-Pickens Speedway in South Carolina which will be capped off by a huge Freestyle Motorcycle Spectacular.
The Firecracker 125 has been a mainstay on the PASS South Super Late Model schedule and returns to Greenville-Pickens Speedway where it was held from 2008-2010. The hot temperatures and flat racing surface at Greenville have provided some memorable moments at Greenville which include Alex Haase surviving a duel with Justin Wakefield in 2008, Jay Fogleman besting Brian Ickler in a tug-of-war the following year, and Ryan Blaney prevailing over Andy Loden and Preston Peltier in 2010.
Local favorite Randy Gentry has been close to a win at his home track on numerous occasions, including this past March when he lost the lead to Daniel Hemric with 12 laps to go and eventually finished third in the Fox Carolina 150. But, Gentry knows the challenge of racing at Greenville is far greater in July than in March.
“It’ll definitely but hotter and slicker, but I can’t wait to get back on the track,” said Gentry. “I’ve been so close that this week we need to close everything out and get the win.”
Living just 10 minutes away in nearby Easley, SC, Gentry is well aware of the history that has taken place at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. In fact, stock car racing at the famous half mile dates back, ironically, to July 4, 1946. That history, coupled with racing in front of family and close friends, Gentry believes gives him the extra motivation needed to capture that elusive first PASS South Super Late Model victory.
“I love racing in front of the hometown crowd, especially when it’s so close to where we live,” said Gentry. “I can’t think of better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a win in the Firecracker at Greenville.”
Gentry, along with fellow Upstate driver Clete Caywood, will definitely have their work cut out for them as some of the best short track racers in North America are slated to compete in the Firecracker 125 at Greenville. Ace winner Tyler Church has led the standings throughout much of the season, but with his recent win at South Boston, Cole Timm has closed to within 12 points.
Rookies Jared Irvan, Tyler Dippel, and Trevor Noles have all ran well this season and are in striking distance as the second half of the 2014 approaches. Tate Fogleman is coming off his best effort of the season at South Boston where he finished sixth, while Brandon Setzer continues to impress after a slow start to the season. Defending PASS North Super Late Model champion Cassius Cark and fellow New England standout Joey Doiron will be in the Woodman Racing entries along with veteran Jeff Fultz, who returns to PASS for the first time in five years. Former Firecracker 125 winner Brandon Ward will be looking for another win and will be joined by fellow veterans Preston Peltier, Jimmy Doyle, and Lee Tissot as they each look for their first wins of the season. Rookie Trey Jarrell will be looking for success after a strong test at Greenville recently and former PASS South veteran Steve Legendre returns for his first race of 2014.
In addition, to the PASS South Super Late Models, some of the best young talent in short track racing will compete for 50 laps in the PASS Pro Late Model division and former track champions Randy Porter, Marty Ward, and Kenneth Headen will join a strong field of contenders racing for 75 laps in the Southeast Super Truck Series.
Fans around the world can also see all the action of the “Big Boys With The Bad, Fast Toys” at Greenville-Pickens Speedway by watching live Pay-Per-View coverage of every lap in every division competing at the Firecracker 125 on PASS TV Powered By MotorsportsBroadcasting.com and Race22.com.
Action gets under way on Thursday, July 3rd at Greenville -Pickens Speedway with rotating practice for all divisions starting at 2:30 PM, followed by qualifying at 6:15 PM and racing slated to start at 7:30 PM. The PASS South Super Late Models will compete in the Firecracker 125, along with 50 laps for the PASS Pro Late Models and 75 laps for the Southeast Super Truck Series, plus the huge Freestyle Motorcycle Spectacular during intermission.
PASS South Super Late Model and PASS Pro Late Model entry forms for the upcoming events at Greenville-Pickens Speedway and Southern National Motorsports Park can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.
