Orange County Speedway’s Progressive Banking Produces Unique Challenges for PASS South Series Drivers

Series PR

Charlotte, NC 4/17/12- There’s a reason the PASS South Series has scheduled two races a year at the Orange County Speedway every year since 2008. The racing the 3/8th mile facility located in Rougemont, North Carolina has been unmatched compared to other facilities that the series has raced at over the years. This has lead to competitive car counts and stellar crowds, and the 2012 edition of the Orange Blossom Special looks to be no different.

One of the main reasons for the quality racing is the unique banking that not only occurs through the turns but down the straight-aways as well. This allows for side by side racing with cars fanning out from high to low through the corners before being forced to work it all out without and drag race their way down the straight-aways. More often than not a mental breakdown by a driver who has had to race two and three wide for a long period of time is what breeds trouble on the racetrack.

“You have to be smart racing at Orange County and really do some give and take early on if you want to be there racing at the end. Mentally you can get frustrated pretty easily because guys will cut you off or slide in front of you all night long so you really have to keep your cool,” said the veteran Fogleman when discussing racing at the Orange County Speedway. “As far as my team I think we have a home track jinx going on. We always have a good run going but then something happens that takes away a good finish from us. Hopefully we’ll have everything together this weekend to be able to give our #4 Bull City Racecars Chevy Impala a good run.”

After a stunning Easter Bunny 150 victory at the Hickory Motor Speedway in just his second series start; Kyle Grissom surprisingly heads to Rougemont with the series points lead over sophomore season driver Landon Cling. Fan favorite amongst Orange County Speedway regulars, Jay Fogleman, rounds out the podium in the championship standings after just two races.

While some of the attention may be directed on the series regulars battling for the 2012 PASS South Series title, part time series drivers such as defending winner Roger Lee Newton can’t go unnoticed. Newton stole the show in the closing laps on his way to victory at a race that saw action amongst drivers and teams both on and off the track.

“We are going back with the same package as we did last year when we won. Everything from the crate motor in the car to Colt James calling the shots; I guess you could say we are going with the approach if ain’t broke don’t try to fix it,” stated Newton. “I’m pretty excited about going back there because it’s a track that fits my driving style. I’m sure we won’t qualify to well but if we keep our nose clean coming up through the field I think we’ll have some to show the fans at the end.”

The Orange Blossom Special 150 at the Orange County Speedway kicks off Saturday April 21st at 2pm with practice followed by time trials at 5:15pm. Legend and Allison Legacy Series features start at 7pm, with an on-track autograph session with the drivers of the PASS South Series, before the drop of the green flag for the Orange Blossom Special 150 at approximately 8pm.

For direction to the Orange County Speedway visit www.ocstrack.com.