South Boston Speedway officials announced today sweeping rule changes that will drastically cut the cost for teams while increasing the excitement for the fans.
New tire rules were introduced for the track’s top two divisions, Late Model Stock and Limited Sportsman, and a carburetor and weight change was unveiled for the Limited cars that will make them more versatile for teams.
The purse for Late Model races have also been increased deep into the field with a guaranteed $500 to start each race.
“South Boston Speedway has re-energized its commitment to both help the weekly racer and give the best possible action to SoBo’s loyal fans,” said Nick Igdalsky, senior vice president of South Boston Speedway. “This will be demonstrated not only with this announcement, but with several more announcements leading up to the 2016 racing season.”
Late Model teams will be allowed to purchase only two tires each race date as compared to four in the past. Limited teams will be allowed to purchase just one tire each race date. The two exceptions to the new tire rules will be the March 12th season-opener and the July 1 race when teams in both divisions will be allowed to purchase four tires.
Limited teams running the 603 engine and with a total weight of 3,000 pounds and 1,325 pounds right side with the same carburetor and spacer as the 604 engine will be allowed to run in the Late Model division. This rule change will give Limited teams the opportunity to race in the Late Model division on nights when the Limited division is idle. Teams cannot run the same car in two divisions on the same night.
“The two-tire rule and $500 to start in the Late Model division is a perfect example of South Boston’s commitment to fans and competitors,” said Igdalsky. “It will drastically cut a team’s expenses by over $320 per race while the $500 guaranteed starting purse will help all teams cover other costs.
“Fans will love the two-tire rule because it will close the gap of competition between the higher and lower-budget teams and make for some much closer racing at South Boston in 2016.”
“I feel with these changes we hope to see more competitors come out to race and in increasing the purse will help everyone’s budget,” said Cathy Rice, South Boston Speedway general manager. “We believe fans will see more side-by-side competitive racing throughout the season with these changes.”
South Boston’s 59th season will kick off on Saturday, March 12 with twin 100-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock races headlining the afternoon show. There will also be a 50-lap Limited race, 30-lap Pure Stock race, 50-lap Modified race and a 15-lap Hornet race.
