Stock car racing’s quiet time is just about over. Opening day at South Boston Speedway – March 24 – is looming large for competitors. Shop lights are on later at nights. Plans are being finalized. Bolts tightened.
“I feel the competition will be higher than ever this season at South Boston,” said Peyton Sellers, who claimed his third South Boston Late Model championship in 2017 behind three victories and incredible consistency. “It’s important to cross every T and dot ever I on our Toyota. The downtime is enjoyable as long as you know racing season is around the corner.”
And it’s not far around the corner with the season-opening Danville Toyota Twin 100s set for Saturday afternoon, March 24. Tickets are $10 with children 12 and under admitted free.
The offseason was enjoyable for competitors. It meant less time turning wrenches and more time with family and friends.
“We enjoyed some time off from racing cars over the winter and spent a lot of time with family and friends over the holidays,” said Danny Willis Jr., who finished third in the Late Model points in 2017. “We did some go-kart racing with Declan (his son) and we did a little skiing with some friends.
“But now we are focused on getting the car ready for this year. We made a few changes and are just going to make sure we are 100 percent when the first race gets here.”
That’s been the focus of Sellers and his Sellers Racing team.
“As the offseason is coming to an end we’re busy rebuilding our car from last season and getting engines freshened up. Things are coming together in a hurry,” said Sellers.
Bobby McCarty, who is coming off his best season ever with a second-place point finish with four South Boston victories and a huge win in the Hampton Heat at Langley Raceway, is turning wrenches with his crew, but he’s watching a lot of television also to prep for the season.
“I’m spending some time watching videos from last year to get mentally prepared to be back behind the wheel,” McCarty explained. “And we’re just putting the finishing touches on the race car to make sure it’s top-notch to contend for wins.”
In addition to twin 100-lap races for the Late Models on March 24, there will be a 50-lap race for the Limited Sportsman Division, a 30-lap race for the Budweiser Pure Stocks and a 15-lap race for the Budweiser Hornets.
