Story by: Amber Abram

Manassas, VA(January 22, 2013) — What are the plans without a local home track? That’s the question many drivers are facing after the recent announcement by Old Dominion Speedway stating they will not be back in 2013.

Tyler Hughes, who started to make a name for himself in 2012 after moving up from legends to late models, plans on running full time in late models at Southern National Motorsports Park in Kenly, NC.

“The competition will be tough to beat but were going to try and run for the championship,” said Hughes. “We don’t plan on walking in and winning right off the bat but nothing is impossible either.” When asked how he thought he would stack up against Deac McCaskill, Hughes replied, “Deac will be hard to beat. He’s a veteran and has a lot of experience but if we can stay in the top five and maybe pull off a win I won’t complain.”

Another local favorite, David Polenz, has plans of moving further down south to North Carolina to keep his racing dreams alive. Polenz had recently moved from New Jersey to Virginia after high school to be closer to his home track.

“My plans are still a little fuzzy, but were definitely running full time in late models,” said Polenz. “We will be at South Boston and Motor Mile mainly but will also make stops at Myrtle Beach and Southern National as well.”

Like most, Polenz was a little cautious to run at Southern National this past year since both track owners had sons who were going to run.

“When we use to race legends we raced at a track similar to Southern National where the owners had children who raced, but the two are different,” Polenz continued. “Southern National doesn’t play favoritism just because of who the kid is unlike the track I use to run, and I really respect that.”

David also had a second loss in 2012.  Along with losing his home track he also lost a great friend in Joe Murphy. Murphy was David’s main sponsor and really brought him in as a family member more than a business partner. The Polenz family became close with Joe and his On the Run/Circle K family, so when Joe passed away this past year On the Run/Circle K decided to keep Joe smiling down on them by telling David they were not going anywhere. Like any racer, David was happy to know he had a sponsor still on board to help but will also have a “We miss you Joe” sticker on the car as well in memory of Mr. Murphy.

These young guns are just two of the regulars and fan favorites who aren’t too hurt and are willing to keep their dreams alive no matter how many miles it takes.

On the other hand though, Bandolero driver’s Dennis “DJ” Powell and Cory French will be moving up to U-CARS at the Potomac Speedway dirt track in Southern Maryland.  While others have other hobbies to fall back, on like Davey Callihan who will continue to race motocross, it’s sad to see such a historic track close down but at least the dream for most won’t be a dead end.