On Sunday, August 21st, the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will invade the Weedsport Speedway for the second annual Legends Reunion presented by Pit Stop Convenience Stores. The action filled event will not only feature a full points show for the 360 Sprint Cars, but also the induction of Dick Carbery and Don Magee into the ESS Hall of Fame earlier in the afternoon. Pre-race activities will include an autograph session starring many ESS legends.
In the 2015 edition of the event, Jason Barney was able to snatch the victory away from Sam Reakes IV with a last lap pass. This season, Barney enters the event as the ESS points leader, locked in a tight battle with defending champion Steve Poirier, so a strong showing is necessary for Barney. Despite the added pressure of the points battle, Barney is calm and collected entering Sunday’s event.
“Weedsport is a place I’m very comfortable at, we’ve won there in 358 and Big Block Modified competition, along with the Sprint Car last year,” Barney stated. “As long as we do the right things and get the right opportunities, we should have a shot at a win. Also, a couple of my major sponsors and supporters are from the Weedsport area, so we want a strong showing for them at home.”
Joining the Empire Super Sprints on Sunday will be the NAPA Sportsman Shootout Series for a 25-lap feature event. After Adam Hilton’s narrow victory in the August 9th event, just 5 points separate the top 4 runners with just a trio of points events remaining. As of now, Rocky Warner holds a slim single point advantage over Connor Cleveland, with Warner earning 257 points, and Cleveland collecting 256. Sportsman Classic winner Ronnie Davis III has 253 points to his name, with Dave Marcuccilli following him with 252. Sunday’s event will not only feature a wild race for the win, but also an extremely tight race for the championship, as several drivers are still in contention for the coveted Sportsman Shootout Series crown.
The day begins at the Hall of Fame with a gathering at 2:00PM, followed by the induction ceremony at 3:00PM. Pit gates open at 4:00PM for the ESS Legends Reunion and NAPA Sportsman Shootout Series, with general admission gates opening an hour later at 5:00PM. Racing action will then kick off at 7:00PM. Pit admission is $25 for members, and $30 for non-members. General admission is $15 for adults, while students ages 11-17 are $5. Children ages 10 and under are free.