Return engagements for the elite Pennzoil World of Outlaws national Sprint series and DIRT’s traveling big-block Modified tour highlight the just-released 28-race 2003 schedule at New Egypt Speedway.
Fans went absolutely crazy when New Jersey’s own P.J. Chesson scored his first big World of Outlaws victory at New Egypt last season. This year’s race scheduled for July 28 and sponsored by Carquest Auto Parts, is part of the Outlaws’ 25th anniversary tour. Reserved seat tickets will go on sale in May.
Four-time Mr. DIRT champion Brett Hearn had red-circled the New Egypt date on his 2002 racing calendar, vowing to finally master the tricky tri-oval. He did. This year, the event will take place on June 17.
In addition to the above specials, New Egypt Speedway is touting a solid Saturday night line-up for 2003, featuring a pair of appearances by the popular URC Sprint cars; Rogers Appliances Big Bang holiday show plus fabulous fireworks on June 28; King of the Crew Chiefs on June 21, with a pit stop challenge issued by Vespia Tire & Auto Care; Ladies’ Night, with Powder Puff races for the women sponsored by Burnett Racing Engines, on Aug. 2; and Metal Fab Manufacturers’ Night on Sept. 20, with product bonuses for the racers.
A new addition to New Egypt’s Saturday slate is the SS Sprint division, which is set to run 14 times this season. The Mid-State Communications Rookie Sportsman series has been expanded to 10 events, culminating with formal graduation ceremonies for participating drivers on June 7.
New Egypt’s 2003 campaign kicks off with an open daytime practice on March 29, with the season-opening Spring Lidlifter on April 5. The central Jersey speedway will be in action every Saturday night through Sept. 27.
New Egypt Speedway’s 2003 schedule will be officially released at the track’s pre-season January Jam, to be held Jan. 24 from 5 to 11 p.m. at Gambler Ridge Golf Club, 5 miles north of the speedway off Route 539. Along with the new schedule, pit licenses, pit parking, rookie registration and the revised rulebook will be available at the event. The golf club will have food available and full bar service. Admission is free. For directions to Friday’s Jam, call (609) 758-3588.