NEW EGYPT — How bad is it? Spring and summer rains have had such an impact on the racing schedule at New Egypt Speedway that track management was forced to cancel three events in the past week alone due to stormy weather and wet track conditions.
The Aug. 9 wash is the 10th rainout at New Egypt this season, a year plagued by an unprecedented pattern of active weather systems.
Race fans already have a slew of crossouts and arrows marking their New Egypt schedule cards, as many promotions have been moved or doubled up due to the inclement weather. The Delran Auto Body Kids’ Big Wheel Challenge and Scout Night, originally slated for May 31, have been moved to Sept. 6, running in conjunction with Bally’s Fan Appreciation Night. It’ll be a big night for the little ones on Sept. 6, with big wheel competition for kids in three age groups; all Scouts in uniform, ages 7-12, admitted free at the front gate; plus the great activities program offered by the Ralphie the Racer Kids’ Club.
Canceled by storms on Aug. 2, the track’s annual Ladies’ Night, featuring a full array of Powder Puff events sponsored by Burnett Racing Engines, has been rescheduled to Saturday, Sept. 20, sharing a night with Metal Fab Manufacturers’ Night. Fifty-two women had registered to compete in the Aug. 2 show.
The Ivy Mortgage Mr. Super Stock Classic, rained out on Aug. 9, has been rescheduled to Sept. 13, doubling up with the annual Modified Future Winner’s match sponsored by Mid-State Communications. It’ll be a night celebrating the grassroots racer, with Ivy Mortgage offering $1,000 and a magnificent trophy to the winner of the 25-lap/double points Mr. Super Stock Classic, and Mid-State Communications underwriting a special 20-lap event for Modified drivers who have never cracked the winner’s circle.
This Saturday night, Aug. 16, it’s Team IMI Wing Night at New Egypt Speedway, featuring the return of the popular URC Sprint Car Club. The Sprints will share a four-division bill with big-block Modifieds, Sportsman and Super Stocks. Due to the full race card, Sportsman and Super Stocks will start the top 20 in points, with a pair of consolation races filling the remainder of the field. Gates open at 3:45 p.m., with first race at 6 p.m. Adult admission is $18, children 7-12 are $6, and kids 6 and under are free.
An active storm pattern that canceled the previous Saturday’s racing program at New Egypt Speedway unfortunately remained in the area well into the week, forcing track management to wipe out the third race in its Spring Drizzle/Summer Sizzle makeup series, scheduled for Aug. 6. The Wednesday, Aug. 6 date will not be rescheduled.