Rocky Top Raceway "Opening Night" Rescheduled to April 18th

[Layne99L]

Rocky Top Raceway “Opening Night” rescheduled for April 18th
By: T. J. Layne

COAL GROVE, OH-Steady rains early afternoon on Friday, April 11th forced the cancelation of the "Opening Night" races for the first time in the tracks five year history. "Opening Night" will now be scheduled to take place on Friday, April 18th. On the card will be Late Models going 30 laps for $2,000 to win, Tomahawk Race Car Modifieds-$650 to win, Bombers-$350 to win, and Mod Lites-$200 to win. Race fans will also get a special treat as they will witness the 2007 Champions Presentation on the front straightaway where track champions Rick Christian, Todd Robinson, and Wayne Hughes will be honored for their accomplishments.

Each season, “Opening Night” is always one of the can’t miss races of the year. In the Late Model division, the Conley family has won the past two “Opening Night” races with R. J. Conley winning in 2006 and Rod Conley winning in 2007. Former World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Eddie Carrier Jr. won in 2005. For three out of four years, the winner of the “Opening Night” Tomahawk Race Car Modified feature has went on to win the championship. Todd Robinson accomplished this feat in 2004 and 2007 and Dave McWilliams did this in 2005. Maysville, Kentucky driver Jeremie Bretz has won the Bomber “Opening Night” race for two of the four years.

The “Opening Night” races will mark the start of several exciting changes for the 2008 season at Rocky Top. First of all, in an effort to give race fans more for their ticket, 2008 weekly shows will now have a special event feel as Late Models will race 30 laps for $2,000 to win each Friday. “Opening Night” also marks the first race in the chase for a 2008 Tomahawk Chassis which awaits the points champion in the Tomahawk Race Car Modified division. Finally, “Opening Night” will be the first race of the first full season for the exciting Mod Lite division which was introduced with six races held at RTR in 2007.

General Admission for this can’t miss race is only $12 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Pit Admission is $25. Fans will be able to get involved with the nights action with some fan promotions during intermission. Gates will open at 4:00 pm with the Champions Presentation at 7:30 and Hot Laps immediately following. For more information visit http://www.rockytopraceway.net or call the raceday phone at (740)-547-DIRT.

Previous “Opening Night” Winners

2004
Late Models-Eslie Bills
Tomahawk Race Car Modifieds-Todd Robinson
Bombers-David Skaggs

2005
Late Models-Eddie Carrier Jr.
Tomahawk Race Car Modifieds-David McWilliams
Bombers-Jeremie Bretz

2006
Late Models-R. J. Conley
Tomahawk Race Car Modifieds-Randy Boggs
Bombers-Brett Carey

2007
Late Models-Rod Conley
Tomahawk Race Car Modifieds-Todd Robinson
Bombers-Jeremie Bretz
Mod Lites-Mike Weaver