After what most of the ‘County Line Crazies’ would call the longest four months of the year, the off season finally ended Saturday night when cars returned to the 3/8^th mile clay oval in Elm City to begin the track’s Silver Anniversary Season.  The Cabin Fever 80 featured the stars of the DRU Inc Modifieds, Barnes Equipment Company Late Models and ARCO Restoration Thunder & Lightning divisions.

After a quick round of practice for all divisions, Thunder & Lightning would be the first division to hit the track for qualifying.  Brad Hamm would capture the pole position for the evenings feature event with a time of 16.905.  This was Hamm’s first attempt in the Thunder & Lightning division as he is moving up from the Super Stock Four Cylinder division.  Buddy Isles Jr would claim the outside starting position with a time of 17.052.  Isles would jump out to a quick lead.  Caution on lap 4 would send the 01 of Luke Owens and 44 of Jeff Parsons to the rear of the field for the restart.  Two more cautions would slow the pace, but in the end it was Bailey’s Skeeter Liles picking up the first feature victory of 2013.  Luke Owens would rebound from the lap 4 caution to finish 2^nd, followed by Buddy Isles Jr, newcomer Matthew Bissette, and Wade Ferrell rounding out your top five.

The drivers of the Barnes Equipment Late Model division were eager to take to the track but attrition became a huge issue for some.  Russell Erwin blew a motor in a Friday night practice session and would not be able to participate.  Charles Hanson, Travis Hair and JP Cascell all had issues during Saturday practice sessions and would not be able to make the field.  Qualifying was a clear indication that the track was going to be fast.  ‘The Professor’ Christian Joyner set fast time with a lap of 14.977.  Russell Jones had the second fastest lap with a time of 15.265, but his time was disqualified after coming in underweight after his lap.  That would move the 79 of Roger Lucas to the outside pole for the start of the feature.  Several quick cautions would slow the field and Christian Joyner picked up his first career Late Model victory.  Roger Lucas would finish second followed by Daniel Tucker, Justin Pinno and Russell Jones.

Once the Late Model checkerd flag, all attention turned to the opening in turn four as the DRU Inc Open Wheel Modified division where a stout field of cars from all over the east coast were lined up and set to roll to see who could bring home the $2,000 payday.  Qualifying would set the first two rows of the feature and the lineups for the two heat races.  Taylor Cook would set fast time with a 15.612.  Nick Hoffman would clock in taking the outside pole.  In heat number one, Chris Parker would take the win with Russell Erwin finishing second after starting 8^th, due to a weight issue after his qualifying attempt.  Heat two would see Rich Michaels take the checkerd followed by Tony Quade in car 28.

With 22 cars registered, only 19 would make it to the green flag.  A spin in turn 2 would force a second attempt at a double file restart. Several more cautions for single car spins and debris would slow the field but nothing could stop Nick Hoffman.  Hoffman took the checkerd, the points lead and was able to do his signature backflip on the front straightaway after his win.  Taylor Cook came home second followed by ‘The High Side Tickler’ Kyle Strickler, ‘The Commonwealth Bandit’ Russell Erwin, and ‘The X Factor’ Chris Parker.

County Line Raceway will be closed next week but return with another double header March 22 & 23.  Friday night March 22, the track will be open for practice for all divisions.  March 23 brings one of the most anticipated shows ever, the Roger Matthews Memorial.  The Barnes Equipment Late Model division will be going Topless for 49 laps with $2,500 going to the winner.  Also on the card are the DRU Inc Open Wheel Modifieds and the ARCO Restoration Thunder & Lightning.

For more information on County Line Raceway, you may call the track 252-985-1949, find us on the web at www.countylineracewaync.com, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or ‘Follow’ us on Twitter (@countylinenc).  We’ll see you at ‘THE LINE.’

Written by: Steve Summerlin

Elm City, North Carolina — The Southeast elite dirt Modified drivers begin their quest for the 2013 Edge Weekly Racing Series championship as the 25th season for County Line Raceway begins with the Cabin Fever 80 Friday and Saturday, March 8th – 9th with 3 exciting divisions of racing at County Line Raceway in Elm City.

With the best names in the business expected for this year’s lid-lifter, just making the A- main will be a feat but one driver could come up smelling like roses and walk away with $2,000 at the 3/8-mile clay oval located just off highway 97 behind the Rocky Mount/Wilson Airport.

Saturday nights show will pay $2,000 to win for the DRU Inc. Open Wheel Modifieds, $1,200 for the Barnes Equipment Late Models and $550 going to the winner of the ARCO Restoration Thunder & Lightning Division! The Fast Qualifier for the DRU Inc. Open Wheel Modifieds will receive a $100 Rapid Red Racing Supply Gift Certificate.

A practice session is slated for Friday night, March 9th, from 6-10 p.m. Admission to the grandstands is $5. Pit passes are $10.

On Saturday, the pit gate opens at 3pm, grandstand gates open at 4, hot laps begin at 5:45 and racing kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The DRU Inc. Modifieds will compete for 30 laps, Barnes Equipment Late Models 30 laps and the ARCO Restoration Thunder & Lightning 20 laps.

Grandstand tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for ages 11-15, ages 10 and under free! Pit passes are $25.

Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, NC, who captured the Saturday night feature in last year’s season opener, comes in as the event’s defending champion, but all eyes will be on The “X Factor” Chris Parker.

Less than three months ago, the driver from Parkton, North Carolina held a firm lead in the tracks blockbuster season finale paying $5,200 to win only to see his hopes dashed as the pilot of the Canady’s Pest Control sponsored Shaw chassis became entangled in lapped traffic allowing Nick Hoffman to close and slip by on the outside and go on for the win. Parker will be looking for redemption this weekend. Not to be overlooked are the defending DRU Inc. Modified points champion, Beaverdam, Virginia’s Russell Erwin and multi-time feature winner in 2012 Kyle Strickler.

County Line Raceway is located at 6953 Stagecoach Road in Elm City. For more information on this and other season events, call the track phone at 252-985-1949 or find us on the web at www.countylineracewaync.com. Facebook users can check out our page and twitter users can follow us at @countylinenc

County Line Raceway is proud to announce our Victory Lane Sponsor, 3 Aces Speed Shop has also signed on as the official sign and graphics provider for the 2013 season.  3 Aces Speed Shop owner Jennifer Bray stated, “This is really exciting, we can’t wait to get the season started with County Line Raceway”! 3 Aces Speed Shop is your one stop shop for all your racing needs. This includes bodies, wraps, signs, race setups etc. Give them a call at 919-915-3478 or 434-532-3667!! Be sure to head over and “like” their Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Aces-Speed-Shop

County Line Raceway is happy to announce the Pure Stock 4 Cylinder Division will be sponsored by Playtyme Concessions! Playtyme Concessions is your source for all your party needs. Church events, school events, fund raisers and birthday parties, guaranteed lowest prices! Owner “Nute” Pete Hill states, “I am very excited to be a part of County Line Raceway and the Pure Stock 4 Cylinder Division during the 2013 25^th Anniversary season!” Let Playtyme Concessions handle your next event, give them a call at 252-904-0593 or email nute7404@yahoo.com

County Line Raceway is happy to announce the return of Barnes Equipment Company as title sponsor of our Late Model Division for the 2013 Silver Season! And what a season it will be for the Barnes Equipment Late Model Teams.

 

This season there will be 2 points championships up for grabs; County Line Raceway’s season long points battle and now a 4 race points chase!! Dubbed the “Barnes Equipment Shootout”, 4 races have been chosen by Barnes Equipment owner Ashley Barnes. The points for the 4 races will be tracked separate with the shootout champion and 2nd thru 5th place honored on the front stretch October 19th. 1st place will receive $1,000, 2nd $750, 3rd $500, 4th $250 and 5th $100.

 

Ashley Barnes states, “I want to do something to reward the County Line Raceway regulars. They work so hard every week to put on a great show for us. I hope they enjoy this format, I know I’m excited and can’t wait for the first event!” Race dates for the Barnes Equipment Shootout will be April 6th, June 8th,  August 24th with the finale taking place on our final point’s night, October 19th.

 

The exciting news doesn’t end there! County Line Raceway is excited to announce that the  Barnes Equipment Late Models will have their own event Friday night, November 15th! Once again, Barnes Equipment has stepped up big as the title sponsor for this event that at this time will pay $2,000 to win, $200 to start. Barnes states, “it is very exciting to see the Super Late Models back at County Line, the Limiteds have such a dedicated following and should have their own event. I could see the Limited teams struggling last November so let’s give them their own event and make the Race for the Kids even more exciting than it already is”. We hope to offer the same contingencies for this event as we do the others. If more sponsors come on board, this purse will go up!

 

In closing County Line Raceway would like to thank Barnes Equipment Company for their support. The 2013 season will certainly be an exciting one!!

 

About Barnes Equipment – Barnes Equipment is a family-owned and operated business that started back in 1916. Currently our business is being managed by the 3rd and 4th generations of the Barnes family. Farm machinery was added back in 1963 when we became a dealer for Oliver Corporation. Through the years, we have expanded our product lines to include White, Massey Ferguson, Tye, New Idea, Glencoe, and Farmhand. Barnes Equipment is a service-oriented dealership that stocks parts for what we sell and looks after our customers. Barnes Equipment Inc.  6651 Rock Ridge School Rd  Sims , NC 27880

 

http://www.agcocorpdealers.com/BARNES/

After a successful and competitive first season, we are bringing back the fantasy league bigger and better in 2013!  Last season saw 69 fantasy league racers with the points coming down to the last event! For our Silver Season we look forward to having even more competition with a new structure and more prizes.  The most noticeable and exciting change will be the format.  This season, we are going to implement a ‘Chase’ format.  With 5 races left on the schedule, scoring will be reset giving everyone a chance at the win.  The new season will also see many more prizes for fantasy league participants.  This season, the winner will have the option to get behind the wheel at the Dirt Track Driving School or a 2014 Grandstand Season Pass, how awesome is that!  The champion will also be honored and receive their plaque on stage at the yearend awards banquet.  This season we are not only giving to the overall winners!  The top point earner weekly will receive tickets to the following weekend’s event.  Since we are implementing the ‘Chase’ format there will also be a regular season champion. That person will win tickets to the remaining point’s races.  We have posted complete rules on our website (www.countylineracewaync.com).  We have lots of fun in store so make sure you register and good luck!

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** January 4th 2013 FASTRAK PR

(Four Oaks, North Carolina) – There has been much talk about wanting to build up the (crate) pro late model program in Eastern North Carolina. Especially up the Interstate 95 corridor. That’s finally going to be a reality as the County Line Raceway in Elm City, North Carolina, celebrating their 25th Anniversary “Silver Season” will be aligning with the FASTRAK Racing Series for drivers in the Barnes Equipment Late Model division.

The FASTRAK Chevy 602 or 604 GM Crate engines will run along with the steel-head motors. However the point’s structure will be tweaked. County Line Raceway PR Director Steve Summerlin stated, “Steel-head and FASTRAK late model drivers will run together but points will be separate, unison to what Bill and Clarke Sawyer have done with their Late Model program at Virginia Motor Speedway also combining FASTRAK.”

**For instance if a FASTRAK driver finishes 5th in a race behind 4 steel-head drivers then he’ll be paid for 5th place, but will receive 1st place race points to go towards the FASTRAK weekly racing division program. The finishes also include contesting in the $300,000 FASTRAK World Championship weekend running the minimum races needed. **

“We want to develop the (crate) program in this area especially along the I-95 corridor, we believe with hard work, effort and support it will grow successful in this area just as the “steel-head” late models did.” Summerlin explained.

Steve Summerlin in an interview with FASTRAK PR Director Wesley Outland proclaimed, “FASTRAK Companies International is a great organization to have at your local race track, we’ve had so much success with their “sister series” the Ultimate Super Late Models Series and now we’re ready for the same outcome of results with the FASTRAK Racing Series in 2013 and beyond.” In closing there are also possible plans for a FASTRAK City Chevrolet Touring Divisional Series race, details and logistics are currently still being ironed out. For further information about County Line Raceway please call (252)-985-1949 or go online to their website www.countylineracewaync.com or like them on Facebook at County Line Raceway and also on Twitter @CountyLineNC.

Series officials are diligently working on schedules and securing more member tracks in the days and weeks ahead. Look for additional information on this and the touring schedules as they are completed over the next few weeks.

The FASTRAK Racing Series City Chevrolet Touring Divisions would like to thank all of its marketing partners for their great and continuing support. Those 2013 sponsors include: Hoosier Race Tires, VP Racing Fuel, City Chevrolet, Chevrolet Performance Parts, Vicci Apparel, TNT Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, Longhorn Race Cars, RockAuto.com and FK Rod Ends. FASTRAK would also like to welcome Genesis Race Shocks, Cool Shirt, Five Star Bodies, Hooker Harness, Velocita USA Driving Suits, Beya Headers, Kooks Custom Headers, R2C Filters, Sisco Fire and Safety and Tiger Rear Ends to our line-up of product sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Premier Pro Late Model Series in the Country please contact Stan Lester or Brian Haynes at the FASTRAK Corporate Office at (678) 935-7304 or Series Director Kelley Carlton at (864) 871-1442. Also Visit the FASTRAK Racing Series online at www.fastrakracing.com and be sure to like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter at @FASTRAK_Racing!!

(Middlebourne, WV) Anticipation continues to build within the new TSMA presented by EDGE Modified Sanction for 2013. Just days into the 2013 campaign EDGE is hard at work to continue to revitalize the open wheel modified division in the Eastern United States. Directors Daniel Patterson and Cody Watson remain diligent in their efforts to expand the ‘outside-the-box’ EDGE sanction into new markets and strengthen their firm base of facilities in the Ohio Valley. As another race season fast approaches the Eastern Dirt Grassroots Entertainment team is excited to announce partnership has been reached with County Line Raceway of Elm City, North Carolina to join the EDGE E-Modified fold for 2013.County Line Raceway is a family run track, currently being managed by James Upchurch and Brenda Holcombe. The ‘Unique Entertainment Experience’ displayed at CLR encourages families and friends to patronize the fast growing facility every Saturday night! County Line Raceway is a 3/8 mile clay oval located at 6953 Stagecoach Road in Elm City, N.C and has been in operation since May 21st, 1988. CLR continues to gain national motorsports attention through its successful six division weekly racing program as well as its annual marquee ‘Race for the Kids’ event in November that benefits the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

County Line Raceway is set to kick-off their season with an open practice on Friday, March 8^th allowing racers the opportunity to shake the ‘cob webs’ prior to the following evening’s March 9^th $2000 to win, $200 to start Modified Special. Approximately ten modified races are planned for 2013 with details for the 5^thAnnual Modified ‘Race for the Kids’ to be announced soon.  The partnership set forth will allow racers a temporary ‘burn-off’ period between January 1^st and June 1^st to use up any existing inventory of soft compound tires. After June 1^st, all participants will utilize the current EDGE tire rule for the remainder of the 2013 season, which allows only the use of any medium or harder compound 8″ modified racing tire. After June 1^st, the use of any SOFT compound tire will be illegal. Any medium or harder compound which includes the Hoosier M100 & M200 compound tires ARE LEGAL. The tires may be siped and grooved, however, chemically altering the tire by any means (treatments, etc.) is illegal and strictly enforced.  We understand that through our current twelve race weekly sanction format and the EDGE Playoffs that participants will not be able to get the required number of shows by just running at County Line Raceway. Therefore, we have developed a program for CLR for 2013 that will not mandate that racers sign up for membership within our sanction. However, racers who choose to sign up for an EDGE license will receive full points at all County Line Raceway’s modified events (and any other edge sanctioned track) that will continue towards his or her national points totals and will make them eligible for 2013 EDGE points funds and contingencies. As well he or she will receive increased marketing and exposure that comes with being a member of the EDGE. Racers who do not sign up as members can still participate at CLR the same as any other they will just not earn national EDGE points, national points funds, or contingencies within the EDGE sanction. They will still earn track points and weekly purses. It is noted that racers who anticipate running any Renegade of Dirt Modified Touring event in 2013 will be required to have a valid EDGE license prior to competing at any touring event.

“We’re excited to expand our ‘sanction footprint’ into the state of North Carolina for 2013 and beyond” stated EDGE Competition Director, Cody Watson. “We would like to thank County Line Raceway owners; James Upchurch and Brenda Holcombe as well as Steve Summerlin for their support in joining our forward movement for the modified division. The EDGE is really anxious to get to work with a great group of promoters who share similar ideas and ambitions in order to strengthen the division in the Tarheel State” replied Watson. “Although County Line racers are not required to become members of the EDGE in 2013 we hope that all will do so in order to receive the full benefits and marketing opportunities awarded to the elite members of the EDGE sanction and have the chance at our unique season ending races and contingency programs” stated Dan Patterson. “County Line Raceway is very excited to be a part of the national EDGE weekly racing organization for our Open Wheel Modified Division. EDGE fits our programs goals and will enhance the racing experience for our teams as they earn points towards a track and possibly an EDGE championship” stated CLR Public Relations Director, Steve Summerlin. “Racers who participate as EDGE members will be able to track themselves in the standings at www.edgeconnect.co and see how they rank with some of the best modifieds, not just in the Eastern U.S., but in the entire country. In addition, making them eligible for the many benefits and year end awards for being an EDGE member” replied Summerlin.  Racers are reminded to stay tuned for more info and details in the coming weeks. Any questions regarding County Line Raceway can be directed to Brenda Holcombe by calling 1-252-985-1949 or emailing brenda@countylineracewaync.com. You can visit CLR on the web at www.countylineracewaync.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/countylineracewaync. Race teams can find current procedures, rules, and more by visiting the Eastern Dirt Grassroots Entertainment Company on the web at www.edgeconnect.co. You can also contact the EDGE offices anytime for further information by texting/calling 304.771.5051 or faxing 304.758.4411 with any further questions on rules or procedures for the 2013 season. EDGE fans can receive up to the minute breaking news and live updates on our active media outlets which can be accessed via a variety of social media sites including Facebook at www.facebook.com/connect2edge or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/connect2edge.

By Paul Durham Sports Editor

The only bad thing about Saturday’s season-ending races at County Line Raceway was the season-ending part.

Under a canopy of beautiful fall weather, fans were treated to the spectacle of the ULTIMATE Series Super Late Model 50-lap main event, a thrilling Open-Wheel Modified 40-lap event, the track debut of the U.S. Legends Dirt Modified and an exciting Super Stock Four-Cylinder race to start the evening’s feature races as well as sporadic bursts of fireworks from the infield for the fourth annual Victory Junction Gang Camp benefit “Race for the Kids.”

But perhaps the biggest cheers from the crowd, estimated at more than 2,000, came during the 10-car demolition derby, which capped the evening’s festivities. Adrian Lassiter, driving a metal battering ram with “The Streaker” emblazoned via spray-paint on the side, claimed the derby trophy by pinning Donald Stokes’ No. 21 car on the wall in front of the grandstand. As the mud flew and the crowd, less than 20 feet from the action, screamed, Lassiter drilled Stokes’ car into submission.

But there was plenty of excitement preceding that mud-caked finale as Walker Arthur capped his weekend of track domination by cruising to the checkered flag — and taking the $10,000 winner’s prize — in the ULTIMATE Super Late Models event. Whereas Arthur drained the drama from the marquee race, Nick Hoffman created plenty of it in the Open-Wheel Modified race when he slipped around leader Chris Parker with less than three laps to go and hung on for the win.

Danny Breuer handily won the U.S. Legends Dirt Modified track debut after Brad Hamm staved off hard-charging Bill Winstead and Jason Horne to claim the Super Stock Four-Cylinder race on the three-eighths-mile, clay oval.

In a pair of 10-lap Super Late Model consolation races to open the show, Danny Watts and Jeff Smith took the checkered flags. That set the stage for the final 2012 event for a track regular division, the Super Stock Four-Cylinders.

HAMM HUSTLES ON

Horne brought a new car to the track Saturday and nearly toppled the track record for a qualifying lap, coming in at 17.799 seconds.

“We missed the track record by three-thousands tonight in qualifying. Just missed it,” he said.

He got out in front of Hamm, who started on the outside, at the drop of the green flag but a big mess in turn 3 brought out a lengthy caution with another restart. From there, it was Hamm who surged in front.

“I thought the first restart was pretty good,” Horne said. “I felt like he might have jumped a little bit on the second but it wouldn’t have made no difference. My car was loose from the time they dropped the green.”

Hamm, on the other hand, kept his No. 49 in front through two more cautions.

“We picked the right tires tonight,” he said after his fifth 2012 win at County Line.

The Elm City resident demurred with a grin when asked what tires were the right tires.

“I can’t tell everything!” Hamm cackled.

Winstead caught Horne before lap 10 when another yellow flag slowed the action and gave Winstead a shot at Hamm. The Bailey driver’s No. 97 would narrow the gap around the 12th lap, nosing up on Hamm. But as the laps continued to pile up without a caution, Hamm picked up some breathing room.

By the last few laps Hamm and Winstead had put some lap cars between them and Horne in third place.

“Yeah, they’re too tough,” Hamm said of Winstead and Horne. “They’ve been running awhile, especially Bill. He’s a good driver — a good clean driver to run with.

“He’s always tough. If you can beat Bill, you’ve done something!”

Winstead said his tires kept him from making that push to try to get around Hamm.

“I think my tires went away. My tires got kind of hard,” he said. “I hadn’t looked at them. It was hooked up early on but it kind of went away and I said second’s better than putting it in the wall.”

Horne, who was the Mini Mods points champion on asphalt at Southern National Motorsports Park this year, said he’s looking forward to putting his car back on the track there at its annual Thanksgiving Classic in a couple of weeks.

“I don’t know if we missed the setup or just got to work the bugs out,” he said. “We need more time with the car. I’m just happy to finish third.

“That was my first year over there (at Southern National). I’ve been running over here for a long time. I love the dirt!”

In fourth was Eric Hobgood while Eric Hill took fifth and CLR 2012 points king John Proctor was sixth.

DIRT MODIFIEDS DEBUT

Breuer qualified for the pole in the U.S. Legends Dirt Modifieds and stayed in front throughout the 20-lap event.

The cars, which can’t exceed 69 inches in width and resemble go-carts on steroids, flitted around the clay surface propelled by their 1,250cc, water-cooled engines.

Breuer’s No. 3 car was chased throughout by Everette Dunlap, who started on the outside and finished second, well ahead of points champion Tommy Corellis in third. Jerry Lambert was fourth and Mark Lowery took fifth.

The series, which mostly races at East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, concluded Saturday night with its 17th event of the season.

REAL RACING

Hoffman proved the maxim that racing is about more than just outrunning the field in the Open-Wheel Modified 40-lap race.

The Mooresville resident started on the outside beside pole-winner Parker, who lives in Gray’s Creek, and chased him for most of the race. The pair began lapping cars in the crowded 25-car field by the fifth lap. Russell Erwin, the 2012 CLR points champion in the division, chased in the third spot while David Mielke, Kyle Strickler and Dave Hess Jr. battled for the fourth spot.

By the 15th lap, Parker had built a sizable lead but Hoffman, who had won his only other race in the Elite Chassis car, slowly sliced into that lead.

After the cars stopped to refuel just past the midpoint, Parker continued to lead as he and Hoffman battled lap traffic. Finally, on the 38th lap, Hoffman seized his opportunity on turn 1.

“I was faster than him the whole race and was just kind of saving my tires until I knew when it was time to go,” Hoffman said. “We got to lap traffic at the right time and he was tucked up underneath the lap car and I just rolled him on the outside.”

Parker could only watch as Hoffman stormed past and then Mielke slipped around to take second place.

“My throttle was hung about half wide open and it was messing me up getting in the corners,” he said. “Lap traffic was just a killer. They were telling them to get out of the way and he’d go high and they’d go low and just wouldn’t get out of the way. Nick made a good pass, got by me and won the race.”

Hoffman said he just had to be patient.

“He got me on the jump and I just kind of rode behind him,” he said. “I showed him nose a few times but he did a really good job at holding his line and keeping me pinched down so the only way I was going to pass him was move him or try it on the outside. That’s what we did.”

Hoffman earned a $5,200 payday. Erwin settled for fourth, just ahead of Strickler.

A SUPER LATE MODEL

Arthur had no reason to be patient as he set the track record for a qualifying lap with a revolution of 14.160 seconds, topping the Late Model mark of 14.680 by CLR regular Ray Tucker.

The only thing slowing down Arthur, who resides in Forest, Va., was five yellow flags on the first 20 laps. But as the cautions ebbed to just one over the final 30 laps, Arthur’s only problem was negotiating lap traffic.

“I always enjoy coming down here,” he said with a grin. “We’ve been here with the Steel-Block (Bandits Series) a few times and I always enjoy it. We just had a stellar weekend. You can’t ask for a weekend better than this.

“We’re on a roll right now and I hope we can keep it up.”

More interesting was Tennessee driver Billy Ogle Jr.’s charge from a 10th-place start to a runner-up finish in his No. 201 car.

“It was tough. You know, I thought we were going to wreck at least two or three times and I know I run over a couple of people trying to get stopped,” he said. “This place, it carries so much speed and it races big but it’s small. You’ll get to going down the straightaway and before you know it, you’re carrying too much speed in the corner and you’ll flush out and be trying to get off the corner and that’s how people will pass you.

“A couple of times somebody got under me, I believe it was the 8 car (Dustin Mitchell), and he was there to take my position if I messed up and I about did once, but I got it back. I made a decision to don’t get back out of the bottom or he’s going by me, so I kept it in the bottom.

Impending series point champion Casey Roberts was third with Jared Landers in fourth and County Line regular Mitchell in fifth, two spots ahead of Roger Lucas, another local driver.

paul@wilsontimes.com | 265-7808

 

Elm City, North Carolina – After taking off nearly two months, the sophomore season of the ULTIMATE Super Late Model Series swings back into action November 8^th through 10^th at the 3/8^ths mile County Line Raceway located in Elm City, North Carolina. The 4^th Annual “Race for the Kids” which benefits the Victory Junction Camp will host the ULTIMATE Super Late Models for a 50-lap feature that will pay a season-high $10,000 to the winner. County Line Raceway is billing the event as the largest in its 24 year history. “After the fantastic support we got from racers and fans when the ULTIMATE Series visited back in May, adding them to our signature event was pretty much a no-brainer. We are a Saturday night track and that event was run on a Friday and the place was packed. So we fully expect to break our previous attendance record. In fact we expect to shatter it. Our entire staff is really excited about this race. We know this will be the biggest race that we have ever had at County Line.” said County Line Raceway PR Director Steve Summerlin.

 

The ULTIMATE Series staff is equally excited about the event. “County Line has some of the best fans that we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They treated us so well back in May. We had the opportunity to meet so many of them and it was great to hear how enthused they were about having the ULTIMATE Series there. So we were very happy when we were asked to be a part of such a great event. The folks at County Line – Steve, James, Brenda and the entire staff have done such a great job with this event. They have worked really hard to get sponsors and add some perks for the drivers that are going to be there. Those prizes that the Speedway Barbeque folks are doing are by far some of the coolest “contingency” awards I have ever seen. We all know it costs money to get to the racetrack. A lot of the time we don’t consider how much we spend just on food, so to have them come along and offer something like this, well it just helps those racers get there. And there are so many other great folks that have stepped up to make this event work. We are just proud to be involved with it.” said ULTIMATE Series Director Kelley Carlton.

 

The event will kick off on Thursday, November 8^th with open practice in all divisions. Then on Friday, November 9^th racing action gets underway with ULTIMATE Series qualifying presented by Owens Construction, Open Wheel Modified qualifying presented by Three Aces Speed Shop, ULTIMATE Series heat races presented by S.T. Wooten Corporation along with Open Wheel Modified heats. Also on Friday the Pure Stock 4s and Pure Stock V8s will run feature events. Saturday, November 10^th will be Race for the Kids Championship Day beginning with last chance qualifier races in ULTIMATE Super Late Models and the Open Wheel Modifieds. ULTIMATE Super Late Model entrants that start the last chance qualifiers but fail to transfer will receive $150 tow money. Championship Day will conclude with feature events for the U.S. Legends Dirt Modifieds, Super Stock 4s, the $5200 to win Open Wheel Modifieds and the $10,000 to win ULTIMATE Super Late Models. At the conclusion of the racing action County Line will also host a winner-take-all Demolition Derby.

 

In addition to all of the racing action there are a bevy of things for fans to enjoy and take in at County Line this weekend. Ben “Cooter” Jones, along with the famous General Lee and Roscoe’s Patrol Car from the TV Show the Dukes of Hazzard will be on hand Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 PM. Also don’t miss an opportunity to possibly get on television as film crews from The Discovery Channel will also be on hand throughout the weekend. They will be filming segments for an upcoming racing reality series set to air in 2013. There will also be a 2-seater Open Wheel Modified on hand along with a monster truck display.

 

Tune in Tuesday night to FASTRAK Weekly Live for an opportunity to win a pair of tickets and an expense paid trip for the weekend. You will need to know the answer to this question: Who won the inaugural Race for the Kids back in 2009? You can find FASTRAK Weekly Live on Tuesday night at 7 PM EST by visiting www.fastrakracing.com and clicking on the FASTRAK Radio button at the top of the page.

 

The Official Host Hotel for this weekend’s action Country Inn & Suites by Carlson located in Wilson, North Carolina at 4910 Hayes Place. Reservations: +1 (800) 830-5222 US/Canada Toll-free; Telephone: +1 (252) 281-5501 Fax: +1 (252) 281-5507; Email:cx_winc@countryinns.com.  When booking use promo code CLR. Regular rooms are $65.00 per night, studio’s are $75 per night. Hotel is located less than 10 minutes from the racetrack.

 

County Line Raceway is located 6953 Stagecoach Road which is off of Interstate 95 at exit 127 in Elm City, North Carolina. You can learn more information about the facility including directions and ticket info by visiting their website located at www.countylineracewaync.com or you can call (252) 985-1949. You can also follow County Line on Twitter @countylinenc and like County Line Raceway on Facebook to keep up with all the latest information. For more information on the ULTIMATE Super Late Model Series visit www.ultimatesupers.com or call (864) 871-1442. ULTIMATE Supers are also on Twitter at @ULTIMATESupers and on Facebook at Ultimate Super Late Model Series.

 

Other special awards for the ULTIMATE Super Late Model Series are Fast Qualifier $200 presented by Owens Construction; Longest Tow $100 presented by Langley’s Landscaping; Halfway Leader $100 presented by TAP Photography (Tim Amerson); Hard Charger – $100 presented by Forrest Generator Services; Hard Luck $100 presented by localracechat.com

 

The ULTIMATE Super Late Model Series appreciates the support of great partners in Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, VP Race Fuels, City Chevrolet, FK Rod Ends, Vicci Apparel, RockAuto.com, Arizona Sport Shirts, Big A’s Custom Graphics, Thomas Clarke Web Designs, Sisco Fire and Safety, Hooker Harness, R2C Filters, Tiger Rear Ends, Cool Shirt, Five Stars Bodies, Kooks Custom Headers and Beyea Headers.