1/28/2009

The Action Gets Underway May 23rd at Oswego Speedway

The 2009 Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modified Tour schedule is in place with nine races on tap for the upcoming season. The RoC staff worked hard to put in place a schedule for this season that will avoid conflicts which will allow both the competitors and fans of Modified racing to have more options. Once again the tour will be divided in to a regular season and championship trail awarding point funds for both and keeping drivers in the hunt right until the final event at Dunn Tire Raceway Park.

The RoC Tour will return to Oswego Speedway for three events including the 59th annual Sunoco Race of Champions on September 13th. All 2009 tour races along with RoC Modified qualifiers at participating tracks will lead up to the first Modified All-Star Winners Classic race on the Saturday, September 12th on the RoC weekend at Oswego. Winners of the qualifiers will be entered in the event that will see the top five finishers moving on as guaranteed starters in the 59th Sunoco Race of Champions on Sunday.

Back to back dates will present the Modified teams with a great opportunity to cut travel expenses on June 19th and 20th at Spencer Speedway and Dunn Tire Raceway Park. Two-day bonuses for the race teams are also being worked on such as tire incentives and a possible two day cash bonus for the top participating finishers.

Friday, July 10th will see the return of the RoC tour to the Wyoming County International Speedway for a 75 lap event. Last years event was rained out so the teams will be anxious to get back on the “Bull Ring” in 2009. With Dunn Tire Raceway Park silent that weekend teams will be looking to be part of the excitement at the popular Perry oval.

The tour will then head back to the Chemung Speedrome for the second running of the Chemung County 150 on Sunday, August 2nd. Last years race was a fantastic event that saw Jan Leaty and Matt Hirschman tangle late in the race while battling for the lead. Eric Beers who was also engaged in the battle avoided the skirmish and went on for the win.

The tour will return to Spencer Speedway for a championship 100 lap event on Friday, August 14th with Oswego Speedway hosting the next two tour stops. The Dunn Tire Raceway Park will culminate the 2009 tour with the running of the annual “U.S. Open” on Sunday, September 20th.

Race of Champions Tour Director Andrew Harpell commented, “We are very excited about this year’s schedule. A lot of credit needs to go out to the race track operators that worked very hard with us to present a schedule without a date conflicts.” “I think this years scheduling will provide both the teams and our spectators with the best Modified racing available.” “We are working very closely with speedways hosting RoC events and those that are not to try and make a northeast schedule that allows all the teams and fans the most options.”

Defending Race of Champions Dart Asphalt Modified Tour Titlist Matt Hirschman commented on the upcoming season, "Although the upcoming schedule will feature one less race it is well thought out and it looks as if the track operators made a great effort to work to together." "I'm looking forward to returning to many of my favorite NY tracks as defending Tour champion."

Additional dates could be pending in the days to come. For additional information please contact the Race of Champions offices at 607-775-5555 or email rocpavement@aol.com. The official website can be found at www.raceofchampions.net.

2009 RACE OF CHAMPIONS MODIFIED TOUR DATES

Date / Site / Lap / Region
Sat. 5/23 Oswego Speedway, NY 75 Regular Season
Fri. 6/19 Spencer Speedway 75 Regular Season
Sat. 6/20 Dunn Tire Raceway Park 75 Regular Season
Fri. 7/10 Wyoming County Int. 75 Regular Season
Sun. 8/2 Chemung Speedrome 150 Championship
Fri. 8/14 Spencer Speedway 100 Championship
Sat. 9/5 Oswego Speedway, NY 75 Regular Season
Sun. 9/13 Oswego – 59th R.o.C 200 Championship
9/19-20 Dunn Tire Raceway Park 100 Championship

* schedule dates/laps subject to change – additions may be added at a later date…

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