Author Topic: LANCASTER KICKS OFF 2016 SEASON WITH SUCCESSFUL DRIVER REGISTRATION PARTY  (Read 1710 times)

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Dave Buchanan
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LANCASTER KICKS OFF 2016 SEASON WITH SUCCESSFUL DRIVER REGISTRATION PARTY

Impressive turn out of drivers and teams excited for upcoming season

LANCASTER, N.Y.
(February 29, 2016)  - Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway welcomed an enthusiastic group of drivers and teams to the Variety Club Banquet Hall for the 2016 Driver Registration Party. There were record turn outs in several categories as teams are eager to get back on track.

The drivers were so excited to sign up for the upcoming season at Lancaster that they were lined up 15 minutes before the doors even opened.

"I am truly amazed at the number of drivers, teams and crew members that showed up for registration,' said Tim Packman Track President. "It got to the point where there was more jockeying for position for pit pads than racing for ones on the track for a checkered flag."

On the Dragway side over 70 drivers registered for the Friday Night IHRA Drag Racing program. Program director, Sharon Hughes, was excited for the turnout as she looks to build upon a successful 2015 season.

Drag racers also participated in a Christmas Tree tournament to see who had the best reaction time.

The Saturday night stock car program had its strongest turn out for preseason registration in several years as nearly 50 competitors signed up for the 2016 campaign and around 60 pit pads have been reserved.

"This all goes back to what we started last year, in the building of excitement and positive vibe the track is experiencing now as we go towards the future," said Packman. "I personally credit the teams for what they've been doing in the off-season in communicating in a professional manner with the track. If registration is any indication of what the season is going to be like, I am very optimistic for Lancaster national speedway and dragway in 2016."

There is a buzz surrounding the stock car program after car counts increased steadily throughout last season. Several teams will be making Lancaster their weekly home in 2016 after competing at other area speedways in the past.

The division with the most excitement surrounding it is the headliners of Lancaster's Saturday night show, the Sunoco Sportsman. A total of 17 drivers signed up for the 2016 points program during the registration party, with an average of 20 cars anticipated on a weekly basis. Lancaster will be the only speedway in Erie County running the open-wheeled division on a weekly basis in 2016.

Leading the returning cast of Sportsman drivers are 2015 track champion, Mark Pennell, and his Thompson Racing teammate Jayme Thompson. Former feature winner Sherri Hogan will be teaming up with car owner Brian Brunka and the King Wolf Racing team for the upcoming season. Other returning drivers include Jake Lyon, Mike Rogers, Scott Stolzenberg, Tony Carbone, Matt Druar, Kevin Lewis, Tim Nies and Dick Kluth.

The Sportsman division will also feature some high-profile new faces that are expected to be frequent visitors to the Lancaster half-mile oval. Modified drivers George Skora III and Tony Hanbury will be in the hunt to return to victory lane at Lancaster in Sportsman competition. Patti Pruitt, Shawn Nye, Scott Wylie, Owen Bednasz and the Catalano family will also be in the Sportsman mix in 2016.

One new face in the Sportsman class will become the third generation of a great Western New York racing family to race at Lancaster. Danny Knoll III will join his father (Danny Jr.) and his late grandfather (Danny Sr.) as members of his family to compete in an open-wheeled race car at Lancaster National Speedway. Knoll III got his starting in racing driving go-karts and micro sprints on dirt.

The Street Stock and 4-Cylinders also had strong turn outs with new drivers signing up in both classes.

During the registration party Track President Tim Packman addressed the crowd to give an update on facility improvements for the upcoming season. Packman stated that turns 3 & 4 of the stock car oval will likely be repaved. Packman and Lancaster's ownership group are also researching resurfacing the drag strip as well as additional repairs and upgrades to the speedway grounds.

Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway's 2016 season kicks off during the weekend of April 16-17. The IHRA Drag Racing program gets things started on Saturday, April 16 with test and tune and a Box/No-Box Shootout. The stock car program opens its year on Sunday, April 17 with the "Queen City Clash 75" for the Race of Champions Modified Series.

About Lancaster: Founded in 1959, Lancaster National Speedway and Dragway is a multi-use facility located on 77 acres just outside of metropolitan Buffalo, N.Y. The facility features a 1/8-mile drag strip, a 1/2-mile oval track and hosts several non-motorsports events such as car shows and concerts. For the latest information on Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway check out our website www.lancasternationalspeedway.com . Additional information for racers and fans can be found on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LancasterSpeedway) and on Twitter (@LancasterSpdwy).
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