By Rich Vleck
ROCHESTER, NY, (July 7, 2015)- A host of drivers have circled the Patriot Sprint Tour’s lone trip this season to the Freedom Motorsports Park this Friday for a while, and it is sure not to disappoint for the fans.
For the fifth time in series history, the Patriot Sprint Tour heads to Freedom. This will be the first time the PST visits the Delevan, NY oval in consecutive seasons and the first time under the leadership of Bob Reis and his Freedom Motorsports Park title.
Longtime sprint supporter Casey’s Truck Salvage will present the night of action, which includes a trip in by the NY6A 600 Microsprint Tour. Einstein Construction Group will be the Patriot sponsor to help make it one of the best shows of the season.
Kyle Drum, of Wayland, NY, is one of the drivers eagerly awaiting Friday’s event. Drum was the winner of the inaugural Patriot race there in 2003 and finished 3rd in last year’s event. He enters the weekend second in points and knows in order to close in he must have a good race at the track he started at.
Jared Zimbardi also started his sprint car career at Freedom. The three-time PST Champion won last year’s event in dominating fashion and is hoping to stay hot on Friday nights in 2015 in which he has won all four of his feature events.
Justin Barger was the winner of Sunday Night’s race at Eriez and will attempt to double-up this Friday.
Sammy Reakes IV is the series point leader but, as has been the case much of this season, he is visiting a track for the first time. Reakes does have a connection to Freedom though, as he bought his first sprint car from Freedom Promoter Bob Reis at the end of 2011.
A wild battle is on right now for the third position in the PST America standings. Steve Collins of Belfast, NY is currently in third by 12 points heading in to a track where he had a big crash last year. Scott Just and his father Dave both had good runs last season, but Steven Hutchinson Jr., who is in between them in the standings in fifth, scored his first career top five finish in last year’s race.
2004 Series Champion George Suprick interestingly has not competed in a PST event at Freedom but should role in with good momentum this Friday. Also reenergized is 2012 Champion Scott Kreutter, who was fourth there last season.
Tyler Graves of Bolivar, NY, Jake Muench of Darien, NY, Josh Azzi of Cohcoton, NY and Jim Porter of Grand Island, NY are also looking forward to the return to Freedom. Keep an eye out for Darryl and Alysha Ruggles, Will Glover, Paul Habeck, Joe McEwen and a host of others for this special show.
Freedom Motorsports Park is location on Marble Springs Rd in Delevan just south of Arcade, NY. Racing action will get underway. For more information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
Patriot History at Freedom
Races: 4
August 29, 2014- Jared Zimbardi
July 24, 2009- Bubba Broderick
July 23, 2006- Chris Muhleisen
July 4, 2003- Kyle Drum