By T.J. Buffenbarger
The first test and tune for the 2010 season at Spartan Speedway had a different twist on Saturday when the first group of sprint cars for the track’s bi-weekly non-wing sprint car class took to the ¼-mile paved oval. The sprint cars will alternate with the late models, the weekly premier class at Spartan since they took over for super modifieds over 20 years ago. While the purse to win is relatively low ($600.00 to win), the start money is more than fair and promoter Jim Leasure hopes interest is great enough in the division that he can increase the purse as time goes on.
The Spartan Sprint Cars started as a discussion over the winter from some drivers that wanted to do something a little different without as much travel. To keep costs down the wings came off and a hard Silver Crown Series right rear tire compound was chosen. Since those decisions were made the division has picked up a lot of momentum. The division has a title sponsor in long time short track supporter Saywer’s Chevrolet and with the season drawing closer teams are starting to request more information about the new venture.
Third generation standout Spartan driver Tommy Fedewa and his legendary father Gary put together a car with the famous #42 on the side, second generation Chris Hettinger will compete in the Late Model and Sprint Car divisions this season, and the Spartan non-wing sprint cars have even drawn the attention of Michigan driver Taylor Ferns, who spends more time in the air flying to races all over the country than ever competing in her home state, will have a venue to further her skills at Spartan.
While most estimates on car count for opening night have been conservative, many insiders are hinting at a few surprises turning up and more cars that most are predicting. Jimmy McCune was a bit of a surprise during test and tune driving for Dennis Craft, and will compete the first three weeks at Spartan. Drivers from other series are starting to ask more questions and find interest in the weekly program at Spartan.
Add in a new 27 row aluminum grandstand that shakes when the sprint cars motor around the tight confines of the ¼-mile oval and there is real excitement brewing at Spartan. Hopefully everything goes according to plan so sprint car fans will have a regular Friday night home.
Spartan Notes…
• Ferns turned her first laps in a sprint car on Saturday under the watchful eye of Armstrong Motorsports crew chief Kevin Besecker. Besecker was more than pleased with her progress throughout the afternoon. The plan is to have Besecker help Ferns with the Spartan sprint car programs that do not interfere with his duties with the Armstrong’s USAC National Midget Car Series team.
• Craft acquired a car from the team Rick Baker used to drive for with the HOSS series. The car had never been raced before. By the time practice was winding down were happy they got the car free through the corners. Craft is not sure if he or someone else will drive the car after McCune’s first three week stint in the ride. Craft also indicated as much as he would like to drive a dirt sprint car again, he does not feel comfortable doing so due to a lingering shoulder injury.
• Tommy Fedewa’s day was cut short with a minor engine issue on Saturday. Tommy indicated the problem was not major, and they would be ready for the opener on the 30th. Tommy’s father Gary was wondering the grounds and was very impressed with the improvements to Spartan over the winter, marveling at the large aluminum grandstand.
• Some fans may have sat in the grandstand at Spartan before, as it originated from Michigan International Speedway.
• John Hotchkiss was wondering the grounds and indicated he might have a car ready to go for the Spartan races later in the season.
News from other parts of Michigan
• Spartan’s test and tune ended with time to stop and check out the new 3/8-mile track at I-96 Speedway on Saturday. While only seeing a few stock cars turn laps, the shape of the track is unlike anything else in Michigan. The very wide layout had drivers blasting around the top of the track and should provide for ample side by side racing.
• Marques Huffer was on hand Friday getting more seat time in his winged sprint car. Huffer also added Dad to his list of duties with the birth of his son in December.
• Nick Landon also had an eye opening session with a wild 360 spin, wheels up, in his chalk chassis on Saturday. Check out Randy Ellen’s photos for the entire sequence.
• Driving through I-96’s parking lot between family events on Sunday saw several different teams in the pit area from Saturday’s session, including Ryan Davis and Curt Shumaker with the Tracy Rice team. Davis indicated a couple of weeks ago he will focus on the dirt this season with a newer Maxim Chassis.