From Brian Liskai
CAMARGO, IL.(12-19-10) — The O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions will embark on a new concept in 2011 that will put more money into the hands of more race teams and give fans the opportunity to see the best available drivers at each event.
“America’s Series” since 1970, the All Stars will have three distinct, yet connected, point funds in 2011. Teams can compete in a total of approximately 50 races in 2011. However, those who do not have the resources to compete in all those events can pick a region to vie for a good paying point fund.
There will be the Eastern Region, which will feature 20 race dates from Florida to Central Pennsylvania and east including New York and Canada. The region will pay a champion $20,000 to win the points and a will pay back to the 10th place driver.
When April comes around, another All Star region will begin. This region will include 20 race dates between Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Indiana and Western Pennsylvania. The region will include the 29th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek. Drivers will battle for a $20,000-to-win point fund that will also pay back 10 positions for the region.
In late summer, the Western Region competition will begin with a 10 race schedule, which will include the O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions’ annual Thunder Through the Plains. This will feature a $10,000-to-win point fund that will pay back 10 positions.
“Our goal is to put the best available drivers in front of the fans at
every All Star event. After talking to track promoters and race teams, we came up with the regional concept to help more teams make more money and encourage some to travel a little more and experience different tracks and competition,” said Guy Webb, of the All Stars. “Those teams who have the resources will still be able to compete in 50 All Star shows paying good money.”
“For example, some Ohio teams can’t travel to Florida or Central Pennsylvania, so they can compete in the Ohio region for good purses and a good point fund. The Eastern Region concept will encourage some of the Pennsylvania teams to travel a little more but closer to home for more money and a good point fund. And, we’re putting together a nice schedule for the Thunder Through the Plains and with the separate point fund and the good-paying purses, it might encourage more of the western teams to participate,” added Webb.
“I believe this will strengthen and grow 410 sprint car racing. It’s a win-win-win situation – the race teams can race for bigger purses and more point fund money with less travel; the tracks benefit from having a more marketable program with more teams; and the fans win with the best drivers in the region showing up,” concluded Webb.
The All Stars will kick off their 2011 season at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga. on Feb. 3 with a big $10,000 to win event. Then the O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions will return to Ocala Speedway in Ocala, Florida on Feb. 4 & 5. The All Stars will wrap up their 28th All Star Winternationals in the Sunshine State on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 9 and 10 at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Fla., as part of the 40th Annual DIRTcar Nationals.