From John Lemon
Tulsa, Oklahoma (April 12, 2011) – Six months ago, the 2010 sprint car tour of the Oil Capital Racing Series drew to a close. Since then, the aesthetically sleek machines that rumble in the night with their ultra-powered engines have been hibernating throughout the winter like a space shuttle abandoned on a Houston launch pad. This week, the OCRS sprinters activate their own launch sequence for an April 16th Saturday night launch date at the famed Lawton Speedway in Lawton Oklahoma.
Lawton Speedway will be hosting the OCRS speed demons for the second consecutive season. Last year, Whit “The Gasman” Gastineau of Moore triumphed over a field of 33 rocket launching open wheelers in June. On a return trip in August, it was Danny Smith of Sapulpa Oklahoma taking victory laurels over a group of 31 missiles. “Lanny (Edwards) has owned and promoted Lawton for as long as I can recall,” stated OCRS series president Barry Grabel. “Lawton has some of the most knowledgeable and energetic open wheel fans you will find anywhere in the state. The eastern side of the state has some darn good fans too.” Grabel then offered a challenge of sorts to all fans: “Based on the economic status of the racing industry today, OCRS would like to extend a friendly, yet serious challenge for ALL fans to come out to the season opener and pack the place solid.”
Grabel offered up where the “pack the stands” challenge came from. “ I was at an event recently where beer was being sold as much as what a race ticket costs (OCRS ticket) and food was more than two-thirds of a ticket price. What I took note was that these items were being sold with ease and I knew why. They wanted what was offered. So here we are, offering a full night of ‘action packed entertainment’ for about the price of the beverages I saw selling in multiple numbers. Thus my ‘challenge’ to the fans is for them to simply to come out to Lawton and fill the stands to capacity and show these track owners you are there to support them as well as the racers. Then, let our drivers put on a show you will tell your friends about for the next week and beyond.”
OCRS opens the season with a new tire partner, GOODYEAR. “We are excited to begin a new chapter in OCRS history by having Goodyear on board” said Grabel. “ To have a well respected and established company as Goodyear working with OCRS only adds to the credibility of our group. Our preliminary (off season) dealings with Goodyear has been great and I look forward to a good solid working relationship with them.” In addition to Goodyear, OCRS welcomes a new associate sponsor, Keizer Aluminum Wheels Inc. Keizer is an Orange City, Iowa based wheel manufacture that produces competition wheels for various racing industries including sprint cars. OCRS welcomes back many returning associate sponsors in 2011 as well. Same Day Auto Repair, a Sand Springs Oklahoma based company with four Tulsa area locations, Brodix Cylinder Heads of Mena Arkansas, Schoenfeld Headers of Van Buren Arkansas and John Boy Racing Components of Loomis California are all once again working as partners on the OCRS sprint car tour.
In addition to the ‘Gasman’ and Smith, other competitors slated to take to Lawton’s quarter mile red clay oval include the three-time defending OCRS champion, Jamie Passmore of Rose, Oklahoma, Tulsa pilots Sean McClelland and Mike Goodman along with Drumright’s Fred Mattox and Bristow’s Tim Kent. 2010 OCRS Rookie of the year, Brady Demeree and runner up for rookie of the year, Terry Easum will be set for their sophomore journeys.
There is a trio of young ladies who will compete with their battle armor as well. From Oklahoma City comes Shayla “The Princess” Waddell, Tulsa delivers “Krazy Kacee” Frazier and making her OCRS and sprint car debuts will be Lindsay Oklahoma’s Harli White. Don’t think these young and beautiful ladies are just out for leisurely fun with the boys. All three are accomplished racers in their own right. Waddell and Frazier have each won feature events against their male counterparts in other venues while White has done the same in micro sprints.
Gates at Lawton Speedway open at 6pm.
OCRS drivers meeting starts at 7pm
Motors are to ignite for hot laps at 7:30pm with racing firing off at 8:00pm.
NOTE: ALL OCRS participants are asked to arrive as early as possible and report to the OCRS trailer for your 2011 registration.
Track Phone: (580) 355-6417
Website: www.lawtonspeedway.com
Directions to Lawton Speedway:
Take Interstate 44 to Lee Blvd. Go west on Lee to Sheridan
Road. Turn south and go 1 1/2 miles.
From the south, exit Highway 36, Faxon exit; go North on Sheridan Road approx 5 miles.