By Shawn Brouse
Port Royal – Whether you are a casual sprint car fan or an aficionado, you can’t miss the upcoming “Living Legends” Dream Race 5 at Port Royal Speedway on August 6!
The annual prestigious event will honor two of the most prolific careers and men in the history of Port Royal speedway when it pays homage to all-time winningest driver Keith Kauffman and retired car owner Walt Dyer, whose iconic No. 461 will live forever in the hearts and minds of racers and fans from across the globe.
And on this one night, a host of the people that helped make Kauffman and Dyer great will gather to celebrate.
Confirming their attendance for the event that will include an autograph session with the men beginning at 5 PM on August 6 are numerous previous Kauffman car owners and Dyer drivers.
Already on the list to appear as Dyer drivers with more in the offing are his first three pilots, John Ebersole, Don Hill and Bob Elbin. Dyer began his ownership career in 1967.
Also planning to attend is Jim Sheaffer, who took Dyer’s first Port Royal checkers in April 1975. The final driver to win for Dyer at Port, Mike Wagner in 1999, will also appear and compete in the event.
Others on the list of driver attendees for Dyer at this point include Steve Siegel, Scott Tobias, Johnny Grum, Tom Stimely, Van May, Joey Gravino, Len Thompson and Lance Dewease.
Dewease gave Dyer nearly 130 wins overall during his near decade-long career in the car in the 1990s including 57 at Port Royal alone.
Dewease announced last week that he will race a No. 461 at the event in honor of his former owner.
Steve Siegel’s son Jim will compete in the Dream Race aboard his No. 59 machine.
Planning to appear for Kauffman, who is also a Dyer driver in his career, will be several former car owners with still more arranging schedules in an effort to make it to the event.
Slated to appear is Al Hamilton, whose likewise iconic No. 77 sprint was driven by Kauffman to Port titles in 1984 and 1985.
Hamilton currently sponsors the Don Ott No. 77 Hamilton Motorsports machine that will be on hand to compete in the Dream Race, driven by Aaron Ott.
Dave Middleswarth, owner of Kauffman’s No. 7 for track titles in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2007, has also confirmed his intention to honor Kauffman.
Kauffman piloted the Boop’s Aluminum Special No. 1 as a substitute for Lynn Paxton in the early 1980’s and Maynard Boop will be on hand as well for the special night along with LPS Racers car owner Rick Woelfling who KK piloted for in his career.
Paxton too will take part in the event, having been a mentor to Kauffman in the Hamilton No. 77 stables before Kauffman took over as primary driver in the 1980s.
The 2011 “Living Legends” Dream Race 5 will pay at least $12,000 to win and go 40-laps in distance with time trials, heats and a dash determining staring lineups.
The total one-night payout boasts of $50,000 including $300 to wins heats and the dash and at least $700 for fast time and a full B Main purse as well.
Adult general admission for the event will be $27.00 with students ages 12 – 17 admitted for just $10.00.
PRS 2011 – Racing into a new decade with a new attitude!
Port Royal Speedway
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