By Jim Hanks
HOLLY, Mich. (Sept. 22) – As BioBased.US Xtreme Sprint Series competitors begin the long trek to Bristol Motor Speedway, the TruFuel Xtreme Speed Classic looks to be a drama-filled afternoon. The event will take place this Saturday afternoon, Oct. 1.
With the 2011 XSS series championship at stake, a number of drivers hope to lay claim to the title. A forecast of mild weather will likely provide ideal conditions for a much anticipated assault on the Bristol speed record books. And fans will finally witness the high-speed open wheel competition long anticipated on the famed Bristol high-banked track.
No fewer than eight drivers still have a mathematical chance at the title, although the top three triumvirate of Troy DeCaire, Ryan Litt, and JoJo Helberg have the inside track going into Saturday. With a full points-paying program in play, the TruFuel Xtreme Speed Classic will ultimately decide the championship.
The seasonable temperatures will likely whet the appetite of a number of drivers gunning for the Bristol track record, established in March by XSS star Jason Blonde. Blonde’s mark of 13.245-seconds has been predicted to be eclipsed, but it remains to be seen if drivers can reach that blistering threshold.
The appearance of the powerful winged sprint cars on the historic Bristol oval has been long anticipated by short track fans from around the world, and Saturday will bring to fruition a long-held desire among many racers to try their hand at the famed speed plant. With more than 30 of the fastest short track cars in the world on hand, fans will be treated to a unique display of speed and competition.
The Xtreme Speed Classic will be televised on a tape-delayed basis, reaching over 90 million American households.
BIOBASED.US XTREME SPRINT SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Troy DeCaire, Tampa, Fla. 734
2. Ryan Litt, London, Ont., Canada 732
3. JoJo Helberg, Rohnert Park, Calif. 728
4. Jason Cox, Park City, Ill. 700
5. Aaron Pierce, Daleville, Ind. 677
6. Jeff Bloom, Bangor, Mich. 676
7. Jason Blonde, Litchfield, Mich. 654
8. Hank Lower, Angola, Ind. 645
9. Jimmy McCune, Toledo, Ohio 634
10. Kyle Flint, Litchfield, Mich. 610
For more information: www.mustseeracing.com – http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/