By Todd Fisher
Newberrytown, PA (March 26, 2012) – The Susquehanna Speedway Park will begin its pre-season with four open practice sessions for any type of racecar on the “Big Track” on Saturday, March 31; Wednesday, April 4; Saturday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 11. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with practice sessions rotating for each class from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The first Test & Tune for the “Outback Track” will be Saturday, April 7.
Drivers will have the opportunity to test the new configurations of the “Big Track” on Saturday, March 31. With the unseasonably warm weather, more than 25 loads of clay have been added to each turn. The banking of the turns have been drastically increased with the additional clay added. The straight-aways have also been lowered and appear flatter. The track has been returned towards the standards that from the 1970s/1980s in terms of banking in the turns.
During the season, SSP will also host Wednesday Night Test & Tune Sessions on April 25; May 9; May 23; May 30; June 13; June 27; July 25; August 8; August 22; September 5; September 19; October 3; October 17 and October 25. All Wednesday night practices will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The cost is $12.00 per person for pit passes and a $20.00 fee for each racecar entering the pit area ($32.00 per car & driver combination). Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with open track time from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. by class. Each session will be 6 – 8 laps per session. The grandstands are open free to the public. Each class will receive 4 to 5 rounds of 6/8 laps each or more if time permits. The fuel pumps from Miller’s Racing Parts will be open along with their parts trailer. The main concession stand will also be open throughout the night.
The 2012 season opener of Stock Car Saturday Night will be on Saturday, April 14, with the Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Mini Vans, Road Warriors and PENNMAR Vintage Cars. All point championships for each class starts on April 14. At the end of the season, SSP will crown twelve-(12) track champions in their respective classes (Late Models; Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Road Warriors, Mini Vans, Legends Cars, PENNMAR Vintage Cars – 2 classes, PA Sprint Series, Sidewinder Sprints, Super 410 Sprint Cars and 358 Sprint Cars). Track championships are based on classes with a minimum of three races per season.
The SSP track championship point season schedule features 20 point races for the Late Models and Street Stocks as well as 19 point races for the Xtreme Stock Cars not including their respective season ending special events. The popular entry level Road Warrior and Mini Van divisions will compete 18 each respectively. The Sidewinder Sprints, Legends Cars and PENNMAR Vintage Cars have four races each. The Women on Wheels Mini Vans (Saturday, May 12), XCEL 600 Modifieds (Saturday, August 4), Sportsman Modifieds (Saturday, October 27) and Lincoln Thundercars (Saturday, October 27) also make their way to SSP in 2012.
Open-wheel cars will make many appearances at York County’s stock car oval in Newberrytown. The Super 410 Sprint Cars and 358 Sprint Cars are double billed for three separate visits on Sunday, April 15 for the Sprint Car Spring Classic; Sunday, June 17 (Father’s Day) for the Sprint Car Summer Classic and Saturday, November 10 for the Final Showdown. The PA Sprint Series make three appearances on Saturday, April 21; Tuesday, June 3; Saturday, September 15 and Friday, September 21. Two special events for the 600cc Micro Sprints include events on Tuesday, July 3 and the Candy Bowl VIII on Saturday, October 27. The ARDC Wingless Midgets will have one date at the Newberry Township oval on October 27 (Candy Bowl VIII presented by J&K Salvage). The Super Sportsman Tour will have two dates at SSP with the Silver Springs Speedway Racer Reunion on Saturday, July 21 and in conjunction with the 7th Annual Susquehanna Showdown on Saturday, September 22.
On Saturday, April 14, the pit gates will open at 3:30 p.m. Grandstand gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Warm-ups begin at 5:30 p.m. with qualifying races at 6:00 p.m. followed by consolation races and feature events.
On Sunday night, April 15, the Super Sprint Cars will return to SSP for the Sprint Car Spring Classic. They 410 cubic inch powered cars will be joined by the 358 Sprint Cars. The pit gates will open 3:30 p.m. Grandstand gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Warm-ups begin at 5:30 p.m. with qualifying races at 6:00 p.m. followed by consolation races and feature events.
For the Super Sprint Cars, mufflers WILL NOT be required and an open tire rule on all four corners will be in place. The tire rule will be the same used at the regular local 358 Sprint Car tracks – (All right rear tires used must be a HOOSIER National Sprint Spec tire, size 105/18-15. Any SC compound tire is permitted). All other rules of the Central PA 358 Sprint Cars will prevail for this event. Mufflers are not required for the 358 Sprint Cars. Raceivers will be mandatory for all Sprint Cars. The pit gates will open 3:30 p.m. Grandstand gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Warmups begin at 5:30 p.m. and racing action at 6:00 p.m.
The Susquehanna Speedway Park is located midway between Harrisburg and York off I-83 to exit 32, then 1.4 miles NW on SR382 to York Road, then 1.3 miles south. For more information, contact the speedway offices at (717) 292-1696 or visit online at sspracing.net. On race day, use the track phone at (717) 938-9170 for up-to-date information at the “Big Track” and the “Outback Track.”
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Stock Car Saturday Night Season Opener Time Schedule
(Subject to Change)
3:30 p.m. Pit Gates Open: Pit Passes: Members – $22.00; Non members – $25.00
4:00 p.m. Grandstands Gates Open: General admission: Adults (18 & older) – $12.00; Seniors (60 &
older) & Young Adults (11–17) – $10.00; Children (10 & under) – Free
5:10 p.m. Driver’s Meeting (Turn 1 Pit Grandstands)
5:30 p.m. – 5:55 p.m. Track Prep Laps Begin (all divisions in the following order)
Rotation: Late Models
Street Stocks
PENNMAR Vintage Cars
Xtreme Stock Cars
Road Warriors
Mini Vans
6:00 p.m. Welcome, Invocation and National Anthem
Late Models Qualifying Heat Races (8 laps)
Street Stocks Qualifying Heat Races (8 laps)
Mini Vans Qualifying Heat Races (4 laps)
PENNMAR Vintage Cars Qualifying Heat Races (6 laps)
Road Warriors Qualifying Heat Races (4 laps)
Xtreme Stock Cars Qualifying Heat Races (6 laps)
Late Models Consolation Race (8/10 laps) – if necessary
Street Stocks Consolation Race (8/10 laps) – if necessary
Xtreme Stock Cars Consolation Race (6/8 laps) – if necessary
Mini Vans Feature (10/15 laps)
Late Models Feature (25 laps)
Street Stocks Feature (20 laps)
PENNMAR Vintage Cars Feature (12 laps)
Road Warriors Feature (15 laps)
Xtreme Stock Cars Feature (20 laps)
· Top Three Finishers are Required to be in Victory Lane after Every Feature – $200.00 Fine for Failure to Report.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sprint Car Spring Classic Time Schedule
(Subject to Change)
3:30 p.m. Pit Gates Open: Pit Passes: $25.00
4:00 p.m. Grandstands Gates Open: General admission: Adults (18 & older) – $18.00; Seniors (60 &
older) & Young Adults (11-17) – $15.00; Children (10 & under) – Free
5:00 p.m. Driver’s Meeting (Turn 1 Pit Grandstands)
5:30 p.m. – 5:55 p.m. Track Prep Laps Begin
Rotation: 358 Sprint Cars
Super Sprint Cars
6:00 p.m. Welcome, Invocation and National Anthem
358 Sprint Car Qualifying Heat Races (8 laps)
Super Sprint Car Qualifying Heat Races (10 laps)
358 Sprint Cars Consolation Race (8/10 laps) – if needed
Super Sprint Car Consolation Race (8/10 laps) – if needed
Super Sprint Car Feature (25 laps)
358 Sprint Car Feature (20 laps)
· Top Three Finishers are Required to be in Victory Lane after Every Feature – $200.00 Fine for Failure to Report.
– 2012 Schedule of Events at SSP –
(Schedule as of March 1, 2012 – Subject to Change)
March 31 (Sat.) Open Test & Tune Day for Any Division at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
April 4 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
April 7 (Sat.) Open Test & Tune Day for Any Division at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
April 11 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
April 14 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night Season Opener – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Road Warriors
Mini Vans & PENNMAR Vintage Cars (6:00 p.m.).
April 15 (Sun.) Sprint Car Spring Classic – Super (410) Sprint Cars and 358 Sprint Cars (6:00 p.m.) – Rain date: T.B.A.
April 21 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Road Warriors & PA Sprint
Series (6:00 p.m.)
April 25 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
April 28 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans & Road Warriors (6:00
p.m.)
May 5 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors &
Legends Cars (6:00 p.m.)
May 9 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
May 12 (Sat.) Steel Block Bandits Late Model Series – Late Models ($1,500-to-win), Street Stocks, Xtremes Stocks,
Sidewinder Sprints & Women on Wheels Mini Vans (6:00 p.m.)
May 19 (Sat.) 58th Anniversary Night / Oldtimer’s Reunion (York County Racing Club Night) – Late Models, Street
Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors & PENNMAR Vintage Cars (7:00 p.m. – note new start time)
May 23 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
May 26 (Sat.) 21a Memorial Day Championships – Late Models (21 laps: $1,000-to-win), Street Stocks (21 laps: $700-to-
win), Xtreme Stock Cars (21 laps: $500-to-win), Mini Vans, Road Warriors & Classic Cars (7:00 p.m.)
May 30 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
June 2 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors &
PENNMAR Vintage Cars (7:00 p.m.)
June 9 (Sat.) Members 1st FCU Kid’s Money Scramble – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars (Madison House
East Shootout), Mini Vans & Road Warriors (7:00 p.m.)
June 13 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
June 16 (Sat.) No Racing
June 17 (Sun.) Sprint Car Summer Classic – Super (410) Sprint Cars and 358 Sprint Cars (6:00 p.m.) – Rain date: T.B.A.
June 23 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars (Madison House East Shootout),
Mini Vans & Road Warriors (7:00 p.m.)
June 27 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
June 30 (Sat.) 7th Annual Summer Fun Championships – Late Models (30 laps), Street Stocks (25 laps), Xtreme Stocks &
Road Warriors plus SSP Outback Track Spring Season Awards Presentation (7:00 p.m.)
July 3 (Tue.) Eichelberger’s U-Pull-It Super Show VII – 600cc Micro Sprint/Sidewinder Sprint Challenge Race, PA Sprint
Series, Classic Cars, Legends Cars & Mini Vans (7:00 p.m.)
July 4 (Wed.) – July 19 (Thurs.): Track Closed (Summer Pit Stop / Vacation Break) – NO RACING
July 21 (Sat.) Silver Springs Speedway Racer Reunion – Late Models, Street Stocks, Super Sportsman Tour & EMMR
Vintage Car Exhibition (7:00 p.m.)
July 25 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
July 28 (Sat.) Christmas in July with Santa Claus Visit & Summertime Snowball Fight – Late Models, Street Stocks,
Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors & Sidewinder Sprints (7:00 p.m.)
August 4 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors & Xcel
600 Modifieds Heritage Cup Race (7:00 p.m.)
August 8 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
August 11 (Sat.) Kid’s Box Car Races – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans & Road Warriors (7:00 p.m.)
August 18 (Sat.) Camera & Autograph Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans & Road Warriors (7:00
p.m.)
August 22 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
August 25 (Sat.) Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown Night (ARCH) – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Van,
Road Warriors and PENNMAR Vintage Cars (7:00 p.m.)
September 1 (Sat.) 12th Annual York County Nationals/Steel Block Bandits Late Model Series – Late Models (32 laps –
$1,500-to-win), Street Stocks (25 laps), Xtreme Stock Cars (7:00 p.m.)
September 5 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00
p.m.) and the Outback Track (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
September 8 (Sat.) Stock Car Saturday Night – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stocks, Mini Vans, Road Warriors &
EMMR Vintage Car Exhibition – (6:00 p.m. – note new start time)
September 15 (Sat.) SSP Track Championship Night – Late Models (25 laps), Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Road
Warriors & PA Sprint Series plus SSP Outback Track Summer Season Awards Presentation (6:00
p.m.)
September 19 (Wed.) Wednesday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00
p.m.)
September 21 (Fri.) 7th Annual Susquehanna Showdown Qualifying Night for Late Models and 305 Sprint Cars
(7:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Saturday, September 22 (Championship Night will move to Sunday,
September 23).
September 22 (Sat.) 7th Annual Susquehanna Showdown – Late Models (50 laps), Super Sportsman Tour & Classic Cars
(6:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Sunday, September 23.
October 3 (Wed.) Wed. Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
October 17 (Wed.) Wed. Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
October 19 (Fri.) 9th Annual Miller’s Racing Parts Fall Classic Qualifying Night – Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars &
Classic Cars (7:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Saturday, October 20 (Championship Night will move to Sun., October 21)
October 20 (Sat.) 9th Annual Miller’s Racing Parts Fall Classic Championship Night – Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars
and Four Cylinder Stock Cars (6:00 p.m.) – Rain date: Sunday, October 21.
October 25 (Thurs.) Thursday Night Test & Tune Session at Big Track (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00
p.m.)
October 27 (Sat.) Candy Bowl VIII presented by J&K Salvage – ARDC Wingless Midgets, 600cc Micro Sprints/Sidewinder
Sprints Challenge Race, Sportsman Modifieds, Legends Cars, Thundercars & Mini Vans (2:00 p.m.) – Raindate: Sunday, October 28.
November 3 (Sat.) 9th Annual Turkey 200 Enduro – Big Car Enduro (100 laps) & 4/6 Cylinder Small Car Enduro (100
laps) plus Classic Cars & Mini Vans (1:00 p.m.); Rain date: Sunday, November 4.
November 10 (Sat.) The Final Showdown – Super (410) Sprint Car Finale & 358 Sprint Cars (2:00 p.m.) – Rain date:
Sunday, November 11.
2011 Wednesday Night Open Test & Tune Sessions
(Any divisions of racing welcome)
Big Track Only: March 31 (Sat.) & April 4
April 7(Sat.), April 11 & April 25
May 9, May 23 & May 30
June 13 & June 27
July 25
August 8 & August 22
September 5
Big Track Only: September 19, October 3, October 17 & October 25 (Thur.)
Big Track – Gates open 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Outback Track on Wednesdays (Gates open 5:30 p.m.; Practice 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
– Special Pricing for 2012 Regular Season Pit Pass Cards – For the fifth straight year, in order to help weekly supporters, SSP has announced that season pit pass cards for all automobile race events at the “Big Track” from April 14 through September 15 (23 events) are on sale for just $325.00 (a retail value of more than $575). Persons interested in purchasing this special offer are encouraged to contact the speedway at (717) 292-1696 or email sspracing@hotmail.com as soon as possible to be added to the list of those who want the special pricing that is offered on a limited basis. Payment is required within 30 days of placing your name on the list of notifying the speedway for the annual pit passes. The pass is not valid for events at the “Outback Track” or for the Test & Tune Sessions held throughout the season. This offer will end on March 1, 2012 and all passes must be paid in full by March 1 regardless of the order date.
– 2012 Grandstand Season Passes – Are available for only $200.00 (adults ages 18-59); $175.00 (young adults ages 11-17 & seniors 60 and older) for all events (30 event nights) at the “Big Track” for the entire 2012 season (expires 12/31/12).
– Track Rental for the “Big Track” and the “Outback Track” – The “Big track” and the “Outback track” are available for rent beginning March 1, 2012. The “Big Track” rental fee is $1,400.00 for 4 hours and may be split between a maximum of five-(5) drivers/teams. Only one car is permitted on the track at a time. If an ambulance is requested, it is an additional $75.00 per hour. For nighttime rentals at the “Big Track”, an additional $100.00 per hour will be charged for lights. There will be a $200.00 discount if the Big Track is reserved before February 15, 2012 for any date after March 1. A $200.00 deposit is also required to receive the discount.
The rental price for the “Outback Track” is $400.00 for 4 hours during the day /$500.00 at night and may be split between a maximum of five-(5) drivers/teams. To reserve either track, please call 717-292-1696.
– Free Pit Passes for all Non-Qualifiers in 2012 – Any non-qualifier who starts a qualifying heat race and fails to qualify for the feature in the Late Model, Street Stock, Xtreme Stock Cars, Legends Cars, Mini Vans and Road Warriors divisions during the regular season point events will receive a complimentary pit pass for the driver for the following week during the regular season from April 14 though September 15. The driver must possess a full annual SSP license in order to be eligible for the complimentary pit pass and pass is not transferable to another driver or to another week beyond the following week.
– 2012 SSP Rules Now Posted on Website – The 2012 SSP Rules for the Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars, Mini Vans and Road Warriors divisions will be posted at www.sspracing.net by Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
– Repeat Fan Discount Continues for 2012 – The popular “Repeat Fan Discount” program will continue at SSP in 2012. There is a $2.00 repeat fan discount for each person with a ticket stub from races during the previous week’s events completed only. Returning fans are encouraged to write their name, address and phone number on the back of the stub to be entered into special drawings during and at the end of the season for great prizes. The Repeat Fan Discount is not valid for pit pass purchases.
Ticket Stubs from the Saturday, November 12, 2011 Final Showdown race may be use for the first racing weekend on April 14 or April 15.
– SSP Continues Hometown Heroes Program for 2012 – For the upcoming season, the Susquehanna Speedway Park will also continue its popular fan program called “Hometown Heroes.” On selected nights throughout the 2012 season, the Hometown Heroes Program recognizes drivers from particular cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Before the races begin, the drivers have the opportunity to display their cars and meet the fans at the front gate of the speedway. The drivers will also be interviewed during the night’s racing program. Also, all fans entering the speedway from that driver’s hometown being honored will be admitted FREE to the grandstands by showing proper photo identification at the ticket booth. More details with dates and towns will be released in March of 2012.