By Shawn Brouse
Port Royal – Port Royal Fairgrounds Speedway will honor late veteran Smokey Snellbaker in just over a week when it runs the Smokey Snellbaker Classic for 410 sprint cars as part of the 6th annual Keystone Cup Series on Thursday, May 24 at 7 pm.
The 30-lap feature will pay $5,000 to win and the super sportsman are also on the racing card for their only appearance of the 2012 season at the track.
Hall of Fame driver Snellbaker put up an illustrious career after starting his racing life in the mid 1960’s, first in sprint cars and then later in super sportsman cars.
Snellbaker won his first sprint race at Port Royal Speedway while driving Kenny Beck’s No. 14 on August 15, 1970 before going on to win some 54 more times at the track in the division. He currently ranks fifth on the oval’s all time win list.
The Dover driver went on to pilot for and win at the track in the Roy Morral No. 880, the Gary Wasson No. 5 and the Charlie Lloyd No. 56. He took Port Royal track titles in 1972, 1973 and 1974.
Also known and identified as the “Silver Fox” for his renown silvery white mane of hair, Snellbaker scored two super sportsman victories at Port Royal in his career while racing in the intensely competitive division.
Snellbaker passed away in October 2011, at the age of 73.
Special guest appearances are currently being slated for the program to commemorate Snellbaker’s prolific career at the track and across the nation. Other special promotions are also nearing completion and being readied for announcement.
Last years Keystone Cup race at Port Royal was rained out.
Adult General Admission for the May 24 Smokey Snellbaker Classic is set at $20 with students ages 12 – 18 admitted for just $5. Gates will open at 5 pm.
PRS 2012 – Racing into a new decade with a new attitude!
Port Royal Speedway
WWW.PORTROYALSPEEDWAY.COM