By Mike Leone
(Strongstown, PA)…One of the region’s most highly-anticipated events last season was the inaugural appearance by the “410” Sprint Cars at Dog Hollow Speedway. The fans turned out in droves as the standing-room-only crowd watched Rod George win the non-stop thriller. This year, due to the overwhelming support, Dog Hollow has scheduled two “410” Sprint Car events with the first on Sunday, July 15 followed by a second show on Sunday, August 19!
Track owner Jim Michny has also increased the payoff from last year’s $2,500 to-win, $200 to-start purse to $3,000 to-win, $300 to-start for each 30-lap event! Non-qualifiers/tow money has again been set at $100. The first show will again be in conjunction with the second annual “Connor Bobik Memorial” event presented by Townsend Gas & Oil, which will carry a rain date of the following Sunday (July 22).
Also on this blockbuster card will be the ULMS Super Late Models for $4,000 to-win and the FASTRAK Late Models for $1,000 to-win. Last year, over $2,500 was raised for Make-A-Wish as part of the Bobik Memorial Chinese Auction.
Dog Hollow Speedway has carved its presence over the past 14 years with the nation’s other headliner- the Super Late Models. Many of the region’s best have campaigned weekly at the 4/10-mile oval such as Dave Satterlee, Mike Blose, Sammy Stile, Rodney Phillips and others. Dog Hollow also added the FASTRAK Late Models in 2007 and the track has experienced great success with some of the nation’s highest weekly car counts over that period.
And while the Late Models certainly won’t be put on the backburner with $4,000 on the line for the Supers and $1,000 for the FASTRAK, it’ll be the Sprints again which will make this event so unique. Those same “410” Sprint Cars and their racers that have a rich history running weekly at Lernerville Speedway and Mercer Raceway Park, will convene on the always smooth and racey Dog Hollow oval.
Dog Hollow fans have actually gotten to see Sprint Cars on their weekly program as the RaceSaver “305s” were added to the card this season. The division has been a success with as high 20 cars at the Friday, June 8 event.
At last year’s “410” event, Rod George charged from the eighth starting spot to pass central Pa. invader Bob Howard on lap 19 and went on for the popular victory. George was one of the “nearby” racers, who calls Kittanning home, and was shod on American Racer tires as was fellow Kittanning ace Kevin Schaeffer, who finished third. New Jersey’s Jeff Taylor, who has been competing at Dog Hollow some this season with his “305” finished fourth over Andy McKisson.
Danny Holtgraver, who has been fast wherever he’s raced at this year, finished a disappointing seventh and Australian invader, was unable to start the main yielding his third place starting spot after his throttle linkage broke. Perovich had made the six-hour tow back from the “Kings Royal” at Eldora Speedway to compete.
An open tire rule will again be in effect for the “410” events. Mufflers will not be required. There is no weight rule. RACEceievers are required. A drivers meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m. with pill cutoff after. Hot laps are slated for 7 p.m. with racing at 7:30. There is no entry fee for the Sprints. Stay tuned for more information or call Mike Leone at 724-967-2363 724-967-2363 .
Dog Hollow Speedway is a 4/10-mile dirt track located 3.5 miles north of Route 422 in Strongstown, PA at 76 Hamill Road, Northern Cambria, PA 15714. For more information on Dog Hollow, check out their website at www.dog-hollow.net or call 814-948-4252 814-948-4252 . The track number on race day is 814-948-6812 814-948-6812 .