By Shawn Brouse
Port Royal – Port Royal Fairgrounds Speedway will host the 22nd annual PA Speedweek series for sprint cars this Saturday, July 7 at 7:30 pm.
The super late models will also be on the twin bill card that promises to be one of the highlights of the season.
The sprint cars will compete in a 30-lap main event paying $5,000 to win with the late models going in a regular 20-lap feature.
Last season, in a two-night speedweek stand at the track, Thomasville’s Greg Hodnett took the Thursday night win while Justin Henderson scored on Saturday.
Port Royal first took part in the speedweek series in 1997 only to lose the show to rain.
Since then, no driver has put up the numbers in speedweek at Port Royal like the ovals all-time win leader, Keith Kauffman of Mifflintown.
Kauffman scored popular wins in the event in 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2007 while driving the Middleswarth Potato Chips No. 7 machine.
To go along with his four wins, Kauffman has also driven to a second and a pair of fifth place finishes in speedweek action at the track.
Three other drivers have put up impressive Port Royal speedweek numbers over the years.
A Port speedweek winner in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Greg Hodnett of Thomasville also has two thirds and two fourths to go along with his victories.
Lance Dewease took a win in 1999 and has since garnered four runner-ups, a third and a fourth place finish.
Fred Rahmer won in 2006 while also having three thirds, two fourths and a trio of fifths.
As car owners go, Middleswarth likewise has the most Port Royal speedweek wins while retired car owners Jim and Sandy Kline own three comprised of Rahmer and Hodnett’s wins.
Adult General Admission for the shows is $20.00 with students ages 12- 18 admitted for just $5.00.
Previous Port Royal PA Speedweek feature winners: Jeff Shepard, 1998; Lance Dewease, 1999; Don Kreitz Jr, 2000; Keith Kauffman, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007; Mark Smith, 2003; Todd Shaffer, 2005; Fred Rahmer, 2006; Cody Darrah, 2008; Greg Hodnett, 2009, 2010, 2011; Justin Henderson, 2011.
Port Royal returns to action on July 14 with its annual huge Kids Night event featuring hundreds of free prize giveaways for youth as well as big wheel and bicycle racing for kids ages 12 and under.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Juniata Valley will co-promote the event in an effort to broaden the awareness of the need for Bigs in the valley.
BB/BS will offer information about how to become a big as well as offer raffle tickets for many kids prizes.
Bike races will be held on the speedway frontstretch with age groups including 0 – 4, 5 – 8 and 9 – 12.
The Aumillers Insurance 410 sprints, AB Auto Glass late models and Millers Auto Parts pro stocks are on the July 14 racing card.
The night of racing will be highlighted by an extra-distance Late Model Championship event that will offer and increased purse.
Sponsors of youth activities and giveaways on Kids Night, July 14 include: Barne’s Body Shop, Miller Gentry CPA, Dr. William Crim, Zimmerman Truck Lines, Ben’s Taxidermy, Frontz Hardwood Flooring, Cory Snook, DA., Cocolamus Creek Disposal, Impression’s Printing, Johnston and Zagurskie, PC., Energex American, Inc., AB Auto Glass, The Juniata Valley Bank, Berry’s Personal Care Center, Rickenbaugh Building Supply, Carol’s Notary Service, McWilliams Well Drilling, Gridiron Pub and driver Fred Rahmer.
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