By John Lemon
Tulsa Oklahoma (April 7, 2014) – After the Oil Capital Racing Series fell to leaking clouds at the Southern Oklahoma Speedway last weekend, the touring pack of ground pounding sprint cars will now have their 2014 season opener hosted by the brand new Longdale Speedway this Saturday night. The Longdale track is owned by businessman Jessie Hoskins who has tabbed former Enid Speedway staff members Jack Hammock and Martin Bond to handle the management of the facilities. Racing will begin at 6pm with hot laps firing off at 5:30pm.
Longdale Speedway has held just two events thus far in its freshman year. First up was an enduro program to book its first official race, and then a racing program was held with what will be their traditional classes of stock cars. Therefore, this week will be the first ever open-wheel event of any kind when the OCRS warriors take to the Longdale track. OCRS staff member John Rittenoure has been to the speedway and found the facility in a top ranked style. “When you approach the track, you get a feel you are at a high school football stadium,” said Rittenoure. The track did indeed acquire grandstands that were formerly used at a high school stadium while the lighting for the track is from Musco Lighting, a world renowned lighting company who’s headquarters are in Oskaloosa Iowa. Rittenoure, who attended the second event the track held, went on to say, “While brand new, you think the track staff has been together for awhile as everything is well organized and the show I attended was run very smoothly.”
“One things for certain,” says OCRS president Barry Grabel, “None of the sprint teams have any set up notes for Longdale so it will be a tactical chess match to see which teams can quickly figure out the right set up before their competitors do. OCRS is honored to not only be invited to perform at Longdale Speedway, but we also consider it an honor to be the first sanctioning body to deliver the first impression as to what the speedway can offer their fans for racing entertainment. Call it pressure if you like, but we accept the responsibility with the hopes OCRS and Longdale Speedway will be partners for years to come.”
A full field of 28 sprint cars had three of four heat races completed at the Southern Oklahoma Speedway last weekend when Mother Nature put a stop to the evenings proceedings. A quick survey of the teams indicate that same amount, if not more, will pack the pits at Longdale this Saturday. From the Internet, to the race shops and down to the office water cooler, the Longdale Speedway debut is being heavily discussed. Here is a quick “Track Fact” for this weekends sprint car show:
Track Schedule:
3:00p – Gates Open
5:00p – OCRS drivers meeting
5:30p – Track opens for hot laps
6:00p – Racing action begins
Track Location
1/4 mi South of Longdale Oklahoma on HWY 58