From Aaron Fry
The Mo Vaughn Transport / Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series (BOSS) is set for its first ever trip into the Ohio Valley region this weekend. The touring traditional wingless sprint cars will be making history as they will do battle at the Legendary Hilltop Speedway in Marietta, Ohio on Friday night, then move on to Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, West Virginia for a Saturday showdown. Series officials expect drivers from 6 states with numerous track and series championships among them.
Friday night’s event at Legendary Hilltop will mark the first sprint car event since the track roared back to life in June of 2012 after sitting dormant for nearly 15 years. The facility first opened in the sixties and played host to many sprint car events and was the home track of the Dickson family from Marietta that produced 3 time USAC National non wing champion Larry Dickson. The last few sprint events at Hilltop were in the early 80’s and featured winged cars. Since reopening under the name Legendary Hilltop, the track has seen phenomenal growth with near capacity grandstands every Friday night.
On Saturday, the tour will bring wingless sprint car racing to the Mountaineer state for the first time since 1969 when they tackle the bullring quarter mile at the Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, West Virginia. First opened in 1974, the fairgrounds oval has seen some very large late model events including the famous Hillbilly 100. The only sprint car events in the past were winged shows. International Raceway Park in Ona, West Virginia hosted a USAC sprint event on pavement on July 4th, 1969 when Lenny Waldo won the 30 lap main event defeating Lee Kunzman and Al Smith. Waldo’s win was also a historical first as it was the first ever sanctioned sprint car win for a stock block Ford engine.
“The Magic Man” Mike Miller of Wapakoneta, Ohio is the defending BOSS champion and current points leader. He will lead the BOSS warriors into battle with inaugural series champion “The Hustlin Hoosier” Dustin Smith of Russiaville, Indiana just 62 points behind. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame – National Sprint car non wing rookie of the year, 16 year old Cooper Clouse from Ohio City, Ohio sits 3rd in the early points standings with defending Lawrenceburg (Indiana) Speedway track champion Shawn Westerfeld of West Harrison, Indiana sitting a close 4th. Polk, Ohio’s Aaron “Mid Air” Middaugh is seeing one of his best season starts and rounds out the top 5.
Other Ohio drivers include Justin Owen, Chad Wilson, Kent Wolters, Michael Fischesser, Cody Gardner, Kirk Jeffries, Steve Little, Scott Hardman, Andy Fike and Chuck Wilson. Representing the keystone state of Pennsylvania will be the always exciting “Evans City Earthmover” Brandon Spithaler along with Bob McMillin and Joe Butera. Throw in Josh turner from Michigan and “Joltin” Joe Liguori from Tampa, Florida along with some other drivers rumored to be dropping in on the traveling regulars.
Gates will open on Friday at 4 pm with drivers meeting at 6:45. Pill draw will also close at 6:45. General admission will be $15 for adults and pit passes will be $30. Methanol fuel will be available at the track for teams. On Saturday at Tyler County Speedway, gates will open at 4 pm with the drivers meeting at 6:15 and hot laps at 6:30. Racing will begin at 7:30. General admission will be $15 at Tyler with pit passes at $35 per person. No mufflers are required either night. Raceceivers are mandatory and transponders will be free of charge courtesy of Tony Boetcher and 35 Raceway Park.
The Red Roof Inn and the Best Western Plus in Marietta are the official hotels of the weekend. Be sure to mention the “BOSS Racers at Hilltop” to get the special rate of $59 per night. Fans are welcome to use the racers rate as well. The Red Roof Inn can be reached at 740-336-7866. The Best Western Plus is at 740-374-9660. Both hotels are located on Pike Street in Marietta.