Ryan Ruhl is looking for a 410 sprint car ride for the 2016 season. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)
Ryan Ruhl is looking for a 410 sprint car ride for the 2016 season. (T.J. Buffenbarger Photo)By T.J. Buffenbarger
Silly season is already in high gear towards the end of 2015 in preparation for next season. So far there has been plenty of series, track, and event news released. This week the race teams got into the action with the latest pair being Joey Saldana and Ryan Ruhl.
Motter Motorsports released a statement on Wednesday stating they were looking for marketing partners to continue in 2016. Motter Motorsports owner Dan Motter cited a downturn in the mining industry that has impacted his business, which funds a large part of the Motter Motorsports operation. Motter is continuing to search for partners to help them continue next year.
The same day local standout Ryan Ruhl announced that Dale Motorsports would be going in a different direction in 2016, leaving Ruhl without a 410 sprint car to drive. Ruhl has his own 360 team, but drove for the Dale family since the end of 2014 and did a full slate of 410 racing this season. Ruhl is looking for 410 options in 2016 while Dale Motorsports’ plans for 2016 should be announced shortly.
The 2015 Short Track Nationals have taken an unusual turn with the Wednesday program being rained out, the Saturday program being postponed until next Spring, and two $3,000 to win programs slated for Thursday and Friday. This has to be one of the most unusual situations involving weather and a major event in recent memory. As of now Thursday and Friday’s forecast still looks good for what remains of the 2016 STN.
D.J. Lamance reached out to us today with an update on his recovery from a crash at I-96 Speedway this summer. Lamance starts physical therapy this week and is already thinking about preparing a car for a return to the driver’s seat next season. Like many other teams in the Michigan area that race on dirt Lamance is still pondering his options on where to race in 2016.
For fans heading down to the World Finals in Charlotte next week Bad Boy Buggies, Tony Stewart Racing, and the Nichols Store are hosting an event November 4th featuring Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz. Plenty of events are surrounding the appearance including test drives of various Bad Boy Buggies. Fans can head over to the store directly or catch a charter bus from the pit sign in building at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 4:30 PM.
Ryan Smith has been making some headlines in Pennsylvania this week. Jeremy Elliott has more on Smith including his plans for 2016 will likely mirror what Brent Marks did this past season, the Warko Racing Team fielding a second car at the World Finals for Brock Zearfoss, and how Smith is returning to the Warko owned team again for next season. Elliott also has a podcast featuring Port Royal World of Outlaws winner Brad Sweet and Port Royal promoter Steve O’Neal to go with the Smith news. Elliott also had Port Royal winner Brad Sweet and Steve O’Neal from Port Royal Speedway on his podcast.
