NIOTA, Tenn. (April 20) — The third race of the season for the recently-established Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman Tour is scheduled Sat., April 20, at I-75 Raceway in Niota, Tenn.
The $2,000-to-win event for 602 Chevrolet Performance Circle Track Engines-powered Late Models will be held in conjunction with a $4,000-to-win Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model contest on the same date at the high-banked, 3/8-mile oval.
Chase Giddens of Moultrie, Ga., will enter the weekend as the early-season points leader on the Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman Tour, and holds a 34-point edge over Logan Bradford [172-138], while Caleb Ashby [130], Jason Garver [100] and Richie Stephens [100] round out the top five.
The latter two competitors have each won a race on the fledgling circuit. Garver was the first winner in the history of the series after taking the checkered flag in the Late Model Sportsman Tour portion of the Southern Heritage Classic held March 30 at Needmore Speedway in Norman Park, Ga., while Stephens took the checkered flag April 6 in the series’ second-ever event at North Alabama Speedway in Tuscumbia, Ala.
Completing the top 10 in the points standings are Bubba Roling [96], Cruz Wallace [96], Jerry Reich [94], Dillard Hatchett [94] and Mikey Kopka [92].
Track and series officials have already moved the drivers’ meeting up to 5:45 p.m., and will rush the night’s program in part due to unpredictable weather forecasts. Pit gates open at 2:30 p.m., and grandstands at 3:30 p.m. Hot laps will start immediately after the drivers’ meeting.
Also in action on the night’s racing card are events for the following divisions: Hobby, FWD, B-Sportsman, Jr. FWD and Thunder.
Pit passes are $40 (adults), children (ages 6-11) are $20, and kids (five and under) are free. Tier parking is $25 (adults), $15 (children ages 6-11), and kids aged five and under are free. Grandstand admission is $15 (adults), $10 (children ages 6-11) and those aged five and under are free.
Article Credit: Brian McLeod