Friday night racing is set to return to the Richmond area and jumpstart a bold new vision for Southside Speedway.

At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority has finalized a 20-year ground lease-to-purchase agreement for Southside Speedway. As part of the deal, investor group Competitive Racing Investments — led by Chesterfield native Lin O’Neill and business leader Jeff Oakley — has committed to revitalizing the track and restoring auto racing to the area.

“We recognize Southside Speedway’s importance to many of our residents and its uniqueness as a historic venue that has helped shape the careers of many racing greats,” said Jim Ingle, chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors (Bermuda District). “We are doing what local government can to give Competitive Racing Investments every opportunity to successfully reopen and operate the track.”

Oakley and O’Neill have both had long and distinguished competitive racing careers and were, for many years, rivals on the track. Additional CRI investors include area business leaders Scott Banton and Josh Lief.

“As one of the many people who grew up on Friday nights at Southside Speedway, the track holds a special place in my heart,” O’Neill said. “Yesterday Jeff and I were rivals, and today we are business partners who want to see our hometown racetrack thrive for years to come.”

Oakley serves as manager and chairman of CRI, and O’Neill is president of racetrack operations for an affiliated operating entity. In these capacities, Oakley will oversee property development and O’Neill will serve as track promoter and operations manager.

“It’s an honor for our group to be entrusted by Chesterfield County to bring racing back,” Oakley said. “This project is about honoring Southside Speedway’s past while securing its future. We are going to make sure Southside Speedway doesn’t only come back but evolves into the iconic Friday night racing venue.”

Prime Video unveiled the final pieces of a decorated announce team for its inaugural season of NASCAR Cup Series coverage, introducing newly-minted Hall of Fame driver Carl Edwards, Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne, and experienced pit reporters Kim Coon and Marty Snider. The expanded lineup brings together a host of familiar faces for racing fans, as an exclusive, five-race package of NASCAR action debuts with the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.

Edwards joins host Danielle Trotta, along with third-generation racer and analyst Corey LaJoie, as an analyst for Prime Video’s pre- and post-race studio show. Bayne, Coon, and Snider will patrol pit road, complementing the broadcast booth team of seasoned race caller Adam Alexander, NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Carl, Trevor, Kim, and Marty to our NASCAR on Prime Video team,” said Alex Strand, Sr. coordinating producer at Prime Video. “Carl’s Hall-of-Fame career, combined with the extensive experience of Trevor, Kim, and Marty, bring an unparalleled authenticity to our coverage. Their deep knowledge and genuine passion will resonate with fans and elevate the NASCAR viewing experience. We look forward to showcasing our entire announce team when we debut in just a few short months.”

Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, Carl Edwards brings his enthusiasm for racing to Prime Video’s inaugural season of coverage. His impressive resume in NASCAR’s top series includes 28 Cup victories, 124 top-5s, 220 top-10s, and 22 poles. He was runner-up for a NASCAR Championship twice, including the closest finish in NASCAR history, losing by a tiebreaker in 2011. Just last month, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Trevor Bayne boasts an impressive racing pedigree. In 2011, he made history as the youngest driver ever to win the Daytona 500, claiming victory just one day after his 20th birthday. Throughout his career, Bayne competed across NASCAR’s top series, starting 187 Cup Series races, 164 Xfinity Series races, and 9 Craftsman Truck Series races. His record includes 3 wins, 99 top-5s, and 9 poles across these circuits. In addition to his upcoming NASCAR on Prime Video role, Bayne currently coaches Truck Series drivers for Tricon Garage, Xfinity Series drivers for Joe Gibbs Racing, and works as an analyst for the ARCA Menards Series on FOX Sports.

Kim Coon joins Prime Video with extensive NASCAR broadcasting experience. Currently a pit reporter for NBC Sports and CW Sports, Coon also co-hosted NASCAR’s popular Glass Case of Emotion podcast alongside driver Ryan Blaney and Chuck Bush. Her notable resume includes a decade as a pit reporter with Motor Racing Network (MRN), and a stint as part of the morning news broadcast team at WCCB in Charlotte, N.C. Additionally, Coon regularly hosts digital programs and live events for NASCAR, further deepening her connection to the sport and its fans.

Veteran broadcaster Marty Snider brings decades of experience to Prime Video, serving as a pit reporter for NBC Sports’ NASCAR Cup, Xfinity Series, and INDYCAR coverage, as well as handling pre- and post-race duties for NASCAR studio programming. His versatile career spans a wide range of sports, including assignments for Football Night in America, the Olympics, the NBA, Professional Bull Riding, off-road racing, and open-wheel racing. Snider’s talents extend beyond reporting, as he co-produced HBO’s Emmy Award-winning series 24/7 featuring Jimmie Johnson and co-hosted The Morning Drive on Sirius XM’s NASCAR Radio. His excellence in broadcasting has been recognized with six network Emmy awards and NASCAR.com’s “Pit Reporter of the Year” honor in 2007.

Starting in May, Prime Video will exclusively stream five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races to conclude the first half of the season. In addition, Prime Video will present exclusive coverage of practice and qualifying for almost the entire first half of the NASCAR season, (excluding the NASCAR All-Star Race). Fans in the U.S. will be able to watch NASCAR live at home or on the go, and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web, or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles, and connected TVs. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit amazon.com/howtostream.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, Takuma Sato, will return to the team for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. AMADA AMERICA, Inc., a leading global machine tool manufacturer and supplier in the sheet metal industry, will again be the primary sponsor for 2017 and 2020 Indy 500 winner Sato’s No. 75 Honda-powered entry in the May 25 event as they were in 2024.

Sato competed for RLL in 2012 and from 2018-2021 as well as last year’s Indy 500 with primary sponsorship from AMADA. He has earned six NTT INDYCAR SERIES wins, four of which have come with RLL, including the team’s second Indy 500 win in 2020. Sato competed in oval races with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 and returned to RLL in 2024 for the Indy 500. He set the second fastest qualifying speed of Honda-powered drivers in 2024, his 15th time to participate in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and sixth with RLL.

 The team's relationship with AMADA goes back to 2023 when the manufacturer was the primary sponsor of the team's No. 30 entry at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park on April 30, 2023. In addition to being the primary sponsor of Sato’s entry in the 2024 Indianapolis 500, they were also a major associate sponsor of the team’s No. 30 entry at the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, near their Buena Park, Calif. Headquarters and primary sponsor at Portland.

Sato, a native of Tokyo, Japan, has made 221 starts in the INDYCAR SERIES since his rookie season in 2010, which is seventh among active drivers and 22nd all-time. His Indy car highlights include wins in the 2017 and 2020 Indianapolis 500, 2013 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, 2018 Portland Grand Prix, 2019 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and Bommarito 500 at WWT Raceway, with four of the six coming with RLL. Of his 14 podium finishes to date, 10 have come with RLL as have three of his 10 Indy car poles. Prior to joining the INDYCAR SERIES, he competed in 90 Formula One races between 2002-2008 with his highest finish of third at the 2004 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

 The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 2 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the 21st Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. North America’s premier open-wheel series will crisscross the United States, including a stop for the 109th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, before culminating in Nashville for the championship finale Sunday, August 31. All on-track action can be seen live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network. For more information about the series or team, visit www.indycar.com and www.rahal.com.

It’s a Racers Swap Meet. It’s a Flea Market. It’s a Yard Sale. It’s a Food Truck Fare. It’s race car rides. It’s race cars practicing. It’s a community-wide event and more!

As part of the April 12-13 Opening Weekend at Evergreen Raceway the track will be offering anyone who has something to sell or trade the opportunity to do so throughout the day.

On Saturday, April 12, starting at 11:00 am. interested parties can obtain a vending spot and bring anything to market or trade, be it racing items or domestic/household items.

The day-long affair will be held in conjunction with the first ever Evergreen Raceway Food Truck Fare. A number of area and regional Food Truck vendors have signed up to bring their delicacies to not just the fans of Evergreen but the entire area who are invited to come out and entice their taste buds with the many different offerings that will be available.  

And in between all the buying, selling and eating, folks will be able to get on track with the Evergreen Raceway Circle Track Driving Experience. This is a choice to either drive or ride in authentic stock cars, which include a Modified or Late Model.

All Circle Track Driving Experience rides are by appointment only. To drive the Modified, it is $15 per lap while the Late Model is $10 per lap. For those wishing to do the Ride-along the cost is $50 and is for a designated set number of laps. 

Anyone interested in obtaining a vendor spot – which is $25 – or inquire about the Circle Track Driving Experience, should contact Jason Makarewicz at 570-956-6347.

Also, in advance of Sunday’s Opening Day 2025, the track will hold an open practice for any drivers and their race cars that would like to get in a final tune-up session prior to the big opening day.

Anyone wishing to practice can do so at $25 per car.

There is free admission throughout the day Saturday to come out and enjoy all of the activities. 

Evergreen Raceway kicks off weekly racing with Winter Thaw presented by Foley Action Track USA Opening Day on Sunday afternoon, April 13. All PRO SpeedSTRs, 602 Crate Modifieds, Street Stocks, Slingshots and Four Cylinders will be on the card. Race time is 2:00 pm.

Evergreen Raceway, a 1/3-mile paved oval in St. Johns, Butler Township, Luzerne County, hosts motorsports events from February to November, making it a top entertainment choice in Northeast Pennsylvania.

For complete up to date news and information please log onto the official Evergreen Raceway website at https://www.evergreenracewaypark.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/evergreenraceway

Introduced in 2023, the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman Division at Big Diamond Speedway has shown to be everything it was intended, a class to help nurture young talent while using it as a steppingstone in order to advance into the upper levels of their dirt Modified careers. 

And in the two years that the class has been running, it has indeed done just that as seen by how well these up-and-coning racers have demonstrated their abilities each time they step onto the track.

The concept for the Rookie class was the brainchild of Big Diamond Speedway Race Director Kasea Bauscher.

“I think it’s going really well, and it’s turned into something good and with a lot of positive feedback from, parents, from car owners, from other drivers and we kind of capitalized on that. The driving age for big cars is getting younger and younger and for the format that we utilize we don't force them to all graduate in two months, we allow them to progress at their own rate,” said Bauscher.

“Obviously, if they hit a certain number of wins, then have to move up and it hasn't really been a bad thing, but some are developing it longer than others and are moving up pretty quick and they're able to compete at the regular crate level.”

Before the rookie class came along, would-be drivers had no other choice but to go out and compete with a bevy of veteran racers which in turn could be very inauspicious. However, under the format these drivers race against their contemporaries and are clearly more comfortable in doing so. They practice as a group and race together all with the focus of getting their footing for bigger and better things to come.   

“You look at other sports and I'll use baseball, for example where you can go to a batting cage and can practice by yourself. In racing, it's kind of hard to do that unless you're renting a track privately or as some tracks offer test sessions, but you can still be out there with others that are at a completely different level,” said Bauscher.

“And where do you really get practice in a big car and if you're coming from a go-kart or from a Slingshot or a Micro (Sprint), these big cars are completely different and where can you hone your craft at the entry level and this is kind of built for that,” he continued.

“We've now enabled that where someone at that level at that time can go into our rookie class and learn and maybe not be up to speed per say but they will get comfortable in the car and know how to control it and not be in fear of wrecking someone else's car or injuring someone, or being in someone's way, so this is the fit for that.”

The Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman class does not run heats rather a 15-lap feature only. There are no points kept, and they draw for starting spots apart from the previous week’s winner who will start at the rear for the upcoming race. After earning four wins drivers must then move on.

“We run our features 15 laps which is almost double of what other tracks do plus we also pay them and that helps them too,” added Bauscher.

There is also a sponsor for the division coming from long-time track and respected race supporter Butz Getz and Big Creek Concrete of Kunkletown. His daughter, Danica, has raced with the rookie class and made history as well when on the final day for the division in 2023, she became the first female to win a Modified feature at Big Diamond. Matter of fact the top three of Brittany Edgar and McKenzi Smith made a sweep for lady racers, another first.

“Butch (Getz) is a good guy and he's involved in it as an ownership perspective but he’s also a parent and to be in his position of both and to be able to contribute to what we are doing and trying to accomplish, he’s onboard and loves seeing it,” related Bauscher.

“And there’s no doubt the full circle moment for him was when Danica won an only female feature, and it was incredible. That was definitely a high watermark for all of those ladies and not only where they were head over heels for what it represented for women in motorsports across the country but let alone each individual accolade it gave them as well.”

In just two years, the Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman class has become a great division for the next generation of racers as they cut their teeth and improve on their skills. In that short period of time several have already taken their talents to the succeeding level. Several of them are also second and third generation drivers, adding to the legacy of storied racers at Big Diamond Speedway.

The class of 2025 newcomers, along with all other weekly divisions, will get their first opportunity to hit the track during an open practice session on Sunday, March 30, from noon to 4:00 pm. The practice is open to any car with a roll-cage.

The season then kicks-off on Friday, April 4, with the 53rd Season Opener and the Thaw Brawl.

The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds will be racing for $4053 to win, the USS Achey 602 Crate Sportsman will do battle for a $1053 winner’s payday while the Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Road Runners will contest for $453-to-win plus the Big Creek Concrete Rookie 602 Crate Sportsman are set to be in action. 

Pit gates will open at 5:00 pm and grandstands at 5:30 pm. Hot laps will begin at 7:15 followed by heats. All heat starting spots will be set by random draw. Pit admission is $35 for Big Diamond Speedway members and $45 for all non-members. Adult general admission is $20 and kids 16 and under are admitted for free.

Big Diamond Speedway is located at 392 Forest Lane, Pottsville, Pa. For up-to-date news and information logon to the official track website at https://bigdspeedway.net/ and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=big%20diamond%20speedway

Governor Josh Shapiro announced today that his Administration is partnering  with Pocono Raceway for the second year in a row as the race entitlement sponsor for the annual NASCAR Cup Series event. The 160-lap, 400-mile race will return as “The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM” on Sunday, June 22.

Governor Shapiro unveiled “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism campaign in 2024 to highlight all the Commonwealth has to offer visitors. Pocono Raceway has been a key driver in providing national and international exposure for the Commonwealth through NASCAR’s global popularity.

“Pennsylvania tourism is again taking the driver’s seat at the Pocono Raceway to host the NASCAR Cup Series races and sponsor this world-class sporting event,” Governor Shapiro said. “NASCAR fans from all over the country come to Pennsylvania to see some of the best drivers in the world take on the ‘Tricky Triangle’ and enjoy what our Commonwealth has to offer ― from top-tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history.”

The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM will be televised live on new NASCAR television partner, Amazon Prime Video, as well as with national radio broadcasters SiriusXM and MRN beginning at 2:30 PM ET. The race will be broadcast in 195 countries and in more than 29 languages.

The NASCAR weekend at Pocono Raceway, which also includes a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race Friday, June 20, and Xfinity Series race Saturday, June 21, annually attracts fans from more than 50 states and 13 countries. The annual event has an estimated economic impact ranging from $75 to $100 million. For tickets and more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.   

“Pocono Raceway has been a tourist destination in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since the first green flag dropped in 1971,” Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Today – 53 years later – more than 60 percent of our fans travel from out of state, including internationally. We are delighted Governor Shapiro and his Administration have again chosen Pocono Raceway and NASCAR to show generations of race fans why Pennsylvania is indeed ‘The Great American Getaway.’” 

Pennsylvania continues to be a premier weekend getaway destination within convenient driving proximity to major cities along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Pennsylvania’s main streets and small towns; world-class restaurants and bars; distinguished historical sites; exhilarating outdoor recreation, and prominent events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of the thousands of getaways and experiences the state has to offer.

Tourism is a key priority in Governor Shapiro's economic development strategy. A 2024 report released by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office details how Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Visitor spending, which supports jobs, income, and business sales, generated $9.6 billion in government revenues. Overnight visitor spending increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending.

Lime Rock Park has long been a place where tradition, beauty and speed converge. Now, the Connecticut track is set to add another piece to its legacy—one that brings craftsmanship and camaraderie together in a way only Lime Rock Park can.

Lime Rock Park is proud to announce a new partnership with Country Carpenters to bring a beautifully crafted beer garden to the historic racing venue. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new structure took place on February 25, with an official ribbon-cutting celebration planned for Memorial Day weekend during the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic (May 23-26).

Built to similar dimensions as the existing beer tent at the entrance of Spectator Hill, the beer garden will offer fans a stunning new permanent gathering space with prime views of the track, delivering an enhanced spectator experience. Designed and built by Country Carpenters, the structure will reflect the company’s commitment to New England’s rich architectural heritage, utilizing post & beam craftsmanship to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for race fans.

“At Lime Rock Park, we are always looking for ways to upgrade the fan experience, and our partnership with Country Carpenters is a perfect example,” said Lime Rock Park President Dicky Riegel. “Their craftsmanship is built on tradition, precision and passion—as is also often the case in motorsports. The new beer garden will not only provide incredible trackside views, but also serve as a beautifully crafted, timeless addition to our facility.”

Since its founding in 1974, Country Carpenters has specialized in creating barns and carriage sheds that blend traditional New England craftsmanship with modern precision. Their pre-cut, pre-engineered post and beam kits are renowned for their durability, authenticity and aesthetic appeal.

“We are excited to bring our New England style to Lime Rock Park with one of our newest models, the Post and Beam Pavilion,” said Roger Barrett III, third generation officer with Country Carpenters. “This model was introduced for our 50th Anniversary last year and the 26’ x 52’ Pavilion for Lime Rock Park is our largest offering of that structure to date. With this addition to the park, we are blending two proud American traditions: handmade Post & Beam Barns and auto racing.”

The beer garden is just the beginning of several exciting new construction projects underway at Lime Rock Park in 2025. In June, the track will welcome owners to its first-ever garage condos, a new addition offering secure car storage, direct track access and premium owner amenities, overlooking West Bend.

The beer garden will be open to event attendees starting in May, offering a relaxed setting to enjoy refreshments while taking in the on-track action. More details about the Memorial Day ribbon-cutting celebration will be announced soon.

For the full 2025 schedule, visit limerock.com

And I just have to say that I have great memories of the ARDC Midget race I announced there many, many years back.