SOBO TRACK RECORD ALL BUT CERTAIN TO FALL
April 28, 2022 – When the Must See Racing Sprint Series presented by Engine Pro visits South Boston Speedway this weekend, the all-time existing track record is certain to fall. But how much is anyone’s guess. It will be the first time in the history of the historic 4/10-mile track, that first opened in 1957, that wing 410 sprint cars have raced there.
Of the field of 20 expected drivers, only Jimmy McCune, Bobby Santos III, and Charlie Schultz have raced at SOBO previously. Each shared their thoughts Wednesday afternoon on what the new all-time track record might fall to. The existing all-time SOBO track record is 13.849 seconds currently held by Tommy Catalano in a NASCAR modified. Each of these drivers indicated that it had been so long ago that they raced at SOBO, that they weren’t sure what to expect this go around.
I was there one time probably in the early 2000’s and it was in a Focus midget actually” Santos explained. “I don’t remember anything about to be honest. But my guess would be that we’ll probably take the record down to 12.2 the way the track is today. That would be my guess. I really don’t know what to expect. I just need to figure out my gear and start from there”.
As for McCune. He competed in a USAC National Midget Series / USAC National Sprint Car Series double header on October 13, 2021. “I ran a midget and sprint car there on the same night but that was years ago. I don’t remember much about it. But I’ve been doing some research on the track and watching videos. I’m gonna guess we’ll put down a 12.5 second lap. Watching videos, it looks like there will be passing and good racing. There’s an apron and some guys are gonna use it, you just know that.
I’m thinking with the guys we got coming this weekend, it’s as strong as any field of cars we’ve had in the last 10 years. With the quantity and quality of cars that are supposed to come, I think it’s gonna be a stout field and the best we’ve seen in the last 7-8 years”.
For Schultz, he too ran a Focus midget in the early 2000’s and his memory of the place is also vague.” The track is like one I run near home. It’s a lot like Lorain Raceway Park in terms of size. I’m thinking we might get the record down to 12.6 if I had to guess.
California driver Eric Humphries, who had earlier entered the event, today announced that he has been forced to withdraw from this weekends event due to increased fuel costs. The 5,200-mile round trip just wasn’t feasible currently. Humphries plans to evaluate the situation and attempt to compete with MSR at another event at some point this season.
Both events will be televised on a taped delayed basis on MAVTV’s Speed Sport program at a later date TBA.
The excitement of a possible new all-time track record has fans and competitors alike buzzing. This weekend’s April 29-30 inaugural ‘American Sprint Car Weekend’ will feature two nights of racing action with two complete shows capped off with 30-lap feature events both nights.
