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Tri-State bracing for the ‘calm before the storm’

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1:27 AM Friday, May 15, 2009

Sunday’s regular program of NHRA sportsman drag racing will serve as a comparably mild prelude to the upcoming three-day Memorial Day weekend double-points events.

Through two double-points races and one regular-points event thus far this season, some leaders are beginning to emerge in the season points standings.

According to Bob Martin of Tri-State Dragway, Kentucky dragster pilot Wendell Barger Jr. and Hamilton’s Bob Henry appear to have the most round wins in the Super Pro category so far this season, with last week’s double-points winner — Fairfield’s Michael Haidinger — close behind.

On the strength of his two event wins in the Pro category, Xenia’s Doug Caplinger is that division’s early leader. Martin said the Junior Dragster points chase is still too close to pick an early leader, but Lebanon’s Kenny Carson came away with last week’s win.

Edgewater spots open

According to co-race promoter Randy Helton, of Trenton, the 64 spots for the $50,000-to-win Ultimate 64 Shootout have sold out, but some openings remain for the three daily $10,000-to-win box classes (cars running with electronic aids) and for the three $2,500-to-win no-box (no electronics) events.

Helton has a huge after-race party planned Saturday, May 30, featuring the Fargo, N.D.-based band 32 Below. Drivers from 33 states are expected to be on hand for the weekend event with an expected total payout of $240,000.

Outlaws in Indiana

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will race in the $10,000-to-win Whiskey City 50 on Saturday, May 16, on the Lawrenceburg Speedway dirt. There’s also an $800-to-win event for the Budweiser UMP Modifieds scheduled. Tickets are $25 for fans 13 and older, $7 for kids 7-12 with those 6 and younger getting in free. Pit passes are $35. Grandstands open at 5 p.m.

G&J Kartway winners

Race 2 of the Ohio Valley Karting Association season at Camden’s G&J Kartway is scheduled for Sunday. They’ve had two rainouts since their season opener, but news has trickled in that there were three local racers who took home wins in the season opener. Camden’s John Powers won the HPV Sportsman & Yamaha Sportsman class (ages 8-12); Fairfield racer Randal Potter (ages 12-15) won the Yamaha Jr. class, and Marlon Evans, also of Camden, won the Yamaha Lite racing division for drivers 15 and older.

Helio headache

As part of an agreement between Texas Motor Speedway and IndyCar race driver Helio Castroneves, the track would sell 300 front straight racing tickets to the June 6 IndyCar Series event based on how the two-time Indy 500 winner qualified for the race.

Castroneves won the pole position, which meant the tickets would sell for $1 each. The tickets sold out in 13 minutes on Tuesday.

75 pounds and going

With less than two weeks to go, the crew members for the Indianapolis-based HVM Racing team, with drivers E.J. Viso and Nelson Phillippe, have lost a combined total of 75 pounds of weight. The team hopes to lose 100 pounds by the time the May 24 Indy 500 takes place.

I’m taking my wife to the Indy 500 this year. Got any race day advice? Let me know at (513) 705-2851 or jbombatch@coxohio.com.

local racing

John Bombatch

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