Pen Argyl, PA-The Phillipsburg Mall IRCO Community Federal Credit Union sponsored Dirt Track Heroes Car Show launched day two of their week-long celebration of the great history of racing in the greater Lehigh Valley with a salute to the smaller dirt track raceways who are operating with great success in the immediate area. The two and one-half hour Monday night portion was an instant hit among the small car racing buffs in the area as the Mall was filled with racing fans who enjoy heading out to the Hamlin, Borgers, and Snydersville Raceways for their weekly racing adventures. Ed and Steve Pados from CARQUEST Gasoline Alley and On-Track TV Shows and veteran announcer Bob Stull kept the quickly paced show moving at a brisk pace as they introduced and interviewed more than 50 drivers and track personnel at center stage during the evening's festivities. Drivers from ages eight to fifty plus had the opportunity to talk first hand about their racing in 2007 and discuss the goals they have set for themselves with the 2008 racing season right around the corner.

 

Accord Speedway Slingshot Champion Zach "The Z-Man" O'Connell was on hand from New York State to talk about his plans in 2008 that will see him doubling up his racing with a new 305 CSRA Sprint Car to compliment his award winning Slingshot car. Kutztown Speedway Slingshot Champion Shannon Smith was on hand to talk about defending the title she won at Kutztown in 2007 and Borgers Friday night Slingshot Champion Tiffany Wambold talked about her plans that will see her acquiring some seat time in a family owned Pavement Modified car. Dan Miller talked about his championship run in the Karts at Snydersville and the hope he can find some funding to go big car racing in the future. All forms of small car racing were well represented and the great response from the drivers is a strong indication the future of racing remains bright and rests in the hands of many very capable and talented drivers.

 

The week long show continues on Tuesday night, March 11th, with a salute to the Area Auto Racing News racing paper. The newspaper, considered to be the bible for the local racers, will feature appearances AARN publisher Lenny Sammons, and writers Earl Krause, Randy Kane and Brett Deyo. Kutztown Speedway will join in the planned evening's events as well with drivers from the 1/5 mile Berks County oval being featured with interviews beginning at 6:30.

 

The week-long event kicked off on Sunday afternoon with a tremendous opening show. Drivers from the past, present and the future of auto racing gathered together amidst a huge jam-packed crowd of racing fans all seeking the opportunity to talk with their favorite stars and to view the impressive array of racing equipment being displayed throughout the Mall. More than 80-drivers gathered for the initial autograph session Show promoter Bob Miller lined up for the opening of the long-awaited show. More than 75 pieces of racing equipment are lined up throughout the Mall for fans to become more acquainted with the racing taking place throughout the area.

 

A special salute will continue throughout the week to the Harmony Speedway and to the drivers who were part of the history of the now defunct D-shaped raceway, and the Harmony Speedway Historical Society will be on site all week signing up new members.