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Cordele SpeedFest Features Move to Friday Night Due to Saturday Forecast
Huge Event to Feature NASCAR & Super Late Model Stars

(Cordele, GA) The 20^th running of the Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest presented by Byron Outdoor Superstore will be held one day earlier than originally scheduled due to a Saturday forecast that calls for large amounts of wet weather. The feature portion of the event will now be held on Friday night, January 17, 2025 to ensure that race fans have the opportunity to see the likes of NASCAR’s Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott race against Super Late Model stars Bubba Pollard, Stephen Nasse, Cole Butcher, Matt Craig, Michael Hinde, and more.

Faced with a Saturday forecast calling for a 90% chance of all-day rain, series and track officials worked together on a decision to move the feature racing to Friday night or Sunday afternoon. With Sunday's forecast showing a slight chance of rain and keeping teams, drivers, and fans in the area for an additional two days, it was decided to move the feature program to Friday night where the forecast is dry.

Friday’s activities will begin early with tech, followed by practice, qualifying, and an evening of feature action. On tap are full fields of Southern Super Series & CRA Super Late Models, JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Models, Legends, and Bandoleros. The main event portion of the program will begin at 6:00 PM. An optional testing day is still on the docket for Thursday afternoon beginning at 12:00 noon for teams looking for additional track time.

The $10,000 to win, 150-lap Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest boasts a star-studded field of 26 pre-entries including NASCAR stars Ross Chastain and Chase Elliott. Chastain competed in the Pro Late Model portion of the event last year and finished on the podium, while Elliott is a multi-time winner of the event.

Some of the top Super Late Model talent that will be battling Chastain and Elliott include three-time defending winner, Bubba Pollard, last year’s Pro Late Model SpeedFest winner and this year’s Snowball Derby runner-up Stephen Nasse, ASA STARS wheelman and two time Oxford 250 winner Cole Butcher, Southern Super Series point runner up and former All American 400 winner Matt Craig, ARCA and Super Late Model standout Jake Finch, former Pro Late SpeedFest winner Michael Hinde, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway champions Dylan Fetcho and Dawson Sutton, and many more.

The JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Models will be running a 100-lap event and will feature a mix of veterans and youth, looking to turn some heads and have a breakout event to start the season. The Pro Late Model race last year was a thriller and this year’s event features the likes of former winner Michael Hinde, Cole Butcher, Hudson Bulger, Tyler Reif, Seth Christensen, TJ DeCaire, and more.

The Legend cars will have a chance to shine in the spotlight with well over 20 cars now pre-entered and the youth of the Bandoleros will start the night’s program at 6 PM.

On Friday, Pits will open at 8:00 AM with grandstands opening at 12:00 PM when practice begins. Group qualifying for Bandos and Legends will begin at 4:30 PM, followed by JEGS/CRA Pro Late qualifying at 5:00 and Super Late Model qualifying at 5:30. The green flag is scheduled to drop on the feature program shortly after 6:00 PM.

Pit gates will open for the optional testing day Thursday at 10 AM with on-track activity from 12:00-4:00.

Advance sale tickets for the event are available at https://bit.ly/SpeedFest2025Tix but will also be available at the gate on race day. Pit passes are available on the Pit Pay app or at the gate upon arrival.

For more information on the event, visit www.trackenterprises.com, www.cordelemotorspeedway.com, www.southernsuperseries.com, and www.cra-racing.com.

UPDATED SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, January 16 (Optional Testing Day)

10 AM - Pits Open
12-4 PM - On Track Testing
4 PM - Early Pit Pass Sales For Friday When Practice Ends

Friday, January 17

8 AM - Pits Open
12 PM – Grandstands Open
12 PM – Practice Begins
4:30 PM – Bando & Legend Qualifying
5 PM – JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Qualifying
5:30 PM – Southern Super Series/CRA Super Series Qualifying
6:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies Followed By Feature Racing
-Bandolero 15 Lap / 15 Minute Feature
-JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour SpeedFest 100
-Legends 25 Lap / 25 Minute Feature
-ASA Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest

DAVE STEELE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND DETAILS ANNOUNCED

January 11, 2025 - Pinellas Park, FL - Showtime Speedway promotor Robert Yoho has announced final details of the 6th annual Dave Steele World Championship Weekend. There are a few new wrinkles in 2025.

Details of this year's event weren't finalized until just this week, as just a few months ago, there was doubt that the event would even happen. The state of Florida was using Showtime Speedway as a storage facility for debris from recent hurricanes that have ravished the area this past fall. Yoho was given the track back in mid-December and given the go-ahead to continue racing. For the longest time, it was unsure when racing would resume in 2025.

Yoho has announced both weekends of the annual Dave Steele World Sprint Car Championship will be consolidated into one gigantic weekend of pavement sprint car racing February 21-22, 2025,

The action kicks off February 21 with a 100-lap non-wing sprint car racing paying $7500 to win and $500 to start. The non-winged portion of the event has typically been a 125-lap affair, but since teams will be racing the following night, it was decided to cut the distance of the non-winged race to 100 laps.

The following evening teams will put the wings on for twin 35-lap features. Each feature will pay $2500 to win and $300 to start. If a driver could win all three events, he would go home with $8,000 not including lap monies. If a driver can start all three feature events, he is guaranteed.

The Dave Steele non-wing portion of the Dave Steele World Championship weekend is one the most unique races in all of Florida open wheel racing. It gives Florida teams who anticipate competing in the Little 500 a low-cost tune-up race. Teams will get the chance to use a long-distance race, on a track similar in size to Anderson Speedway, the chance to try things out prior to heading up north in late May.

For updates on the Dave Steele World Championship Weekend please visit http://www.showtimespeedway.us or follow Showtime Speedway and Pavement Pounders on Facebook.

PAST DAVE STEELE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

2020 - Kody Swanson (non-wing)

2021 - Kody Swanson (non-wing)

2022 - Kyle O'Gara (non-wing)

2023 - Davey Hamilton Jr. (non-wing)

2024 - Kyle O'Gara (non-wing)

2024 - Davey Hamiton Jr. (winged) Feature #1

2024 - Colton Bettis (winged) Feature #2

2025 Schedule of Events Released for Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
Award Ceremony & Season Kickoff Party Date Announced

(Nashville, TN) Officials with Track Enterprises and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway have released the full schedule of events for the 2025 season. The historic 121st year of auto racing at “America’s Favorite Short Track” will begin on Saturday, April 5th. Officials are also excited to announce a Championship Awards and Season Kickoff Party that will take place on Sunday, March 16th.

The 2024 track champions will be awarded their hardware at the Championship Awards Celebration and Season Kickoff Party on Sunday, March 16 from 4:00-7:00 PM at The Fairgrounds Nashville Expo Building 3. Cost to attend will be $15 per person and light hor d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Info on the 2025 season will also be available to those attending. Those wishing to attend need to RSVP no later than March 7, 2025 at https://bit.ly/NFSAwardsTix .

The Saturday, April 5th season opener will feature Pro Late Models, Paschall Heating & Air Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks, Pest Doctor Front Runners, United States Air Force Legends, and CP Race Wear Bandoleros. The marquee division for Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Pro Late Models, will run 121 laps on opening night celebrating the 121 years of auto racing at the famed track.

The special Rackley Roofing Battle of Broadway 150 Thursday night show will return to the 2025 schedule during the week of the Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Cup Series events featuring a JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Model special plus the CRA Street Stocks.

Returning for a 4th time will be the always exciting Bass Tire Family Night highlighted by giveaways, free kids’ tickets, and great racing action. The 121st season will conclude with the 40th running of the All American 400 weekend that will begin on Friday, November 7th and conclude on Sunday, November 9th with the ASA STARS National Tour crowning a 2025 champion.

Other events include the annual US Legends Spring Nationals, ARCA Menards Series East in the Music City 150 and North/South Super Late Model 100, Modifieds of Mayhem, along with a few other events focusing on the strong contingent of local classes.

The 121st season of Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is set to be one of the most exciting yet featuring great racing action from all 7 divisions. Officials at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway are excited to get fans and teams back on the track Saturday, April 5th for the historic season opener.

For more information on the 2025 racing schedule visit www.nashvillefairgroundssspeedway.racing. You can also get constant updates by liking and following our social page @nashvillefairgroundsspeedway for Facebook and @racefairgrounds on Twitter.

2025 Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway Tentative Schedule

Saturday, March 29-Media Day

Friday, April 4-Open Practice

Saturday, April 5-Opening Night – 121 Years of Racing at the Fairgrounds Nashville (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Models (121 Laps), Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Thursday, April 17-US Legends Spring Nationals

Legends Cars, Bandoleros

Friday, April 18-US Legends Spring Nationals

Legends Cars, Bandoleros

Saturday, April 19-US Legends Spring Nationals Championship & Pro Late Model 100 (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Models (100), Street Stocks, Legends, Bandoleros

Friday, May 2-Local Racing ¼ Mile Special (6:30 Start)

Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Saturday, May 3-ARCA Music City 150 + North/South Super Late Model 100 + Pro Late Models (5:00 Start)

ARCA Menards Series East (150), ASA Super Late Models (100), Pro Late Models (100)

Thursday, May 29-Rackley Roofing Battle of Broadway (7:00 Start)

JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Model (150), CRA Street Stock Series

TBA-Event Details To Be Announced

Friday, June 27-Open Practice

Saturday, June 28-Pro Late Model 100 (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Model (100), Street Stocks, Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Friday, July 11-Open Practice

Saturday, July 12-Modifieds of Mayhem Tour & Pro Late Model 100 (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Model (100), Modifieds, Street Stocks (¼), Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Friday, August 8-Open Practice

Saturday, August 9-Bass Tire Family Night - Pro Late Model 100 (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Model (100), TBA, Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Friday, October 3-Open Practice

Saturday, October 4-Local Racing Pro Late Model 100 (5:00 Start)

Pro Late Model (100), Street Stocks, Limited Late Model, Pure Stock, Front Runner, Legends Car, Bandolero

Friday, November 7-All American 400 Race Weekend – Local Racing ¼ Mile Special (6:30 Start)

Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks, Front Runners, Legends, Bandoleros

Saturday, November 8-All American 400 Race Weekend – Pole Qualifying & Racing (5:00 Start)

JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Pro Late Models, CRA Street Stock Series, Vores Compact Touring Series

Sunday, November 9-ASA STARS National Tour 40TH Running of the All American 400 (1:00 Start)

ASA Super Late Models

PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY MOURNS THE DEATH OF JIM GIARDINA

(Perris, CA, January 2, 2025) Last Sunday, Perris Auto Speedway fans, competitors, and officials were saddened to learn of the passing of veteran racer Jim Giardina. The racing dentist, who drove sprint cars and late models at Perris, passed away last Saturday night.

The Chicago, Illinois native first burst upon the Southern California open wheel racing scene at a race with the United States Racing Club (USRC) Midgets at the Orange Show Speedway in 1979. From that point on, the popular driver also raced with the USAC Western Midgets, USAC National Midgets, CRA Sprint Cars, SCRA Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws, PAS Senior Sprints, and even some late models.

On the night when Giardina first showed up at the Orange Show, just pulling into the pits, people sat up and took notice. It was in the open trailer days, and his bright red #57 with all of the shiny parts was the best-looking car in the pits. From that day forward, if his midgets were not the best-looking cars, there would only be one or two prettier. He took pride in having his equipment looking clean and running fast.

“Jim was a very popular driver not only with the fans but with his fellow competitors,” Perris promoter Don Kazarian said on Monday morning. “He just loved to race. From his start in midgets to years in sprint cars. He even raced a late model with us before his last appearances in the Senior Sprint Car class in 2021. Many times after the races he passed toothbrushes out to the kids in the stands. Everybody seemed to know and love him.“

“When we first opened, Jim raced in the SCRA Sprint Cars with us,“ Kazarian continued. “In 2004, when the USAC/CRA Series debuted, he stepped out of the cockpit and gave rising star David Cardey his first shot in 410 sprint cars. That ended up being particularly important for the series as David grew into one of the best drivers in the group, winning main events, and he was always a championship contender. That may have never happened if Jim had not given him a shot.”

One of Giardina’s best friends in racing was Jeff Terry. Terry, who got involved in midget racing after taking a Racecar Technology course at Chaffey College in the late 1970s, started working on Giardina’s cars at a midget race at Ascot around 1980. He worked for the man fans affectionately knew as the “Tooth Doc” until he switched from driving midgets to sprint cars after a flip in Arizona. He spent many hours working on the cars of the racing dentist and on the road with him as well.

“He never won a main event,” Terry recalled. “He could qualify well, and he could win a heat race, but he never got all 30 laps together. One time at Yuma, he led 29 ¾ laps and lost the lead to Mark Passarelli coming off turn four. He tried, but he was just out there having fun. He enjoyed it. He left midget racing and never came back to it. He raced sprint cars and stock cars after.”

“We were coming back from, I think, Yuma,” Terry continued. “I had a bad toothache. So at 2:00 AM, we pulled into his office, and he pulls it. That is just how he was. He didn’t care about pay. He would give you the shirt off his back. It was all about having fun and being with his friends.”

Tickets for all 2025 races at The PAS will go on sale soon.

Advanced Tickets For Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest On Sale Now

(Cordele, GA) Tickets for The Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest 2025 race weekend at Cordele Motor Speedway in Cordele, GA on Friday-Saturday, January 17-18 are on sale now.

Advance tickets for SpeedFest start at $25, compared to $30 at the gate on raceday. Get your tickets now for a great Christmas gift for the family. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/SpeedFest2025Tix

The ASA Southern Super Series Presented by Sunoco and ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS will sanction the 150-lap Super Late Model race, and for the second time SpeedFest will be a point race for the Southern Super Series. Meanwhile, the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance will sanction the 100-lap Pro Late Model race once again. The INEX Legends and Bandoleros will also join the card.

Additionally, NASCAR Cup Series star Ross Chastain will again be competing at the event. Last year, Chastain mixed it up in a thrilling Pro Late Model race but came up a close 2nd to Stephen Nasse.

SpeedFest began in 2005 at the now defunct USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL before moving to Georgia’s Lanier National Speedway in 2009. SpeedFest then found its home at Cordele Georgia’s Watermelon Capital Speedway at Crisp Motorsports Park, now known as Cordele Motor Speedway, in 2012 and has been held there ever since. Some of the biggest names in motorsports have won SpeedFest including Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Harrison Burton, Chandler Smith, and Corey Heim. Bubba Pollard has won the last three SpeedFest events at the track.

Friday’s schedule will consist of practice and qualifying, with all features being run on Saturday afternoon. Sunday will be used as a rain date if necessary.

Information on specific event details, sponsorship opportunities, and competitor entry forms will be made in the coming weeks. Additional track and event information as well as event camping opportunities can be found at www.cordelemotorspeedway.com.

Additional information on the CRA Series can be found at www.cra-racing.com. Information on the ASA Southern Super Series can be found at www.southersuperseries.com

SPEEDFEST WINNER LIST
SUPER LATE MODELS

2005-USA International Speedway-Charlie Menard
2006-USA International Speedway-Mike Fritts
2007-USA International Speedway-Eddie Hoffman
2008-USA International Speedway-Jeff Choquette
2009-Lanier Raceplex-Kyle Busch
2010-Lanier Raceplex-Kyle Busch
2011-Lanier Raceplex-Chase Elliott
2012-Cordele Motor Speedway-Kyle Busch
2013-Cordele Motor Speedway-Jeff Choquette
2014-Cordele Motor Speedway-Chase Elliott
2015-Cordele Motor Speedway-Chase Elliott
2016-Cordele Motor Speedway-Bubba Pollard
2017-Cordele Motor Speedway-Harrison Burton
2018-Cordele Motor Speedway-Chandler Smith
2019-Cordele Motor Speedway-Connor Okrzesik
2020-Cordele Motor Speedway-Corey Heim
2022-Cordele Motor Speedway-Bubba Pollard
2023-Cordele Motor Speedway-Bubba Pollard
2024-Cordele Motor Speedway-Bubba Pollard

Driver Bulletin 12/17/2024

Division Sponsors

Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways would like to thank the following sponsors for their commitment to our racers and the speedway. Moran Chevrolet and Pat Moran for the ARCA Outlaw Super Late Model Division, DTS Drive Train Specialists and Claude Plante Jr for the ARCA Street Stock Division, R&M Recycling and Mike Rogers Jr for the ARCA Figure 8 Division, and Salenbien Trucking & Excavating and Andy Salenbien for the ARCA Late Model Sportsman Division.

Schedules

Both track schedules are out and live.

The ARCA Factory Stock 500 Series: New in 2025 the five 100 lap Factory Stock 500 Series races will run a standard race procedure with caution flags. Pitting in the garage area and re-entering the race will no longer be permitted. Meaning the turn 1 exit gate will not be opened during the feature while the track is green.

Qualifying and practice procedure will remain the same for the 100 lap features.

MEMBERSHIP: 2025 ARCA membership forms are now available and posted at the track websites under the Racer Info tab at the homepage. There is a separate ARCA membership for Minors that includes the Minor Release as part of that document. Please be sure to fill out the entire application.

RULES: 2025 rule changes were posted to the track websites and will not be mailed. They are also available under the “racer info” tab on the websites.

CAR NUMBERS: If you are new to our tracks, or you are changing divisions or looking to change numbers, give Brandon a call at 734-782-2480 or 419-727-1100.

Flat Rock Pit Pads: Pit pad rental forms will be available in the first week of January. There will be a reduction in cost for the pad rentals in 2025. Form will be posted under racer information tab on home page.

We want to wish all our drivers, team members, and car owners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to racing with you all in 2025!

2025 Berlin Raceway season tickets are on sale now for the lowest price of the season - only $259!You’ll receive a ticket to all 22 race events on the schedule, as well as other season ticket member exclusive benefits to help us celebrate our 75th anniversary season!

This $259 price is only good now through Sunday, December 1st, so find all the details and buy your season tickets TODAY at https://www.berlinraceway.com/season-tickets

Be sure to check out the rest of our Black Friday deals as well at https://www.berlinraceway.com/speed-shop