INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS A SUCCESS AS INTEREST IN SWEENEY RUSH SPORTSMAN MODS BUILDS TOWARD 2014

By Mike Leone

November 4, 2013                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…Following two successful regional informational meetings, interest continues to build for the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC RUSH Sportsman Modified.  The meetings, held on October 26 at Precise Racing Products in Sarver, PA and October 30 at Hyde (PA) Fire Hall, were well attended and attracted racers, speedway promoters and officials, sponsors, and potential engine repair facility representatives.

The Northeast-style dirt Modified division will debut in 2014 at many of the regional speedways and will feature GM 602 crate engines ($3,149 through Sweeney’s Pace Performance), spec Hoosier Tires on steel wheels, and affordable and long-lasting Bilstein “sealed" shocks ($135).   RUSH has aligned with DIRTcar basically mirroring their rules.  The partnership will allow the Series to work together toward mutually beneficial events and promotions in the future. 

RUSH Series Directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone, who just completed their seventh year directing Crate Late Model racing in the Northeast, explained the concepts and vision for the new division.  While crate Modified racing is new to eastern Ohio and western and central Pennsylvania, it certainly isn’t to areas to the North and East.  With the speedways, sponsors and product manufacturers offering their unconditional support, the same success of the Crate Late Models can be carried over to the Sportsman Modifieds.

“It was great to see the turnout and positive response,” stated Emig.  “A lot of people want to see this division succeed and we can’t thank everyone enough for making this a reality in 2014.  The amount of calls and e-mails we’ve received has been tremendous- even after the meetings and by those unable to attend.  It’s refreshing to see a renewed interest in Northeast Modifieds racing.  It just shows how many people still want to race Modifieds and we’re thrilled this division has created this opportunity.”

The Sweeney RUSH Sportsman Modifieds have already had over 40 racers express interest from throughout the region.  A wide array of racers are planning on hitting the dirt track in the new class in spring 2014.  Jerry Schaffer, a longtime Modified racer, car owner, and sponsor, quickly offered his support of the class at the Precise meeting and will have a car in action.  The Siegel Brothers, Adam and Bobby, are looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a Modified.    

Second generation racer, Rocky Kugel, has spent his career between Late Models and E-Mods, but will give the Modified division a shot.  He’s already purchased a race ready Sportsman from New York.  Young racers Tyler Dietz, J.C. Boyer, Eric Beggs, and Ryan Riffe will look to make their mark in Modified racing.  Racers like Don Brown, Mike Miller, Marvin Williams, Jeff Stuchel, Ray Atkins, Ken Moy, Jr., Tom Livengood, Ed Wozniak, Jim Bryce, and many others are planning to compete.

Six regional speedways have announced their commitment to each host multiple events in 2014 whether it be Weekly or Touring including Lernerville Speedway (Sarver, PA), Sharon Speedway (Hartford, OH), Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway (Imperial, PA), America’s Motorsports Park (Clearfield, PA), Bradford (PA) Speedway, and most recently Raceway 7 (Conneaut, Ohio).  

Lernerville, Pittsburgh, and Sharon expect to host approximately six events each.  AMP has committed to running the class bi-weekly, while Bradford will run the Sportsman Mods for the first time ever, and at the minimum will host monthly events working with AMP.  If the interest is there, the Mods will be added for a second show every month!  Raceway 7 recently came on board to host at least two events. 

Other tracks such as McKean County Raceway (East Smethport, Pa.) and Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex (Markleysburg, Pa.) have expressed interest with others to likely be added.  A complete schedule of events will be posted after the first of the new year.

Additional informational meetings featuring guest speakers that have a vast amount of experience in the Sportsman Modified class along with the most current information will be scheduled after the holidays.  These meetings will provide continued support and information for the racers in this division. 

Both Precise Racing Products and Big Daddy’s Speed Center have offered a 5% discount on all racing (excluding the sealed Bilstein shock, fuel, and tires) for the entire 2014 season to all RUSH Sportsman Modified member drivers!  The Membership form is on the website.  

All interested drivers, speedways, and sponsors are urged to contact the RUSH office.  Those interested drivers will be added to the contact list to receive all future correspondence.  Also, racers who have Modifieds for sale can send their classified info to [email protected] to be posted on a future RUSH webpage.

2014 RUSH Sportsman Modified marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, and Precise Racing Products.

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at [email protected] and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Sportsman Modified website is www.rushsportsmanmods.com.  Those on social media can like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rushsportsmanmods and follow us on Twitter @RUSHSportMods.

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