By kyohnson 
IN WEEDSPORT, NY, BIG CHANGES AHEAD FOR THE SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT SERIES
On May 10, 2017, the news of Beyea Custom Headers becoming the new title sponsor of the Sportsman Shootout Series at Weedsport Speedway was announced. This exciting partnership will see the series kick off on Sunday, May 21 as part of the Craftsman World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Empire State Challenge.
At Weedsport, the Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series will feature eight races at The Port, with a substantial $1,000 going to the winner of each race. An overall series champion will be awarded a hefty $2,000 prize following the final series event during the Super DIRT Week Kickoff Party on Wednesday, October 4. The top ten drivers in the standings will also receive point payouts.
Among the highlights of the series is the $2,500 to win Sportsman Classic presented by Industrial Tire of CNY on Monday, July 3. This marquee event attracts Sportsman competitors from all over the state, as they strive to be crowned Classic champions.
All eight events of the Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series will be DIRTcar sanctioned, offering bonus opportunities for DIRTcar home track points. As a result, a DIRTcar license is required for all events to ensure a fair and competitive racing environment.
Jimmy Phelps, the promoter of Weedsport Speedway, expressed his excitement about this partnership. He said, “We are thrilled to have Beyea Custom Headers on board for 2017. They are not only leaders in the custom exhaust industry but have also gone above and beyond to support the racers. This partnership truly reflects their commitment to the Sportsman division.”
With an action-packed schedule from May to October, Weedsport Speedway is fully dedicated to the success of the Sportsman teams and drivers. Phelps added, “We love everything about Sportsman racing. The competition and drivers are amazing, and they put on a great show here at Weedsport. Central New York is fortunate to have a strong following of competitors, and we are proud to provide an exciting and safe facility for them and the opportunity to race for series purses.”
Defending champion Rocky Warner is ready to defend his title and spoke highly of Weedsport Speedway. He said, “Weedsport is a unique place. The track layout and wall placement keep you on your toes throughout the race. Sometimes it feels like there’s no time to breathe unless there’s a caution or the checkered flag waves.” Warner also mentioned that Weedsport and the Sportsman Shootout Series create an all-star atmosphere for Sportsman racers.
“The competition in the Sportsman division is intense everywhere you go, but especially when everyone converges at Weedsport,” Warner said. “Most drivers have similar engines, so the advantage comes from setup and driver skill. With guys like Marcuccilli and RD3 (Ronnie Davis III) around, you have to work hard in the race shop and on the track to achieve success.”
As a bonus for this season, Beyea Custom Headers will present a Hard Charger Award. The driver who advances the most positions in a Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series main event will earn a $100 product certificate from Beyea.
With over 15 years of experience in header fabrication, Beyea Custom Headers knows how to customize a racer’s power curve to enhance performance. Each header or exhaust setup is tested and proven, and is used by many top Modified and Late Model race teams and engine builders across the US. Beyea ships nationwide and guarantees the fit and quality of every header they sell. For more information, visit Beyea Custom Headers online at www.beyeaheaders.com.
Tickets for the return of the Craftsman World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series to Weedsport Speedway and the opening round of the Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series are available online at www.weedsportspeedway.com through the ShowClix application on the right side of the homepage. Reserved seating is $35, and general admission is $30. Student tickets for ages 11-17 are $15, and kids 10 and under are free.
The grandstand gates will open at 4 pm on May 21, and opening ceremonies will begin at 7 pm. The following evening, the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds will take on Weedsport for Big Block Monday presented by Big Dog Country 103.5 FM, with opening ceremonies also at 7 pm. Tickets for this event can also be purchased at www.weedsportspeedway.com.
The Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series will join the Big Blocks on May 22.
For a full 2017 schedule and more information about Weedsport Speedway, visit www.weedsportspeedway.com. Fans can also follow on Twitter @WeedsportSpdwy and like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/weedsportspeedway.
2017 Beyea Custom Headers Sportsman Shootout Series Schedule:
– Sunday, May 21 – Empire State Challenge
– Monday, May 22 – Big Block Monday presented by Big Dog Country 103.5FM
– Sunday, June 4 – Big Block/Small Block Challenge
– Sunday, June 25 – ESS/URC Ultimate Wingless Showdown
– Monday, July 3 – Sportsman Classic presented by Industrial Tire of CNY
– Tuesday, July 11 – Hall of Fame 100
– Sunday, August 13 – WACK 1420AM ESS Legends Reunion fueled by Pit Stop Convenience Stores
– Wednesday, October 4 – Super DIRT Week Kickoff Party
Weedsport Speedway, under the ownership of Al Heinke, has returned to its roots as a true racers’ track, offering a comprehensive venue for racers, their families and friends, and fans of motorsports entertainment. Since its official opening on July 24, 1955, the 3/8 mile dirt oval has seen the rise of legendary drivers and champions such as Will Cagle, Danny Johnson, Bob McCreadie, Alan Johnson, Jack Johnson, and Dave Lape, among others. Today, the facility welcomes the best of the best in dirt short track racing, including the Craftsman World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds, DIRTcar 358-Modifieds, Sportsman, Pro Stocks, and more. In addition, Weedsport Speedway has partnered with Weedsport Productions to enhance the digital entertainment experience with a dedicated team.