One of the most anticipated events in the history of Senoia Raceway is set for Saturday, March 7, as the 3/8ths mile bull ring opens under the new leadership team of Bill Massey, Mayes Massey and Doug Stevens.
The trio of promoters will welcome back super late models after an absence of nearly 30 years and have made track improvements that have stock car racers talking.
“We are excited to say the least,” said Mayes Massey. “Last weekend’s open practice was crazy. There were close to 90 cars, almost 500 people in the pit area and quite a few fans just watching practice. I hope they all come back Saturday night and bring some friends.”
Some of the drivers expected to compete at this weekend’s season opener include current World of Outlaws Late Model point’s leader Shane Clanton of Fayetteville. Clanton is fresh off his three win trek through Georgia and Florida during last month’s speedweeks. The second generation hot shoe pocketed over $30,000 in prize money during that 10 day stretch in February.
Four-time Southern All-Stars Dirt Late Model champion Clint ‘Cat Daddy’ Smith from Senoia will return to his hometown track with his familiar #44 Chevrolet. Smith is also a second generation driver that watched his father win plenty of races at the track prior to jumping behind the wheel of his own race car.
“We are looking forward to racing our regular car at Senoia,” Smith said recently. “We have driven other people’s limited cars the past couple of years, but not the super. It will be fun to race in front of the hometown fans.”
The Crate Late Model division will also make a return to weekly racing at Senoia Raceway. It will be the first time since Newnan’s Parrish Duncan won the season title in 2010 that the spec engine powered class will run every Saturday night.
Fayetteville’s Glenn Morris leads a large contingent of champions returning to defend their season crowns from last year.
Morris will defend his two year tenure at the top of the Limited Late Model leader board while Jonesboro’s Jason Miller will be back to challenge for a second straight championship in the B Cadet.
Hobby Stock champion Houston ‘Hoot Daddy’ Hatchett of Williamson will be back as will Griffin’s John Holcomb who claimed the laurels in the Bomber class last season. Mini Stock champion Harold Leath from Hampton is also expected to return in 2015.
The motorcycle engine powered legends cars will be a part of the opening night racing action. Last season, the smaller scale race cars delighted the crowds with their fast paced racing and competitiveness. The legends cars will compete on a semi-regular basis this season including each of the first three weeks of the season at Senoia Raceway.
Improvements around the track include a cleaner grandstand experience for the fans, better food service and greater selection of food and beverage items. Concessions will be available in the grandstand, as well as, along trackside parking and in the pit area.
“Our goal is for the guests at the track to want to visit our concessions because the food is good,” said Massey. “It is part of the overall experience we are trying to make better.”
Fans are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to place in the grandstand for more comfort.
“We will be placing chairback seating along the top of the stadium seating area,” added Massey. “We are planning more fan amenities, but we have been scrambling since taking over the track in late December. We have been working non-stop.”
The pit gates will open at 3 p.m. for the Season Opener. Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. The drivers will take the track for hot laps beginning at 5 p.m. with heat races, qualifying and features to follow.
Tickets for the grandstand admission are $12. Children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids four and under are admitted for free. Pit passes are $25 with children ages 5-12 $12. Kids four and under are admitted into the pit area for free.
Trackside parking is available on first come, first serve basis and includes access to the pit area.
For more information, visit the Senoia Raceway website at www.senoiaraceway.com or call the speedway at 770-599-6161.
