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Action Track Preview- 13th Annual Firecracker Ready To Take The Stage

Sarver, PA (June 18, 2019) The 13th Annual Firecracker 100 is about ready to take center stage at The Action Track this Thursday through Saturday. The three day speed festival which has become an event which has developed it's own unique atmosphere, feel, and great racing moments over the years will once again provide something for everyone. And in 2019, there's much more racing in store.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series will be bringing their thrilling brand of racing and entertainment featuring some of the biggest and brightest stars in the sport as the most powerful Late Models on the planet battle for three straight nights. Two preliminary nights will see a full show complete with time trials, heats, last chance showdowns and a $6,000 to win-30 lap main event while on Saturday, heat races, the 100 lap, $30,000 to win finale and the Uncle Sam 30 will comprise the complete show for the World of Outlaws.

Emig Memorial Joins The Party

This year though, there's so much more in terms of racing. The RUSH Late Models will take part in the $10,000 to win Bill Emig Memorial, which stands as the richest Crate Late Model event in the northeast.  The RUSH Late Models will partake in practice and time trials on Thursday and will battle in heat races on Friday night as well as the "John Buzzard Memorial" Dash to set the front of the starting lineup for Saturday.  The Emig Memorial concludes with the 50-lap main event and the $400 to win "Wheelman non-qualifier race.

Sheppard Comes In Hot

Having accumulated a staggering eight feature wins in 14 starts in the series thus far and a win in the $125,000 to win Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway, Brandon Sheppard comes into the week with the hottest hand in the sport. He'll be looking to add a Firecracker Trophy to his case this weekend, a trophy that has eluded him so far despite a preliminary win in 2017.  Also in the hunt will be Shane Clanton and Dale McDowell and they're coming off impressive performances at the Dream as well with each finishing on the podium, while former Firecracker champion Clanton snagged a preliminary night win there. McDowell has never tasted victory lane at the Firecracker but has been a fixture in the top five for years and will be looking to add a title to his long list of accomplishments.

Locals Ready to do Battle

In Late Model action at The Action Track thus far, 2018 Firecracker preliminary winner Michael Norris is still the fastest car and driver and though he has suffered bad luck for most of the season, is still a driver that the touring professionals and heavy hitters know can get the job done.  The Crusher Kid has had engine and drive line issues for the past month which has caused him to park his car for the time being.  However, he struck a relationship with local owner Todd Cerenzia and was in his car this past Friday night, looking like the Norris fans have come to expect as he cruised to his second win of the season at Lernervile. He'll be looking to improve upon his performance in the main event on Saturday, and has been focusing his attention on that aspect in preparation.

"Our stuff has had a rough couple of weeks," Norris said. "I would say I'm just motivated, There's not any more or less pressure. There's still pressure when when it comes race time but I just want to have a good 100 lapper. Last year we obviously made a pretty good showing but I haven't had the right combination to finish the 100 lapper where I want. I'm really motivated to try to do better at it."

Jared Miley has been more than competitive at the Firecracker over the years, and finished on the podium in the 100 lap main event in 2015. His car has been better each week as evidenced by podium finishes and a feature win two weeks ago. Miley will be one to watch over the weekend.

"I think we finally found a little bit of something in the last few races," Miley said. " We were off a little bit to start the season and hopefully we can be right there at the Firecracker."

Current points leader Ken Schaltenbrand will not be an easy out for anybody this coming weekend as he has managed a feature win and has been fast virtually every week. Schaltenbrand has been a part of the podium more often than not this year and has more than enough experience at the Firecracker to be able to pull off some solid finishes.

Off The Track

The Firecracker and it's atmosphere have taken on a unique identity of their own over the years.  It's one of the most fan interactive events around and offers literally something for everyone, beyond the experience of three days of camping, camaraderie and racing.   There will be post race concerts on Thursday featuring Johnny Cardo and on Friday with Tim Litvin. A weenie roast and cornhole tournament starting Friday at 1 pm. And on Saturday, the day kicks off with the annual LUNGevity Kickball Game at noon and an driver autograph session at 4 pm.

Fans can purchase three-day or daily tickets by clicking here

For more Firecracker information including time schedules, ticket prices and more click here

 

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