Arena Drivers Hold First Practice at SMS

CAPRON, VA /PR Web/ -- Although only a few race fans were on hand to see it, those that ventured out to Southampton Motor Speedway on Saturday were fortunate to see some racing action as the Scale Racing League hosted its first practice for the arena drivers and teams as they prepare for the SRL's Mid Atlantic Pro Cup Challenge opener scheduled for May 16, 2003 at SMS.

"Saturday's practice was a shake down for the arena drivers. We needed today to find out just how our mini-cup cars are going to respond to asphalt. Based on what most all the teams are telling me these cars handle exceptionally well on the high banking of Southampton", stated Rob Wells, driver and Regional Director for the Scale Racing League.

Wells continued, "of the sixteen teams that have already registered to run the summer series, we had ten of them out here today. It was lots of fun seeing these guys running at speed approaching 80 mph on this 4 tenth mile oval. We hope to get in one more practice day before our season opener at Southampton on May 16th".

Practice started with the 55 car driven by David Gourley getting out on the track first. While other teams were still working on their setups, David was clocking around the track in the 19's. All was looking great for Gourley unitl he came out of turn two a little high. Gourley's run through the marbles ended with his car resting on its top near the rear inside fence.

Undaunted from the tumbled, Gourley's team repaired the car and had him back out running sub 20's again within minutes.

The same could not be said for Ben Philbrick's number 6 Advanced Auto sponsored machine.

Philbrick, clearly one of the fastest cars on the track, was turning laps in the low 18's, until he was upset in turn four after venturing below the inside boundary line and getting caught in some loose asphalt. His car flipped, skid across the track on its roof and landed right side up against the inside retaining wall. After a few tense moments Philbrick exited his car with only his pride bruised. His Advanced Auto machine, did not fair as well and was unable to return to practice.

All in all, it was a very good day of practice. Which was best summed up by Jamie Siddens, crew chief for the #33 as he was overheard commenting on the day's practice "this is one of the best practices you're ever gonna see in any form of racing. The ablility to rent a track for the day gives everyone enough time to work on their cars and have fun too!"

The SRL is a league that recognizes all half-scale motorsports manufacturers. This opens the door for all manufacturers to run as a unified group. All manufactures and their product must fall under the specifications laid down by the SRL. The SRL sanctions both local and professional events.

For more information about the Scale Racing League, driving a mini-cup car or sponsorship of the series, contact Rob Wells, SRL South Eastern Regional Director at 757.432.9030 or 757.241.0229 or visit the regional web site at http://minicupracers.com/srl/svar/.

SCALE RACING .... Get out of your dreams and get into YOUR CAR!





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