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Carl Billet Retains Late Model Crown in SSP’s Late Model 2008 Track Championship

Thursday December 18, 2008

 

Newberrytown, PA (December 18, 2008) – Carlisle’s Carl Billet can be classified as one of the most consistent drivers to ever compete at the Susquehanna Speedway Park. This consistency earned “King” Carl the 2008 Late Model Track Championship, his sixth career SSP track championship (1986, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2007, and 2008). Billet also earned the Fab Four Series Championship, consisting of a five race special “series-within-a-season.” These races were extra distance races with extra purse monies on the line.

With six wins, eleven top-five finishes and seventeen top-ten finishes in 2008, Billet will collect his honors and awards at the 2008 SSP Awards Banquet and Night of Honor scheduled for Saturday night, January 24, 2009 at the historic Valencia Ballroom in downtown York. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Awards presentation will follow the dinner. There will once again be a “Kid’s Banquet” at the same time. After dinner, all children will be permitted to sit with their families during the awards presentations. Tickets are on sale now. Order forms will also be available online at www.sspracing.net or by calling 717-292-1696.

Billet is the All-Time Feature winner for all divisions that have competed at the 54-year old Newberrytown oval with 48 victories. He will be searching for at least two victories to set the benchmark at 50 career victories during the 2009 season.

Bud Witmer took home the runner-up honors in the season long Late Model championship finishing 117 points behind Billet. The Dover, PA chauffeur notched one win, seven top-five finishes and fourteen top-ten finishes during the regular season. Witmer has four career wins at SSP.

In search of an elusive victory since April 28, 2006, Jake Jones finished third in the track championship for the second season in a row. The Shermansdale driver was very consistent with ten top-five finishes and twelve top-ten finishes in 18 races.

Finishing fourth with two victories in 2008 was Manchester’s Randy Christine Jr. Along with his first and second career wins, Christine amassed seven top-fives and eleven top-tens in 18 starts. Christine improved from seventh in the 2007 track championship and has his sights set on dethroning King Carl from the top in 2009.
Justin Ehrhart improved his ranking in 2008 by one spot from 2007 to finish fifth, 233 points behind the leader. The Dover, PA driver was found in victory lane once in a very popular win with the fans. He also finished in the top-five four times and in the top-ten ten times.

Duncannon’s Carl Graves finished the season strong with a victory in the final regular season race to finish sixth in the points championship. Rookie driver, Grant Adams from Ona, PA finished seventh after moving up to the Late Models in 2008 from the Four Cylinder Stock Cars. Westminster, Maryland’s Travis McClelland won twice in 2008 to finish three points behind Adams in eighth. Young Cam Zeigler of Spring Grove turned many heads in 2008 with a strong ninth place ranking with four top-five finishes. Rounding out the top ten in track points was Sam Leonard Jr., also with four top-five finishes in his second full season in the Late Model division.

The 2009 season opener of Stock Car Saturday Night will be on Saturday, April 11, with the Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars and ARDC Midgets. The will also be a special visit from the Easter Bunny for the kids in attendance.

The season opener for the “Outback Track” featuring Quarter Midgets and Go Karts is scheduled for Friday, April 17.

Pre-season test and tunes will be held on Saturday, March 28; Saturday April 4; and Wednesday, April 8.

The Susquehanna Speedway Park is located midway between Harrisburg and York off I-83 to exit 32, then 1.4 miles NW on SR382 to York Road, then 1.3 miles south. For more information, contact the speedway offices at (717) 292-1696 or visit online at sspracing.net. On race day, use the track phone at (717) 938-9170 for up-to-date information at the “Big Track” and (717) 932-1608 for the “Outback Track.”

2009 SSP Late Model Track Championship Series Point Standings (FINAL)
Rank No. Driver Hometown, State Points Diff. Starts Wins T-5 T-10 1 1 Carl Billet Carlisle, PA 1,630 0 18 6 11 17 2 U-10 Bud Witmer Dover, PA 1,513 -117 18 1 7 14 3 43 Jake Jones Shermansdale, PA 1,497 -133 18 10 12 4 74 Randy Christine Jr. Manchester, PA 1,445 -185 18 2 7 11 5 69 Justin Ehrhart Dover, PA 1,397 -233 18 1 4 10 6 NINE Carl Graves Duncannon, PA 1,396 -234 18 2 3 10 7 64 Grant Adams Ona, PA 1,380 -250 18 3 8 8 18 Travis McClelland Westminster, MD 1,377 -253 18 2 7 10 9 21z Cam Zeigler Spring Grove, PA 1,392 -258 18 4 10 10 NINEx Sam Leonard Jr. Marysville, PA 1,365 -265 18 4 9 11 5 Charles Potts Dover, PA 1,333 -297 17 2 6 10 12 4m John Moser Jr. East Berlin, PA 1,287 -343 18 5 9 13 14 Kyle Saylor Denver, PA 1,158 -472 17 1 3 14 9w Steve Weikel Mt. Penn, PA 1,139 -491 16 1 6 15 99 Darrel Henry Carlisle, PA 1,035 -595 17 16 74c Denny Willey Carlisle, PA 1,030 -600 15 1 3 17 91 Chuck Yingling Jr. Mt. Wolf, PA 971 -659 13 8 18 4 Gary Potts Mt. Wolf, PA 863 -767 13 2 2 2 19 20 Steve Billet Mt. Wolf, PA 840 -790 12 1 4 20 12 Sterling Kinard Dover, PA 663 -967 10 1 2

2008 SSP Track Champions:
Late Models: Carl Billet
Street Stocks: Eric Walker
Xtreme Stock Cars: Donnie Broderick
Wingless Midgets: Randy Monroe Jr.
Four Cylinder Stock Cars: John Stoll Jr.
Legends Cars: Stephen Nederostek (Pro Division)
Greg Burd (Masters Division)
Brent Marquis (Semi Pro Division)
Mini Vans: Daryl Sipe
PENNMAR Vintage Cars: Paul Bacchus (Modified Division)
Craig Coghill (Sportsman Division)
Classic Cars: Bill Brown, Sr.
Women on Wheels Stock Cars: Kendra Knaub
Clean Technologies Young Guns Street Stock Shootout: Eric Walker

2008 SSP Fab Four Series Champions:
Late Models: Carl Billet
Street Stocks: Wes Alleman
Xtreme Stock Cars: Donnie Broderick
Wingless Midgets: Frank Polimeda

- 2009 SSP Schedule of Events –
(Schedule as of November 6, 2008 – Subject to Change)
January 24 (Sat.) SSP Awards Banquet and Night of Honor (7:00 p.m.) at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA (Doors open at
6:00 p.m.) – Tickets to go on sale in early December.
March 28 (Sat.) Open Test & Tune Day for Any Division (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.); Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
April 4 (Sat.) Open Test & Tune Day for Any Division (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.); Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
April 8 (Wed.) Open Test & Tune Day for Any Division (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.); Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
April 11 (Sat.) Opening Night (Easter Bunny Visit) – Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars and ARDC Wingless
Midgets (6:00 p.m.)
April 17 (Fri.) Opening Night at the Outback Track) – Quarter Midgets, Go Karts (7:00 p.m.); Gates Open at 5:00 p.m.

The remainder of the 2009 schedule for both the big track and the “Outback Track” to be released soon.

2009 Wednesday Night Open Test & Tune Sessions
(Any divisions of racing welcome)
March 28 (Saturday) & April 4 (Saturday)
April 8 & April 22
May 6 & May 20
June 3 & June 17
July 1 & July 22
August 5 & August 19
September 2, September 16 & September 30
October 14
Gates open 5:00 p.m.; Practice 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

- Special Pricing for 2008 Regular Season Pit Pass Cards – For the second straight year, in order to help weekly supporters, SSP has announced that 50 season pit pass cards for all automobile race events at the “Big Track” from April 11 through September 19 (30 events) are on sale for just $325.00 (a retail value of more than $600). This pass will also be valid for general grandstand admission for the four AMA Motorcycle events scheduled for the season. This equates to approximately $12.50 per automobile event (regular pit pass prices are $22.00 – $25.00). Persons interested in purchasing this special offer are encouraged to contact the speedway at (717) 292-1696 or email sspracing@hotmail.com as soon as possible to be added to the list of those who want the special pricing that is offered on a limited basis. Payment is required within 7 days of notifying the speedway for the annual pit passes. The pass is not valid for events at the “Outback Track” or for the Test & Tune Sessions held throughout the season.

- SSP Awards Banquet and Night of Honor – The 2008 SSP Awards Banquet and Night of Honor has been scheduled for Saturday night, January 24, 2009 at the historic Valencia Ballroom in downtown York. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Awards presentation will follow the dinner. There will once again be a “Kid’s Banquet” at the same time. After dinner, all children will be permitted to sit with their families during the awards presentations. Tickets are on sale now. Order forms will also be available online at www.sspracing.net or by calling 717-292-1696.

- Track Rental for the “Big Track” and the “Outback Track” – The “Big track” and the “Outback track” are available for rent beginning March 1, 2008. The “Big Track” rental fee is $1,400.00 for 4 hours and may be split between a maximum of five-(5) drivers/teams. Only one car is permitted on the track at a time. If an ambulance is requested, it is an additional $75.00 per hour. For nighttime rentals at the “Big Track”, an additional $100.00 per hour will be charged for lights.

The rental price for the “Outback Track” is $400.00 for 4 hours during the day /$500.00 at night and may be split between a maximum of five-(5) drivers/teams. To reserve either track, please call 717-292-1696. If you reserve the track with a $400 deposit before February 28, 2009 for any date after March 1, we will reduce the “Big Track” rental price to $1,200 (save $200).

- XSC Rookie Rumble Returns to SSP – In 2009, there will be a separate XSC Rookie Rumble race as the Xtreme Stock Car class will continue to include qualifying heats, a consolation race and a feature event each night. XSC Rookie Rumble drivers will need to be pre-registered and pre-approved before they will be permitted to compete in the Rookie Rumble class. The Rookie Rumble will be a feature-only race for entry level competitors.

- SSP Implements Hometown Heroes Program for 2009 – For the upcoming season, the Susquehanna Speedway Park will implement a new program called “Hometown Heroes.” On selected nights throughout the 2009 season, the Hometown Heroes Program will recognize drivers from particular cities and towns throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Before the races begin, the drivers will have the opportunity to display their cars and meet the fans at the front gate of the speedway. The drivers will also be interviewed during the night’s racing program. Also, all fans entering the speedway from that driver’s hometown being honored will be admitted FREE to the grandstands by showing proper photo identification at the ticket booth.

The towns to be included in the program so far are York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Etters, Lewisberry, New Cumberland, Manchester, Mount Wolf, York Haven, Halifax, Jonestown, Duncannon, Enola, Marysville, Dover, East Berlin, Annville, Ephrata, Spring Grove, Thomasville, West York, Felton, Windsor, Carlisle, Newville, Denver, Middletown, Mt. Penn, Myerstown, Ona, Shermansdale as well as selected places in Maryland. More details with dates and additional towns will be released in the near future.

- Free Pit Passes for all Non-Qualifiers in Late Models, Street Stocks, Xtreme Stock Cars and Legends Cars – Any non-qualifier who starts the a qualifying heat race and fails to qualify for the feature in the Late Model, Street Stock and Xtreme Stock Car divisions during the regular season point events will receive a complimentary pit pass for the driver for the following week during the regular season from April 11 though September 19. The driver must possess a full annual SSP license in order to be eligible for the complimentary pit pass and pass is not transferable to another driver or to another week beyond the following week.

- York Dirt Trackin’ 2009 – The 26th edition of the Dirt Trackin’ Show sponsored by Jack Giambalvo Motor Co. will be held once again at the York Fairgrounds, in the Memorial Hall Expo Center January 23, 24 & 25, 2009. This year’s show will feature more than 200 racecars on display including Late Models, Street Stocks, Legends, Micros, NASCAR and more. Many local drivers will be signing autographs over all three days. Once again, there will be no increase in the ticket prices, so adults can still join in the fun for only $10, students (ages 7-12) are only $5, and children six years of age and under are always free when accompanied by an adult. Show times will be Friday from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Parking is free and held rain, snow or shine.

Scheduled to appear this year will be the PWE Wrestlers on Saturday night, the Ms. Dirt Trackin’ Contest and music by 61 South on Friday night and Kid’s Day on Sunday. Other celebrities are currently being contacted to add even more to the show that pleases everyone. There will be a little bit for everyone to see and do from go karts to NASCAR, remote control race cars, simulators, speedway schedules, food, the York County Racing club display, giveaways, and lots of fans, drivers, and crew members all ready to have a good time at Dirt Trackin’ 2009. For more information go to www.dirttrackinshow.com or call Kirk Wise at 717-979-0341.

- 2009 SSP Rules Now Posted on Website – The 2009 SSP Rules for the Late Models, Street Stocks and Xtreme Stock Car divisions are now posted at www.sspracing.net. The Mini Van and Road Warriors (Front Wheel Drive 4 Cylinders only) division rules for 2009 will be posted in the near future.

- Repeat Fan Discount Continues for 2009 – Te popular “Repeat Fan Discount” program will continue at SSP in 2009. There is a $2.00 repeat fan discount for each person with a ticket stub from races during the previous week’s events completed only. Returning fans are encouraged to write their name, address and phone number on the back of the stub to be entered into special drawings during and at the end of the season for great prizes. The Repeat Fan Discount is not valid for pit pass purchases.

- SSP Competitor’s Link Section Added to SSP Website – Let your fans know the latest info on your team! If you’re a regular Late Model, Street Stock, Xtreme Stock Cars or other regular SSP series competitor and have a website, e-mail the link of your web site to our webmaster at tvr1@comcast.net, so we can include you in this section.

- EBAY Store – SSP has opened a “new” EBAY Store with a link at www.sspracing.net. The store will feature both new and old items (both racing and non-racing). Items already sold include a racecar steering wheel, vintage racing programs, children’s clothing and toys and more. – Sports Plus DVDs from the 2008 Season – Sports Plus Video has DVDs available of each racing event from SSP for the 2008 season. Visit online at www.SportsPlusVideo.com or mail your order to Sports Plus Video, 216 East Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD 21795. The phone number is (301) 223-4525.

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This report was provided by an outside PR source and posted by Kim DeHaven.

 

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