SOUTH BOSTON, Va. (August 24, 2017) – Brandon Pierce and Danny Willis Jr. think it’s time to get this party started.
It’s been three weeks since the engines last fired at South Boston Speedway and the pair of Late Model Stock drivers are ready to race.
And Saturday night’s Italian Delight Family Restaurant presents Frutopia Not Just Frozen Yogurt NASCAR Late Model Twin 60s is even bigger for them and all the competitors because it is South Boston Speedway’s 60th anniversary party.
“I’m ready to get back after not racing since July 29,” said Pierce. “I’m excited about the twin 60s this weekend. It is something new and I think it should add some excitement to the races. Our team has come on really strong lately and we look forward to try and contend for two wins this weekend to celebrate South Boston’s 60 years.”
The twin 60-lap Late Model races are all part of a night of racing that celebrates the track’s 60th birthday. The celebration will also include fireworks, sponsored by Italian Delight Family Restaurant, special concession prices, vintage race cars on display and balloons for kids.
The break from racing, made even longer by a rainout, seemed much lengthier than it actually was to Willis.
“We are excited to get back to the track,” said Willis. “It almost feels like we’ve had a winter break.”
Willis and his team haven’t been totally idle, though. They ventured out to a neighboring track for a race, and they are hoping it pays dividends Saturday night.
“We ran Ace Speedway on one of our off weeks and maybe have found some things that may help us at SoBo,” said Willis. “Hopefully we can get to test this week and see if we can get the car better.”
Neither Willis nor Pierce have won yet this season, but both have contended all year. Willis comes into Saturday’s race fourth in points while Pierce is fifth.
“Being off this long makes it hard to stay in your rhythm, but we tested before the last rainout and we were really strong,” said Pierce, who is sponsored by Thunder Road Harley Davidson. “The guys at Nelson Motorsports have done a great job, and I don’t think we will miss a beat even with the long layoff.”
Willis will have a little extra incentive Saturday night. One of his sponsors, Italian Delight Family Restaurant is also one of the race sponsors.
“We’re looking to have a really good run this week,” said Willis. “One of our sponsors is sponsoring the race so it would be really awesome if we could pick up a win or two.”
In addition to the twin 60-lap Late Model races, there will be a 60-lap Limited Sportsman division race will be 60 laps to highlight the track’s 60th birthday. The concession stands will be in a celebratory mood also, offering the world-famous South Boston Speedway bologna burger, an order of fries and a soft drink for $6.
There will be vintage race cars on display, of course dating back to 1957, the year the track opened.
There will be two huge cakes behind the main grandstands with drivers cutting the cake and serving it to fans after qualifying. Also, all children will receive a balloon when they enter the gates.
Also on tap will be a 30-lap Budweiser Pure Stock race, a 15-lap Budweiser Hornets race and a 25-lap race for the Southern Ground Pounders.
Tickets are $10 for adults. Children’s tickets, for ages 7 to 12 are $5 and children 6 and under are admitted free. Racing action begins at 7 p.m.
