By Lou Modestino
The first trip to New Smyrna Speedway (NSS) in 2011 ended up with 28 very diverse teams. Half the teams were “regular ACT touring teams”, the rest were from various elements of the overall ACT Late Model racing program that covers a wide area of the Northeastern US, and Provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
The 2015 visit to the Daytona Beach area will have a much more experienced and different look when the 2015 American Canadian Tour (ACT) teams visit the New Smyrna Speedway to compete in a two-day double-header event–the American Racer Challenge Cup this February.
“We had some terrific reviews following our first-ever effort at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at NSS a few years ago. We have been fortunate to have sustainable growth within the middle of our ACT system over the past few years. We are all very excited about having so many of our talented new young teams heading to Florida on February 16-17,” said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour.
Two eighteen year-old racers, 2014 Rookie of the Year Brandon Atkins of Au Sable Forks, NY, and Emily Packard from East Montpelier, VT proved to any doubters that there is a competitive youth movement which competes at a very high level, and they are ready to challenge the veterans of ACT. Kyle Welch, Newport, NH shocked the veterans with an outstanding 2014 season. Welch was not only competitive, but grabbed a win at Groveton, New Hampshire last July. Two Maine teams will also make the long trip to Florida, Rowland Robinson, Jr., Steuben, and Travis Stearns, Auburn will join a very strong mixed group of veterans and first timers at New Smyrna in February.
The 2014 ACT Champion and defending winner of the first Challenge Cup event at New Smyrna, Joey Polewarczyk, Jr. (Pole) said, “I think it is just great that we have so many “regulars” going to NSS. This is a perfect way to shake out the lay-off and get ready for the upcoming season, let alone being in the Daytona area during February speed-weeks. This format of two actual races to win, and then a combined point system for the title with most of the money for the win is really intense and fun. The goal for us is to try and win it all, but ACT is bringing a very strong group of teams, so it will be tough. I can’t wait”, concluded Pole.
The full field of over 26 entrants will be announced shortly for the American Racer Challenge Cup at New Smyrna Speedway on Monday, Feb. 16, and Tues. Feb. 17, 2015.
Source: Press Release