Another Year in the Books…
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    As another year comes to a close, I have to ask…where did it go? It seems like just last week that the engines were firing at Lincoln Speedway to kick off another season, but now it’s over…or is it? Even though the motors have cooled down at the local tracks, as well as at the super speedways, teams are bustling with anticipation of the upcoming season in 2008. Many changes have been made in drivers, teams and even track programs for next year. Susquehanna Speedway for example is very happy with the way things turned out in 2007, with the track being known for it’s many divisions of stock car racing instead of the winged competition of other facilities around them. Their banquet will be coming up on January 26th in York. Yes, it’s the same weekend as the Dirt Trackin’ show…but the management for both events were well aware of the overlapping Saturday evening…without any conflict between them. The silly season for Nascar in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Grand National divisions (oh boy will nothing stay the same) is so complex that I’m sure it will take until Daytona speed weeks to get all straightened out.
    Speaking of shows…the Area Auto Racing News Motorsports Show and Races will take place again this year January 18-20 in Atlantic City, followed by the 25th Anniversary Dirt Trackin’ Show the next weekend January 25-27 at the York Fairgrounds Expo Center. As usual, the big teams and big bucks displays will be at Motorsports, and the free parking, down home fun of Dirt Trackin’ will include everything from cars to sprint simulators, jazz & blues bands, magicians, and on Saturday night, the PWE wrestlers…lot’s more fun for the dollar…but it’s all in what you like…in fact …if you can afford it…go to both shows! Motorama will take place at the Harrisburg State Farm Show February 16 & 17 only, with Tunerwars going on all day Saturday. Several tracks will also be having shows in their area…which means even more preparation for all the teams. It seems that the final dirt of the season has just been cleaned off the side panels, and the cars are stripped and repainted …waiting for the lettering guy to show up at the garage.
    Kudos have to go to the Hendricks teams, as Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon took it down to the final race of the season in Miami where the points closed, and the Lowes #48 became the champion once again with the Dupont #24 finishing in second. The Craftsman Truck division was also decided in it’s last event with Ron Hornaday driving his Kevin Harvick owned pickup to his third championship in the series. Of course, huge congratulations have to go to cousin Carl Edwards for his wide margin of victory in the Busch series this year after his less than stellar performance in 2006…it looks like the “back flippin’ kid” is back.
    Looking for something special to put under the tree this year? Why not let your race fan actually drive a stock car at Dover International Speedway with Monster Racing Excitement Enterprises! Gift certificate are now available by calling 800-468-6946 or on line at www.monsterracing.com.
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Have a great holiday this year…and remember the real reason for this season.
Racing with the Wise Guy – Kirk Wise
www.wisemotorsportmarketing.com