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2002
CHAMPS HONORED, NEW RACING SURFACE CONTEMPLATED AT EAST WINDSOR SPEEDWAY
SOUTH RIVER, N.J. ~ East Windsor Speedway faithful gathered at the Knights
of Columbus Hall, here, on Sunday afternoon (March 23) to honor drivers
for their 2002 accomplishments and to learn news for the 2003 campaign.
The most startling announcement, relayed to those in attendance by new
promoter Jim Cardinale, is that speedway ownership is considering a change
to a paved racing surface before the season opens.
"This was all news to me on Thursday night," Cardinale, who has
worked in the pit area at the half-mile clay oval for years, said.
"Don Jones called me to his house and asked me to take over the
promoter's job that Jack Simmons retired from. Then I was told that a
change to pavement is being considered.
"According to Mr. Jones, all the pieces should be in place so that a
decision about changing to pavement or staying with dirt can be made in
just two weeks. We all can expect a decision by then."
Cardinale also said that because of the possible change in the racing
surface, the previously announced April 18 opening date has been put on
hold.
Although all speedway competitors were saluted for their 2002 efforts, the
Modified championship team of Kenny Brightbill of Sinking Spring, Pa.,
Street Stock title winner Al Cheney III of Cranbury and Sportsman champ
Richie Pratt, Jr. of Hurffville were in the spotlight for their driving
crowns.
While the champions and their car-owners were honored with trophies and
other rewards, the remaining drivers owners and drivers in each division's
top five were not forgotten. Everyone in the top five from all three
divisions were both saluted with applause by those in the large gathering
and rewarded for their efforts with trophies and point fund money.
Along with competitors, track crew safety workers Gary Bozowski and Hooter
Nichols were honored for their dedication. Jack Simmons, who recently
retired as the speedway's promoter, was also honored for 30 years of
dedication.
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EAST
WINDSOR SPEEDWAY AUTO RACERS HAVE A LOT TO SHOOT FOR DURING 2003 SEASON
EAST WINDSOR, N.J. ~ Many of the most talented drivers in the country and
spirited competition in the Modified, Sportsman and Street Stock divisions
are expected when the East Windsor Speedway opens the 2003 season on its
famous half-mile clay oval. The official opening night, weather
permitting, is set for Friday evening, April 18,at 7:30 p.m.
In the Modified division, where veteran Kenny Brightbill of Sinking
Spring, Pa. was champion last year, drivers like Doug Hoffman, Fred
Dmuchowski and Jimmy Horton are all expected to be among those fighting
for the crown this year. Judging from interested expressed to the speedway
office through competitor telephone calls during the off-season, spirited
competition should be expected at every event. Modified main events will
cover the 20-lap, 25-lap and 50-lap distances during the season.
Al Cheney of Cranbury is expected to try for his fourth straight Street
Stock crown in 2003 and Richie Pratt, Jr. of Hurfville is expected to
return to wrestle for his second straight Sportsman title. The Sportsman
cars race in 20-lap main events, while the Street Stocks battle in
15-lappers.
Dirt track stock car racing action moves into the spotlight as the 2003
racing season begins on East Windsor's half mile clay oval on Friday
evening, April 18, weather permitting. The Big-Block and Small-Block
Modifieds, Sportsman and Street Stock racers are all scheduled for
qualifying and main event action.
Plans call for racing to continue every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. into
October.
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EAST
WINDSOR SPEEDWAY DROPS CURTAIN ON SEASON -
BRIGHTBILL, PRATT AND CHENEY ARE 2002 CHAMPIONS
EAST WINDSOR, N.J. ~ Heavy rain that forced the cancellation of the August
30 Labor Day weekend Friday night racing program and a wet and bleak
weather forecast for the month of September have caused the management of
the East Windsor Speedway to close the curtain on their 2002 dirt track
stock car racing season.
"I want to thank everyone for their support this season," Don
Jones said Sunday afternoon. "I want to thank the staff, the fans,
the crews, the competitors and the media for all their support this
season. I'm already looking forward to seeing everyone at our awards
ceremony and rules meeting in March and at the track next spring."
With the season now officially concluded Kenny Brightbill of Sinking
Spring, Pa. can start celebrating his fourth Modified stock car driving
title at the half-mile clay oval. Brightbill, who won the crown on the
strength of two main event victories, was followed by four-time winner
Billy Pauch of Frenchtown in the final standings. Former champ Fred
Dmuchowski of Neshanic Station was third. Defending champ Doug Hoffman of
Allentown, Pa., a four-time winner this season, was fourth in the final
standings.
Richie Pratt, Jr. of Hurffville can now officially celebrate his third
Sportsman driving title on the strength of one feature win. Defending
champ Art Liedl, Jr, of Flemington, a two-time 2002 winner, was the
runner-up in the title chase this season, while Brian Pearson of Red Lion
completed the top three.
For the third straight season, Cranbury resident Al Cheney III stands at
the top of the Street Stock list after winning six main events in his
championship effort. Three-time winner Rob Ormsbee of Wall was the
runner-up in the title chase and Carol Whitehouse of Hamilton was third.
With the 2002 Friday night season now complete, plans are already in gear
for the annual awards ceremony and rules meeting in March and the 2003
season opener in early Spring.
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© 2003 - 2013
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