03/11/2007

    C&C Racing Promotions made a major announcement at the first annual SpeedwayEXPO last weekend regarding the future of the North-South Shootout TM. In their efforts to further enhance the annual Shootout, already one of racing’s premier events, promoter Charles Kepley announced the addition of the Supermodifieds to the ground-pounding line-up. The Supermodifieds will join the headlining Tour-type Modifieds on the fast-paced race card that also features the SK-type Modifieds.
    “This has been in the works for a couple of years now,” said Kepley of Lexington, NC. “All the pieces finally fell into place to make it a reality. Having the Modifieds and Supermodifieds under the North-South Shootout TM banner is a dream come true for all of us at C&C Racing Promotions.”
    The fifth annual North-South Shootout TM is schedule for Friday and Saturday, November 2&3, 2007 at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, NC. The half-mile tri-oval speedway makes for ultra-fast racing for all the open-wheel divisions at the Shootout.
    Since it’s inception, the 100-lap North-South Shootout TM has featured some of the best racers to take to the racetrack, North or South of the Mason Dixon line. This year, it will also feature the best Super drivers from East and West of the Mississippi. The event, a throwback of sorts, is guaranteed to provide the very best that open-wheel racing has to offer.
    Many of the competitors of the International Supermodified Association (ISMA) have already pledged their support, as have the teams of the Midwest Supermodified Association of Ohio and the Western States Supermodified Racing League (WSSRL) of California.
    “This is just awesome,” said ISMA President Howie Lane, about the announcement. “In just a few days since the story got out, the response has been tremendous. The Shootout has gained a reputation for being fun and exciting, our teams are thrilled to be able to be part of it all.”
    A full field of the “winged warriors” is expected as the factions of the Supermodified racing community unite for a much-anticipated return of an East-West showdown. (The Supermodified portion of the North-South Shootout TM has yet to be formally named.)
    “All of our top teams are planning on coming,” said longtime WSSRL competitor and active member of the staff, Jim Birges. “We are real excited about the opportunity. It looks like the rules package will allow all the different groups to compete on equal ground. It’s going to be fun. There are no egos, just racing.”
    The Supermodifieds last made an appearance at Concord Motorsport Park (CMP) in the late 90’s. The last “East-West” showdown was held in 1995 at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
    “We are very excited about this event,” said Kevin Jaycox President of the Midwest Supermodified Association and owner of Sandusky Speedway. “A lot of people have been trying to do a deal like this (East vs. West) for a couple of years now. To see it finally come through is truly exciting.”
    In 2007, the North-South Shootout TM celebrates five years. The goal of the North-South Shootout TM has always been to provide an arena to showcase great racing talent in an environment that teams will enjoy. From the inaugural year when John Blewett III edged out Jerry Marquis by inches at the checkers, to the emergence of Donny Lia, to Blewett’s triumphant return to victory lane right on through to the moment when Matt Hirschman stepped into the limelight, the North-South Shootout TM has produced memorable moments. This year it will be a grand anniversary celebration with the Modifieds, Supermodifieds and SK-Type Modifieds.
    The format for the fifth annual event will once again boast time trials, heat races, and consolation event(s). The Modifieds will compete in a 100 green flag lap main event with the SK Modifieds competing in a 50-lapper. The ever-popular vintage Modified contingent and the crate motor limited Modifieds will remain part of the two-day racing extravaganza. The format for the Supermodified portion has yet to be determined.
    “Everyone involved in Supermodified racing, whether it’s the drivers, owners, or fans will mark this event more than any other on their calendars for the 2007 season,” concluded Jaycox.
    Updates will be provided throughout the year on the event's official website www.northsouthshootout.com or for more information on the North-South Shootout TM contact C&C Racing Promotions at (336) 250-4383 or (508) 847-0565.

The North-South Shootout™, A Production of C&C Racing Promotions-Accept NO Substitutes

Source  Dale Wolbrink/racinpr
Posted:  March 11, 2007