WEATHER AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS FORCE CANCELLATION OF
MOTOR MILE SOUTHERN MODIFIED EVENT

(King, NC): The forecast of rain and thunderstorms along with financial concerns have forced Southern Modified Race Tour Officials to cancel the “Cardinal 125” scheduled for Motor Mile Speedway on Friday August 21st.

The Weather Channel as well as other weather forecasts have predicted a 50 – 60 % chance of rain and strong thunder storms on Friday afternoon and evening. That, along with the fact the current economy has put sponsorship dollars at a premium this season has forced us to make this call earlier than normal and the Motor Mile event will regretfully pay the price. We have gone as far financially as possible and after talking with several drivers and owners as well as other interested parties, we made the decision to cancel the event. Decisions on future events will be made next week and a revised schedule for the remaining events will be announced at that time.

“Words can’t describe how disappointing it is to have to make these decisions but there is some consolation in the fact that there are other series having tough times as well.  I think every one of the series out there struggling to make ends meet have done everything within their power to provide quality events for their competitors. We all want what is best for the sport in the long run and regretfully, that means making tough decisions that affect everyone. We especially hate to lose this event at Motor Mile but Al Shelor and Randy Merriman were very gracious and worked with us on the decision. We hope we will be able to work things out to be able to return to Motor Mile in 2010 with a stronger package than we have been able to put together this year”, said SMRT spokesman Randy Myers. “We especially want to apologize to our racers and fans of Modified racing. They all deserve better than this situation. I just hope they will understand how tough it was to make this decision”, Myers said.

As stated earlier, announcements concerning the remainder of the 2010 season will be made no later than next week.
 

2009 ASA SOUTHERN MODIFIED RACE TOUR TO END EARLY

(King, NC) – Officials with the American Speed Association (ASA) sanctioned Southern Modified Race Tour (SMRT) has announced they have concluded their 2009 season earlier than scheduled.  The series which features open wheel Modifieds and competes in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, had to make the tough decision after a challenging season for all.

“It is with much regret that we end the 2009 season early,” said SMRT director Randy Myers.  “When we started putting the 2009 season together, we knew we would be facing an uphill challenge with the current economic situations just like everyone else in the short track racing business.  We put our best foot forward and did the most we could this season, just like our teams did as well.”

“We have a dedicated group of racers in our series,” Myers said.  “The series and the teams have had a tough time securing the sponsorship dollars they need and that has affected our car count at some events.  That in turn affects attendance and it all goes to the bottom line.”

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the teams and sponsors who have supported the series and Modified racing in general over the past few seasons.  They are the core who continues to keep our favorite type of racing alive in the South.  I also want to thank Dennis Huth and the American Speed Association for their support.  Their efforts provide quality programs for the drivers competing under the ASA sanction.  Sponsors that have also helped the series include Carolina Carports, Inc., Hoosier Asphalt South and Pro Fabrication.  I appreciate their support and hopefully they will be a part of the future of the series”.

Myers is now looking forward to the 2010 season, “We will continue to search for a series sponsor for the 2010 season with an eye on the economy and the future of Modified racing in the south,” Myers promised.  “Modified racing has been around for over 60 years and has faced some tough times before but I believe one of the most exciting forms of racing will find the resources needed to grow and return the division to its rightful place as a premier “short track” division that will continue to provide great racing and entertainment for the fans.”

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