The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series has partnered with Blood, Sweat and Tears (BST) Racing to bring 410 Sprint Car racing to El Paso County Raceway in Calhan, Colo. on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
The event will be the Outlaws’ first time in Colorado since 2005, and the first-ever appearance at the semi-banked quarter-mile track.
“We are excited to join BST Racing for this great event and the opportunity to see the Outlaws take on El Paso County Raceway,” said World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been in Colorado, and we’re excited to bring 410 Sprint cars back to them.”
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series hasn’t been to Colorado since the Rocky Mountain National Speedway closed its doors (and was leveled for a housing project) at the end of the 2005 season. Danny Lasoski established the single-lap record of 12.014 seconds at the semi-banked 3/8-mile oval on Aug. 17, 2004. And World of Outlaws A-feature winners include Craig Dollansky (2004), Donny Schatz (2003), Sammy Swindell (1995), Steve Kinser (1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1983), Dave Blaney (1993), Kenny Jacobs (1992), and Bobby Davis, Jr. (1990).
“This is five or six years of blood, sweat, and tears,” said Raceway Manager and BST Racing Promoter Joe Bellm. “So it’s nice to see this finally come to be. Plenty of times I was ready to throw in the towel. You know the obstacles we were all up against. But stubborn heads prevail!”
While 410 sprint car racing has been absent from the track in recent years, several local standouts are expected to make a play against the Outlaws, including local driver Jeff Heffner (a Knoxville 360 regular) and Justin Wolf Medlock (an ASCS local). Jeremy McCune, from Billings, Mont., has committed to going and is bringing up to four other cars with him. And word has it a couple of cars are coming from Wyoming will participate as well.
Sharing the playing field with the Outlaws are the Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association (RMMRA) and the The Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprints (RMLSA).
The Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association began in 1940, and is the second oldest midget racing club in the country. Based out of Colorado, the RMMRA has a long standing fan base, history, and deep roots in open wheel competition allowing them to experience the evolution of midget racing.
“We are honored to run in support of the World of Outlaws and BST Promotions as they make their return to Colorado,” said RMMRA President Chris Sheil. “It is nice to see Mr Bellm’s hard work prevail in getting this show to reality here in Colorado. I know he has been working on it for sometime now. And our great car count is due to all of his organization with the Colorado Dirt Track Alliance he put together. I can not say enough about the continued improvements Joe has done with El Paso County Raceway. It has truly become the greatest venue to race at in Colorado.”
The Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprints (RMLSA) is an association formed in 2011 by the merging of the RMMSA and COMSA to manage the 1000cc motorcycle based winged and non winged open wheel division in Colorado and western Kansas. These cars use a midget chassis, powered by 1000-1200cc motorcycle engines. These are a great class for those drivers that later may want to race Midgets and Sprint cars.
“We race at several tracks in Colorado and Western Kansas, and were honored to be the support class,” said RMLSA President Steve Becker. “El Paso County raceway is our home track, and we are excited to race at this improved facility operated by BST Promotions. With the continued support of our great car owners and drivers, as well as our local track promoters, we have had great car counts often exceeding 20 cars per night.”
Race Central Television and Radio host Kurt Hansen, synonymous with all forms of local, national and international motorsports, and BST Racing’s Official Dirt Track announcer for all Colorado and BST Races will share his usual post in the Tower with World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series announcer Johnny Gibson for this epic event.
“Kurt’s edgy attitude and extensive Racing knowledge will certainly bring a spark, energy, and angle never heard before at this event or any other,” said Bellm. “It is no doubt that Kurt’s enthusiasm and passion certainly made him our first choice for this Fall Classic not-to-be-missed show.”
Hansen and Bellm are expecting many gearhead fans to come out and see all Stars and Cars of the The Greatest Show On Dirt.
“A lot of people are excited”, said Raceway Manager Joe Bellm. “This is definitely going to be a big show.”