CHARLOTTE, NC (September 3) – Since is first opened in 1993, Southern National in Kenly, NC has been one of America’s premier short tracks. Touring divisions and weekly racers flocked to race at the facility that saw drivers like Denny Hamlin and Scott Riggs hone their skills before moving on to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. But, in recent years, the track struggled to find its identity and, following a tumultuous end to the 2008 season, Southern National’s future looked bleak. While other tracks around the country have been putting on races for much of 2009, Southern National has sat idle. Leaving locals with a void that has yet to be filled. But, that will soon come to an end, when the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models breathe new life into the shuttered speedway on September 26th.
Although PASS has only raced at Southern National once, PASS President Tom Mayberry and his staff saw the potential in the speedway. That race at Southern National in 2006 was only the second race of the then brand new PASS South division and attracted drivers from near and far. Super Late Model veteran Freddie Query took his only PASS South victory at Southern National after a spirited battle with local driver Clay Jones, future PASS South champions Mike Rowe and Ryan Lawler, and Alabama hotshoe Charlie Bradberry.
“When we went to Southern National in 2006 we had an outstanding race,” said Mayberry. “The lead changed hands all day long and that race proved to us that PASS South just might have the legs to be a success. I just loved the track, but for whatever reason we were not able to put things together to get another race there.”
In the years following PASS’s visit to Southern National, track owner and former racer Kirk Leone made significant capital improvements to the 4/10 mile facility including repaving the track, paving the infield, erecting a new scoreboard and public address system, and constructing new buildings on the property. And, although the track has sat idle this season, Leone has continued to make upgrades as he tries to sell Southern National.
“We’ve got a brand new sewer system and have done a lot of work to the track to get ready for the PASS race and for any potential buyers out there,” said Leone. “The track is great and it will be a steal for whoever buys it. I just don’t have the time to devote to it that I need to for it to be a success. I’m glad PASS is coming in to put on this show and I know our fans are looking forward to it because they love their racing here at Southern National.”
PASS South has put added emphasis on the Southern National 150 by making it one of only four races in the PASS National Series. The PASS National Series consists of four special events taken from the PASS North and PASS South schedules that will help to determine an overall PASS National Champion. The Southern National 150 will be race number three of the PASS National Series and is expected to attract the top Super Late Models from across the country. In addition, former Southern National regulars such as John Batten, “Big” Jim Kelley, and Shelton McNair have expressed their intention to return to their old stomping grounds.
The PASS Late Model Trucks and 4 Cylinders will also be on the racing card at Southern National on September 26th. Southern National was one of the first racetracks in the region to race Trucks and a great field of newcomers is expected to join PASS Late Model Trucks regulars such as Grant Davidson, Jody Measamer, Clint King, Michael Cooper, and Marty Griggs. The 4 Cylinder division has a great heritage at Southern National and will add to the excitement as the local fans and drivers look to return to their home track.
But, the Southern National 150 will not be the only race held this year at Southern National. PASS South will continue the Thanksgiving tradition of racing at Southern National with the Thanksgiving Classic on November 27-28. The PASS South Super Late Models will have a special non-points race with several other divisions also racing. Those divisions competing at the Thanksgiving Classic will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Southern National 150 weekend kicks off with practice for all divisions on Friday, September 25th. Then, on Saturday, September 26th, practice and qualifying will be held prior an on track autograph sessions and main events for the 4 Cylinders, PASS Late Model Trucks, and PASS South Super Late Models.
For more information on any PASS division go to racewithpass.com or for information on the Southern National 150 go to southernnational.net.