CHARLOTTE, NC (October 23) – In its 12-year history, the John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout presented in memory of Charles Kepley has become known for attracting the best in short track racing. And, as the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) South Super Late Models enter its third season being a part of the North-South Shootout at Caraway Speedway, this has also proven to be the case as well.
PASS South has competed at Caraway Speedway five times since 2008 when Justin Wakefield took the first checkered flag there. But, it’s been in the North-South Shootout when the best PASS has to offer has shined. In 2012, North Carolina legend Jay Fogleman battled throughout the 150 lap event with Ross Kenseth before finally prevailing for his second win of the season. That win at Caraway sent Fogleman on his way to his first of two straight PASS National Championships.
Last year’s PASS South Super Late Model portion of the North-South Shootout at Caraway is still a race fans are talking about today. Two-time PASS South Caraway winner Kyle Grissom appeared to be on his way to a third win at the speedway, but a characteristic late race surge by Daniel Hemric propelled him to the lead and seemingly on the way to a victory. But, a late race caution changed all of that, as Hemric and Grissom made contact entering turn one on the restart and collected several other lead lap contenders. Maine legend and 4-time PASS North Champion, Ben Rowe, avoided the carnage, advancing from seventh place on the restart to claim his first victory in the prestigious event.
This year’s event has all the earmarks of another classic as Tyler Church, Cole Timm, and Jared Irvan look to bounce back after lackluster performances at Orange County Speedway as they compete for the PASS South Super Late Model championship. One of the most impressive group of Super Late Model drivers ever assembled for the North-South Shootout is expected as they look to defend the bragging rights for their respective regions.
Action at Caraway Speedway gets started early for the 12th Annual North-South Shootout with an optional practice for all divisions on Thursday, October 30th from Noon – 6 PM. On Friday, October 31 practice will go from 11 AM – 4:10 PM, with grandstand gates opening at 4 PM, and qualifying set to start at 5 PM for the PASS South Super Late Models, Tour-type Modifieds, USAC Eastern Midgets, and Limited Late Models, followed by the PASS last chance race, Tour-type Modified heat races and support division features at 7 PM. On Saturday, November 1, practice will start at 9:30 AM, with grandstand gates opening at 11 AM, the pit party at 12:30 PM and racing slated to start at 2 PM. The PASS South Super Late Models will race for 150 laps, along with 125 laps for the Tour-type Modifieds, and 100 laps for the Limited Late Models.
PASS South Super Late Model entry forms as well as the complete weekend schedule for the 12th Annual North-South Shootout at Caraway Speedway can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.