THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 14, 1995 TAG: 9507140562
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
It is called the American/National Auto Racing League, and it says it is coming to Norfolk.
But you'll have to look hard to find evidence that there really is such an active organization, or that the sound of race car engines will be heard anytime soon in Norfolk.
A recent release stated that Norfolk is one of 12 initial cities where ``agreements have been reached (or) discussions are in progress.''
But Norfolk officials say they have not heard of such a racing league, and have not been contacted about the availability of facilities.
A man who answered at the telephone number on the news release said he was just answering the phone for a friend, Edward Blankley, who was identified on the release as director of public relations for the league.
The telephone answerer, who did not want his named used for publication, said Blankley was ``out looking for cities.''
Most of the cities that have been ``selected or are under consideration'' by the racing league have National Football League franchises. Two noticeably missing are Charlotte and Indianapolis, possibly because the release says the racing league ``will not go into cities or market areas in competition with CART or NASCAR.''
The source said the league will run midget race cars, similar to the ones that long ago raced at the Polo Grounds in New York and Soldier Field in Chicago. League races apparently would help to provide offseason revenue for stadiums built primarily for NFL teams.
But who has the franchise rights for Norfolk, and where would they race?
Old Dominion University officials say they have not been contacted about Foreman Field and doubt seriously that it would be suitable for such a venture.
Still, the source said Norfolk is ``assured'' a franchise, and might even host the league's first televised event once the cars get rolling, later this year or next year.
This one, though, you will want to wait to see before believing.
LANGLEY DISPUTES: Langley Speedway promoter Wayne Wyatt is hopeful that Late Model Stock driver Mike Buffkin will be in the field for Saturday night's race.
The popular Buffkin has skipped recent races at Langley after what he considered unfair treatment during a previous event. Wyatt talked to Buffkin this week and learned that the source of Buffkin's unhappiness was a misunderstanding.
Wyatt, though, is not sure if Bugs Hairfield will be back following his angry departure last Saturday.
Hairfield canceled his entry and took his car home because he was told rules stipulated he could take only one qualifying lap (instead of the normal two) after his car failed inspection on its first try.
``I hope Bugs will realize he has to go by the same rules as everyone else, and we can't give him special treatment,'' Wyatt said. ``We want him to race at our track, but we are not going to treat him differently than anyone else.''
SOUTH BOSTON NEXT: Ashton Lewis, Jr., who moved up from Langley Speedway three weeks ago to finish 13th in the Busch Grand National race at Watkins Glen, N.Y., will try to make the field for the Grand National race at South Boston Speedway on July 29.
Lewis will be at the South Boston track next week for a test session.
Two other Langley drivers, Danny Edwards and Eddie Johnson, also may enter the South Boston race.
HELPING HAND: Jim Randall, a veteran short-track promoter in the northeast, has assumed promoting duties at Southampton Speedway. Reed Panasitti, who had held the position for less than a year, resigned last month.
Contrary to reports, a speedway spokesperson said Randall has not yet been named to a permanent position.
AT THE TRACKS: Langley Speedway in Hampton will introduce area fans to ``train racing'' Saturday night in addition to running races in its five weekly divisions. In train racing, three cars - some without engines and some without brakes - are chained together in teams. Time trials begin at 5 p.m., racing at 7.
Dirt-track racing is scheduled for Dixieland Speedway in Elizabeth City on Friday night and for Southampton Speedway in Capron on Saturday night. Gates open at 5 p.m. and racing begins at 8 p.m. at Dixieland. Qualifying at Southampton begins at 5:45 p.m., and racing at 7.
Two days of drag racing are set for Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie. An E.T. Points race and a Pro Bike event are scheduled for Saturday night and a VW Bug Out for Sunday. The track opens at noon each day. by CNB