THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 13, 1996 TAG: 9604130459
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
If the weather is dry, as expected, and Langley Speedway finally gets its new season rolling tonight, promoter Wayne Wyatt plans to offer drivers some extra words of caution.
``I know everyone is anxious to get started after being rained out the last two weeks,'' Wyatt said. ``I just hope the drivers act responsibly when they finally get on the track.''
A 100-lap Late Model Stock race headlines tonight's program, which includes Grand Stock, Limited Stock, Mini-Stock and Pure Stock events. Qualifying begins at 5 p.m., followed by racing at 7.
While the rainouts were costly for Wyatt, he said the extra time allowed him and his staff to complete some projects that had not been finished by the scheduled opening date two weeks ago.
``We have our new playground in, and our hospitality tent with picnic tables is ready to go,'' said Wyatt, who made several other improvements during the offseason, such as paving the walkway in front of the main grandstand.
Wyatt, in his second year at Langley, also wants to put in new lighting, either this season or next winter. He has a proposal from Musco, the firm that provided the lighting systems for Winston Cup tracks at Richmond, Charlotte and Bristol.
A few more rainouts and Wyatt might begin thinking about installing a dome, too.
SHORTER RACES: There are not as many long-distance races on the Langley schedule this season, and Wyatt says the reason is economics.
``When you run a 200-lap race instead of a 100-lapper, it is like running two races,'' Wyatt said. ``It is putting two races on an engine, and you use twice as many tires.''
Wyatt said most Late Model Stock drivers favor the shorter races.
``Our two smallest fields last year were for long races,'' he said.
The first extra-distance event this season will not be until July 20.
Wyatt also said the reason to change tire brands this season was based on trying to reduce cost for the competitors. Some drivers already have complained about the tires and claim that they will wear out before the end of a 100-lap event.
``It is something everyone is talking about,'' Wyatt said. ``We think the tire will work once the drivers get their cars set up for it.''
KART RACES: Go-Kart races will be held Sunday at Langley in eight classes. Gates open at 10 a.m., with practice at 11 and racing at 1:30 p.m. There is no charge for spectators in the grandstands. Driver and pit fees are $10.
DIRT RACING: Dirt-track stock-car racing is scheduled for Dixieland Speedway at Elizabeth City on Friday nights and for Southampton Speedway near Capron on Saturday nights.
Dixieland features the Budweiser All-star division, with James Bray returning to defend his championship. Racing begins at 8 p.m.
At Southampton, time trials begin at 5:45 p.m. tonight, followed by heat races at 7. Events include Super Stock, 4-Cylinder Stock and Modified, Limited Sportsman, Late Model Stock, Super Late Model and Pure Stock. by CNB