BUSTI, NY – Late February means one thing to race fans, the start of a new racing season is upon us. February 22 will mark the 57th annual Daytona 500 and the start of the 2015 racing season for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Meanwhile, one day earlier on February 21 and 1061 miles to the north of Daytona Beach, Florida, a different type of engine will ring in the 2015 racing season at Stateline Speedway. For the first time in its nearly sixty year history snowmobiles, ATVs, and Side-by-Sides will take to the snow packed racing surface for a series of heats and features and will also run on a temporary drag strip that will be constructed in the back pit.
February 21 is set for this winter fun event, the day before the Daytona 500. Gates will open at 9:00 AM for registration ($25 per entrant per class if they pre-register online, $40 the day of the event). Racing will begin at 11:00 AM. Fan entrance will only be $5.00 and will be all access, meaning fans will be allowed in the pit area as well as the grandstands. The pit will also be the site of a huge bonfire for heat!
Eight classes are planned for snowmobiles, determined by engine size from under 400cc up to 801 and over with special classes for Modifieds, Open Modifieds, and Vintage Sleds. ATVs and Side-by-Sides will be classes in a similar manner.
“One of our goals with Stateline was to find ways to use the facility year-round”, stated Short Track Management CEO, Bill Catania. “With success in this event, we will plan a winter schedule for Stateline in 2016. Naturally we can’t control the weather, but we will plan between 3-5 events adding show cross as well as oval and drag racing to the mix. This won’t be the first new thing we try in 2015.”
After a series of three-lap heats on the “Big Track” action will move to the pit area behind the back straight where a 350’ drag strip will be constructed for the ‘straight-line’ competition. Then the feature races of six-laps each be staged on the “Big Track”. If time becomes an issue due to the number of entrants, drag racing and oval track racing may occur simultaneously. The top three in each class will be rewarded with trophies.
Food trucks are being recruited to feed the hungry fans, carrying on the “Food Truck Village” concept that originated with STM’s running of the Lancaster US Open in 2014.
Online (early) registration will open on Friday December 26th for participants at a discounted price of $25 per sled and will close on Monday February 16th. Registration after February 16th will be $40.
