With the final weekend in September (or first weekend of October) comes a trio of short track races with a shining history. In the East it’s the Milk Bowl at Thunder Road International Speedbowl. In the South it’s the All-American 400 at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville In the Midwest, it’s the National Short Track Championships.
Here is what you need to know about each event.
55th Vermont Milk Bowl
Where? Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, VT
When? Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1
Last Year’s Winner: Nick Sweet
The Vermont Milk Bowl attracts the best of the American Canadian Tour and the top weekly runners of Thunder Road International Speedbowl. Its three 50-lap segments make for an interesting day of crunching numbers and watching fast drivers try to pick their way through the field to secure an overall win. What’s more in 2017, a new track surface has made for a very racy facility.
Among some of the local contenders are 2017 track Champion Bobby Therrien, season runner-up Trampas Demers, and three-time 2017 feature winner Jason Corliss, who finished Second in the Milk Bowl a season ago. Last year’s track Champion Scott Dragon also enters as a local favorite.
Those from the outside who could contend for the win are ACT Champion Scott Payea, Série ACT Champion Jonathan Bouvrette, and 2014 Série ACT Champion and Milk Bowl polesitter Alex Labbé.
Nick Sweet will return seeking his fourth Milk Bowl win. He will be joined by fellow three-time winners Patrick Laperle, and former NASCAR racer Kevin Lepage.
For more information about the Vermont Milk Bowl visit www.thunderroadvt.com
33rd All American 400
Where? Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville (TN)
When? Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1
Last Year’s Winner: Bubba Pollard
The entry list for this weekend’s All American 400 at Nashville is a who’s who of Super Late Model racing from across the country. Track Champions and Series Champions are set to clash in the grueling 400 lap event.
Defending race winner Bubba Pollard leads the power-packed field, but there will be plenty of contenders looking to keep him from re-entering Victory Lane this season. Among the former series Champions are: Donnie Wilson (Southern Super Series), Casey Johnson (TUNDRA Super Late Model Series), Cole Timm (CARS Tour), and Raphael Lessard (CARS Tour).
Drivers with major wins to their names such as Mason Mingus, Jeff Choquette, Christian Eckes, Cale Gale, Casey Roderick, Chad Finley, Stephen Nasse, and Steven Wallace will also be top contenders in the event.
Prior to the 400, the Pro Late Models will shoot for top honors in a 100-lap feature. The Pro Late Model field includes several Super Late Model racers who will pull double duty and former Daytona 500 winner Sterling Marlin.
The weekend will be action-packed as Saturday features the Night of Champions for the local divisions, as well.
For more information on the All American 400 visit www.fairgroundsspeedwaynashville.com
52nd National Short Track Championships
Where? Rockford (IL) Speedway
When? Friday, Sept. 29, Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1
Last Year’s Winner: Casey Johnson
The field is wide open for this year’s 200-lap National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway as Casey Johnson heads south to contend for an All American 400 crown. There are plenty of Midwestern hot shoes who will be ready to take his place on stage with the red and white wreath.
Local favorites John Reynolds Jr. (a former NSTC winner) and past track Champion Michael Bilderback are considered top contenders in the Super Late Model main event. Austin Nason, who began his racing career at Rockford, also has some momentum with two Second Place finishes in his last two appearances at the quarter-mile.
Several invaders from the North (namely the state of Wisconsin) are also expected to contend. Rich Bickle is a two-time NSTC winner and is a serious threat to win each time he visits Rockford. Former Slinger Speedway Champion Brad “JJ” Mueller lists the NSTC as one of his bucket list races to win, and will try again this weekend.
The NSTC weekend is full of racing beginning Friday night. Local divisions, including weekly Late Models will highlight the preliminary events. The Big 8 Late Model Series and Mid-American Stock Car Series will also take to the high banks throughout the weekend.
For more information on the National Short Track Championships visit www.rockfordspeedway.com
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