Warm weather brings racing at Roaring Knob
At this Wednesday morning writing, the snow continues to pour down in the mountains, although weather reports tell us that we are heading into a sunny holiday weekend.
Will Yough Lake residents hear the sound of race cars practicing at Roaring Knob Saturday?
That is the question area drivers hope is answered in the affirmative as announced on the Roaring Knob web site, but unlike the ground hog, I do not see it happening.
John Redshaw started driving circle track dirt in 2000, after racing front wheel drives at the Farmington Fairgrounds for two years. “I went to the Knob one day and I was hooked,” he laughed.
The fact that he lost use of his left arm in a motorcycle accident does not seem to slow his driving down.
Redshaw raced Street Stocks, getting “Rookie of the Year” his first season out. Speed seems to be in the blood. It was his Uncle Russ Redshaw, veteran driver of car No. 62, who gave me his phone number.
“Russ and Dad would put me on the back seat floor of the car and throw coats over me when I was little, to get me into the pits.”
John bought a Late Model, competing in that division during the 2006 and 2007 seasons, but it became too expensive.
“We took 3 track championships in 2000, 2001, and 2003, and have won 26 features. I am still driving for this guy and that guy. I have another car we drug out of the woods and slapped some paint on. It needs a motor, but I will finish it later. I am leaning toward helping people out more. I just built a car for Sean Smith in the Charger Class. He wrecked his last year. All we have to do now is add the lettering and ground effects. Smith is No. 23.”
When I asked what he would tell someone who wanted to drive a race car he said, “First thing to do is hang with someone who is successful. Have someone to advise you and help you out so you don’t waste time and money. Knowledge is power. It’s how to win races.”
First Annual 410 Sprint Event Gearing Up: Pittsburgh’s Danny Holtgraver recently captured the $10,000.00 Ronald Laney Memorial “King of the 360” at East Bay Raceway Park in Florida. Last season, the former Lernerville champion earned the first three All Star wins of his driving career. You will see him in his No. D4 at Roaring Knob’s 410 Sprint event, May 5, vying for the $4,000.00 with at least 30 competitors.
More Area Track Openings: Motordrome — Smithton, April 20 and 27 practice will be held from noon to 5 p. m. On May 3 they will hold their Mobil 1 Opener — NWAAS Big 5 Friday Night program. They ask that Street Stock and Modified Divisions drivers check the new rules at: www.motordrome.com.
Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh Motor Speedway — Practice is slated for Saturday 2 — 5 p.m., March 30. On April 6, the 2013 Blast Off begins at 2 p. m. Details: www.ppms.com.
Bedford Fairgrounds Speedway — On April 7, a Race Car Show will be held in Jordan Hall at 11 a.m.
All divisions can “test & tune” at 3 p. m. Sunday, April 14, is opening day for races.
Elkins Raceway — Keep checking for updates at: www.elkinsraceway.net.
I received an email from Tony Stevens, who graduated from Cal U in 2005. He then moved to Charlotte, NC, in pursuit of his motor-sports dream. Today he works at both Rockingham and Charlotte Motor Speedways as an events announcer.
He can also be found doing hands-on work with short track teams. “I have been fascinated by your work on the Uniontown Speedway these past years. I grew up in Washington, Pa.
The fact that the first super-speedway (aside from Indianapolis, of course) was built in Uniontown is amazing to me. I am dumbfounded. I thought there was no racing history or culture there. Boy was I wrong. It would be so cool to see the old board track on the big screen today.”
Please contact McGuinness with your racing news at 724-710-2919 or shorepublications@yahoo.com.