Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League Opens Its Biggest Season Ever on Wednesday

 

May 27, 2008

 

The Delaware Speedway Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League will take to the track Wednesday evening (May 28, 2008) to kick off its twelfth year of racing.  More then just an anniversary, this year’s kickoff is extra special for the program.  The league is set for its biggest year ever with the number of participants approaching thirty drivers.

 

The majority of this year’s growth is in the Junior Division for kids aged 8-12 years old.  In the twenty-car division almost half the registered drivers for Wednesday’s event are rookies.  The influx of new drivers presents exciting new challenges for the league that prides itself on educating new drivers the ins and outs of stock car racing both on and off the track.

 

“It might be a bit tough lining them up the first few weeks,” said Junior Division instructor and Friday night announcer John Houghton.  “But after a few weeks the drivers are able to pick up the skills and really go racing.  It’s amazing the difference between opening night and the season finale.  Spectators who come out will see a big difference.”

 

The league attributes the growth in number of competitors to positive word of mouth and the overall satisfaction of the race teams involved.

 

“Our competitors and their families are our greatest ambassadors.  They go out of their way to help promote the program, whether its inviting out new spectators or getting their neighbors involved with a car,” said John Houghton.  “Every small effort helps us to grow and improve.  Our annual team survey last season had a 100% overall satisfaction rating with the program in general.  We hope to keep improving all aspects of our program and do even better.”

 

The senior division for kids aged 13-17 will see around ten cars competing in its season opener.  Veteran Junior Division drivers Patrick Freel (#88) of London and Jordan Lawrence (#28) of London have graduated to the senior division and are joined by one other rookie driver, Amy Anderton (#9) of Delaware.

 

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere on Wednesday evenings,” added John Houghton.  “It’s a fast moving event for the spectators.  The crowds aren’t nearly what they are on a Friday evening, but everyone who comes out has a great time.”

 

The action gets started just after 6:30 PM at the conclusion of the practice sessions.  Spectator entry for adults is only $5, kids 12 and under are free of charge.

 

About the league:

 

Established in 1997, The Delaware Speedway Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League is a program for 8-17 year olds that teaches the ins and outs of stock car racing. It operates during the summer on Wednesday nights at Delaware Speedway. The racing is divided into two divisions, the Junior Division (8-12 Years Old) and the Senior Division (13-17 Years Old). The drivers do not compete for money, but for an end of the year scholarship. As part of the Krown Body Maintenance Junior Racing League drivers participate in the racing program, and attend classroom sessions. These are held after every race and count towards the end of the year championship. The sessions teach the young drivers about subjects such as safety, public speaking, taking responsibility, the dangers of drugs and alcohol, vehicle maintenance, sponsorship, aerodynamics, engines and much more. Throughout the season the league also hosts various guest speakers.