Apr 22, 2015 09:59 AM EDT
‘AJ Slideways’ To Compete On Opening Night In 2nd Herbie Wright Big Block Entry
DUNDEE, N.Y. - For Immediate Release - April 22nd, 2015
The competitive bar for the opening night field of modifieds was just raised with a recent deal put together that will see ‘AJ Slideways’ Alan Johnson drive for Herbie Wright in a second Big Block powered Bicknell chassis.
Johnson now joins a list of dirt modified talent having driven the familiar ’88 Batmobiles’ that includes Donnie Lawson, Black Rock Promoter Mike Jackson and current driver Stacy Jackson.
Wright, dirt modified racing enthusiast, pairs up with one of the most prolific dirt modified drivers over the last 4 decades. Including being ranked among the all-time leaders in wins on the Super DIRTcar Series and Canandaigua Motorsports Park wins, the 57-year-old Middlesex, NY driver has a pretty impressive track record at ‘The Rock’.
“I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to run for Herbie on Friday night and maybe more races if we mesh well together,” said Johnson regarding picking up a ride for the season opener at the fast four-tenths-mile. "Black Rock is a fun place to race because the track's size doesn't let things get too strung out. There is always something happening each lap and for a driver it's a lot of fun."
Since 2011, Johnson has nine starts at Black Rock Speedway with an average finish of 6.2. This includes two trips to victory lane in the October Dutch Hoag National Open, seven Top 5’s and seven Top 10’s. The last time he entered an opening night event at the track, he came home one spot short in second.
What should concern Johnson’s competition is how dominant ‘AJ Slideways’ was in a Bicknell chassis back in October enroute to his second Dutch Hoag National Open victory- a victory that continued his streak of winning a feature event in 40 straight seasons. That race went green to checkered and saw Johnson lap cars well into the Top 10. You know that he would like nothing more than to add another year to that streak right out of the box in 2015.
“Alan and Herbie together at Black Rock is a win for the competitors, the fans and the speedway as we kick off the 2015 season,” said Co-Promoter Mike Jackson. “Drivers always say when they win they want to know they beat the best. Friday night’s winner will have done just that with all the wins in Alan’s career as well as his and Steve’s (Paine) success here at our facility over the years.”
Although this deal is currently slated for one race on Opening Night April 24th, neither side is opposed to working together for more races in the future if it’s a good fit.
The drama and excitement doesn’t stop there as the Modifieds will be joined by a stout field of Crate Sportsman competitors, $500 to win Street Stocks, M&M Auto Sales and Service IMCA Modifieds, NAPA Know How 4 Cylinders and Creekside Entertainment Bandits. Weekly Friday night racing kicks off at 7PM.
When, Where & How Much?
Friday April 24th, 2015 Black Rock Speedway- 82 Main St. Dundee, NY 14837 Pit Gates: 4:00pm; Grandstands 5:00pm; Practice 6:30pm; Racing 7:00pm Tickets: GA $12.00; Senior Citizens (65 and up) $10.00; 12-17 $10.00; Kids under 12 FREE Pit Passes: Members $27.00 (with one-time $25 member fee); Non-Members $32.00
RainedOut.com Text Alerts
Race fans and teams are encouraged to sign up for Text Alerts via Black Rock Speedway’s RainedOut.com account. The link to sign up online can be found on the Black Rock Speedway Facebook page or simply text ‘therock’ all one word to the number 84483. Message and Data rates may apply from your mobile carrier.
