PASS South takes on Hickory this weekend

[NickHolt]

Fan Appreciation On Tap As PASS South Takes On Hickory This Weekend

CHARLOTTE, NC (September 20) – In late 2005, the ranks of Super Late Model racing in the Carolinas was shrinking. The few tracks that featured the division were eliminating them and there was not a series for teams to follow. That winter, Pro All Stars Series (PASS) President Tom Mayberry decided to take a big risk in expanding his sanctioning body that was finding success in New England. When the inaugural PASS South Super Late Model season was announced in 2006, there were many naysayers that did not think a series would be viable. But, when 33 cars showed up at Hickory Motor Speedway for the first Easter Bunny 150 that spring, the naysayers were quieted and a new series was born. Now, over 10 years later, PASS South continues as the oldest and most successful Super Late Model sanction in the region, with hundreds of drivers having raced in the division throughout its history. But, PASS South would not be where it is today without the fans. So it is only fitting that this weekend PASS honors its fans with PASS Fan Appreciation at the track where it all began. For just $15 adult admission, fans will get to see a full field of PASS South Super Late Models compete for 150 laps, plus they will see the Mid-Atlantic Limited Late Models race for $1500 to win and the Southern Outlaw Street Stocks compete for $1000 to win.

Andy Loden returns to PASS South competition this weekend at Hickory for the first time since 2013. The former three-time Hickory Motor Speedway track champion will pilot Robert Hamke’s potent #74 as he seeks his fifth career PASS South Super Late Model win. After moving to Super Late Model racing in 2010, Loden quickly established himself as one of the fastest drivers in PASS South setting 12 quick qualifying times over the years and finishing third in points in 2010 and 2011. But, Loden has stepped aside in recent years to support his son’s Quarter-Midget racing efforts. Despite a little rust, Loden is excited to step into the car that Preston Peltier has piloted in recent years to several wins at Hickory.

“I don’t have any expectations, just looking to have some fun and help Robert [Hamke] work out some stuff on his new car,” says Loden. “I think we can run good, but I’ll definitely have some cobwebs to work out.”

As Loden looks for his first PASS South win since 2011, PASS South points leaders, Matt Craig and Kodie Conner will continue their race for the series title. Local favorite and former series champion, Tyler Church, returns along with veterans Kelly Moore, Jimmy Doyle, and Lee Hansard. Colt James will make his first start of the season following his track championship at Southern National and will be joined by June’s winner at Hickory, Chris Dilbeck. JP Josiasse will make the trip from Ontario, while JD Roberts will make the tow from New York and Matt Sever will be coming from Pennsylvania. Rookies Garrett Archer and Justin LaDuke have also filed entries for this weekend.

 

All the action gets under way on Friday at Hickory Motor Speedway with rotating practice for all division from 3 – 6:05 PM. On Saturday, practice will begin at 3 PM with qualifying starting at 5:15 PM, followed by the Pit Party, and main events going green at 7:05 PM for the PASS South Super Late Models, Mid-Atlantic Limited Late Models, and Southern Outlaw Street Stocks.

 

PASS Super Late Model entry forms and the complete weekend schedules for this weekends events at Hickory Motor Speedway and White Mountain Motorsports Park can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.

 

The Pro All Stars Series is recognized as North America’s premier sanctioning body for asphalt Super Late Models and Modifieds and boasts such marquee events as the legendary Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway and PASS South’s Easter Bunny 150 at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway. For technical information concerning all PASS divisions please send questions to passracing@roadrunner.com. For media or marketing questions, please contact Alan Dietz at 704-231-2039 or alandietzpass@live.com. And, don’t forget to “Like” the Pro All Stars Series on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @PASSSLM14 to keep up with breaking news as it happens.