ESS: Season opener Black Rock preview

The 20th season for the Empire Super Sprints Kicks off at Black Rock on April 12th.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Let the party begin!!! The 20th anniversary celebration for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS) starts off on Saturday night, April 12th at the Gary Montgomery promoted Black Rock Speedway. More than 30 of the winged warriors will fill the pits at the Yates County oval for the start of the 2003 season for "America's Race Cars"

For the first time ever on the opening show, ESS will share the spotlight with Black Rock's headline division, the DIRT 358 modifieds. Wings and fenders sharing the same pit area, it with be a dirt track fan's dream!

The 25 lap Valvoline Cup A-Main will highlight the evening. The winners share is set at $1625 cash and with added bonuses from associate sponsors making the final tally well over $2000 you can expect an edge-of-your-seat affair. Three or four Engler Machine and Tool heat events will kick off the action followed by the Lane's Yamaha/Walt's Hobby Dash and the KSE Racing Products B-Main setting the 24 car starting field.

Heading the list of entries will be eight-time ESS champion Mike Woodring with his familiar black #19. Coming off a thrilling win in last years Bully Hill Nationals, the Eden, N.Y. star is hoping to make it two wins in a row at the fast 4/10ths mile oval. Woodring's teammate, 22 year old female sensation Erin Crocker, is fresh off her Silver Crown debut at the annual Copper Classic in Phoenix, AZ. Crocker also picked up a feature win in last years Bully Hill weekend so she will be looking for a double as well.

Team Woodring will have their hands full however. Leading the list of challengers will be local favorite Lance Yonge. Once again driving the Mal Lane owned #5, the former big and small block champion at Black Rock will come with guns loaded looking for his first ever ESS win at his former home track. Last year Brian Dumigan and Mercer Pa.'s Mike Lutz took checkered flags at Black Rock and they will be in the field on the 12th as well. Other top challenges will come from Bill Coffey, Rob Dietrick, Mike Stelter, Rick Wilson, local driver Bubby Kerrick and a slew of other top stars and cars.

Fans and competitors are also reminded that a special rain date has been set for the next day on Sunday. Also, Black Rock will open on Friday night for a special test and tune for all cars that run regularly at the tracks as well as for the ESS sprinters.

It's been a long, cold, brutal winter in the northeast but the fire has started and the heat has been turned on!! The Empire Super Sprints 20th Anniversary Tour is coming to Black Rock and just as it's been for the last 19 years--.it will be excitement guaranteed!!!!

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