PRP Ready For 2017

By: Chuck Greenslate

Portsmouth Raceway Park is on the verge of opening its 2017 season, which PRP Promoter Donna Rayburn anticipates will be one of the best in the 27-year history of the track.

“Last year provided some of the best racing, fastest speeds, and biggest crowds that we have ever witnessed,” Rayburn said. “With so much momentum from last fall, I believe this year will continue to generate growth and excitement.”

PRP’s opening night is scheduled for this Saturday, June 3rd. The annual PRP Kickoff Classic will also serve as Veterans Recognition Night with all vets receiving free general admission with proof of ID.
“We love and appreciate our military,” Rayburn said. “We typically always schedule Veterans Recognition Night on Memorial Day Weekend. It’s just a small way for us to try and show some appreciation to the men and women in our military.”

On the card this Saturday will be Late Models, Modifieds, Limited Lates, and Sport Mods.

Late Models are always a fan favorite at Portsmouth Raceway Park. The Coleman-family owned track will again host three Lucas Oil Late Model events… The Independence 60 on July 1st which pays $12,000 to win, The Bob Miller Memorial presented by Pepsi on September 2nd paying $12,000 to the victor, and The 37th Annual Dirt Track World Championship paying $100,000 to win October 19th through the 21st.
In addition to these three Lucas Oil shows, PRP will also play host to the 6th Annual Boone Coleman Memorial Gator 50 on June 17th as well as the 23rd Annual Fred Dillow Memorial on August 19th.

The Boone Coleman Memorial Gator 50 will pay Late Models $5,000 to win. The annual Dillow Memorial will offer up increased payouts for all classes, and as part of the Dillow card, The Bozo Bragdon Memorial “Give Me One Lap” Late Model Time Trials will also take place. The Late Model fast qualifier on the night of August 19th will pocket $1,077.

The Modified Division will also make its return to Portsmouth Raceway Park in 2017. This class typically boasts the highest car count week in and week out. The annual Mod Squad Spectacular paying $3,000 to win will take place on August 5th.

UMP Modifieds will also be a part of the Dirt Track World Championship card in October and will pay $4,000 to win, and The Cletus Classic will be run on June 10th.

Limited Lates will be a mainstay in 2017. The Annual Premier Precast Products Limited Late Model Extravaganza is scheduled for July 15th.

While Sport Mods will enjoy their second full season at PRP, Sprint Cars will make their return to Portsmouth Raceway Park on two select dates. On June 10th the B.O.S.S. Sprint Car Series will visit PRP. On July 29th, the OVSCA Sprints will be on hand.

As for some other events on tap for this season at PRP, Kids Night will take place on June 24th. Fan Appreciation Night is scheduled for August 26th.

Unless otherwise noted, gates will open at 4 p.m. every race day with racing at approximately 7:30. The winning drivers in the weekly featured classes will pocket $2,000 in the Late Model Division, $800 in the Modifieds, $500 in the Limited Lates, and $400 in the Sport Mods.

For more information regarding Portsmouth Raceway Park log on to www.portsraceway.com.