Riley Hickman
The annual Joe Lee Johnson/Gobbler race is scheduled with the Southern All Stars series for this Friday night at the Cleveland Speedway. The payout for the event is estimated at close to $40,000 and the weather forecast is looking great, officials said.
With cooler temperatures track and series officials have announced an early start time for competitors.
P
it gates open at noon with grandstands opening at 3 p.m. for the fans. Drivers meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. with hot laps for all divisions following. Qualifying and heat races are expected to begin about 7 p.m. General admission tickets in the grandstands are $17 (with reserved tickets $3 each for the top level rows).
Kids age 7-12 are half price. Under 6 are free.
Current SAS points leader Riley Hickman (# R1) of Ooltewah is expected to compete just days after taking an $11,000 payday out of Middle Tennessee last weekend. Former Track Champion Chattanooga's Todd Morrow debuting a new race team will be in competition as well as regional favorites like Randy Weaver, Skip Arp, David Payne, Ray Cook and others. Defending Track Champion Rick Hixson of Soddy Daisy and current Cleveland Speedway Crate dominator Jason Welshan of Maryville are also expected to be in competition.
A "Toys for Tots" campaign will be running at the track Friday, sponsored by the Chattanooga Fire Department. serving children in both Bradley and Hamilton County. Unwrapped new toys for the less fortunate children will be appreciated. Pit admission is $35.
SAS SLM's 50 laps. $5,000. to-WIN / $100 Entry Fee
Steel Head LM's 30 laps 1,500. to-WIN / $40 Entry Fee
Crate LM's 25 laps. 1,200. to-WIN / $30 Entry Fee
A-Hobby / B-Hobby and Pony (All) 20 laps. $500. to-WIN / $20 Entry Fee