The November racing tradition of the 'Gobbler' continues with the 27th annual running of the classic Dirt Super Late Model showdown. Promoter Mike Simmons and his staff will be upping the ante with this year’s edition set for the three day weekend just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thursday thru Saturday, Nov. 19-21, are the dates in which Cleveland Speedway will host some of the biggest names in Dirt Late Models. The event, is being boosted from the normal one day, $5,000 to-WIN / 50 lapper to a $10,000 to-WIN two day, 77 lap feature race, sanctioned by the Southen National Bonus series. Over $60,000 in prize money will be distributed among seven classes. This will be the first time in the 27 year history of the event, the race will pay $10,000.
The defending race winner is Riley Hickman of neighboring Ooltewah, who’s won multiple Crate and Late Model Steelhead races at his home-track this season when not touring the South. The “Gobbler” will mark the second only SLM appearance of the season at Cleveland. In May Randy Weaver of Crossville, Tn. won a $4,000 prize with the SNB series.
Only one driver has been able to repeat a winner of the “Gobbler” in the past 10 years. Jake Knowles of Rome, Ga. won the 25th edition of the $5,000 to-WIN event. Prior to Knowles, Weaver won in 2012 with Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC, Jonathan Davenport of Blairesville, Ga., Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. winning back to 2006.
In addition to the SLM’s, Cleveland Speedway’s local divisions will all see action both Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21. The Late Model Steelhead’s and Crate’s will compete for a $2,000 winner’s prize, while A-Hobby, B-Hobby and Pony division battle for $1,000 paydays.
Ticket prices for the 'Gobbler' are as follows: Adult Grandstands $17 on Friday and $22 on Saturday while Adult Pit Passes are $35 each day. Reserve Seat will be available for $3. The gates will open at 2 p.m. each day with practice set for Thursday, Nov. 19, for a $15 Pit fee.
Driver's meeting is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Cleveland Speedway is located 20 minutes NE of Chattanooga on I-75 at Exit 20. Follow US-64 Highway to the next exit, about 1.3 miles and exit south (to the left) towards Cleveland off US-64 bypass, then 0.2 mile NE on Hwy 11 just past the car dealerships.
Further information on the 27th Annual Joe Lee Johnson Gobbler can be obtained at www.ClevelandSpeedwayLLC.com, or like the Cleveland Speedway LLC Facebook page.
Scott Sexton of Pigeon Forge, TN (2005)
Skip Arp of Georgetown, TN (2004)
Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA (2003, 2002 & 2001; 1997)
Patrick Duggan of Lenior City, TN (2000)
John Jones of Rock Springs, GA (1999)
Danny Peoples of Margaret, AL (1998)
Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, TN (1996; 1992; 1990)
Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN (1995)
Frank Ingram of Acworth, GA (1994)
Rex Richey of Ringgold, GA (1991)
Lamar Lowry of Georgetown, TN (1989)