NES rained out; rookies graduate next week

NEW EGYPT - With rain falling in the morning, and a weather forecast calling for thunderstorms throughout the day, New Egypt Speedway management made the decision at noon to cancel Saturday night's scheduled racing program.

"We've got some great promotions on the schedule in the coming weeks," said speedway owner Rick Grosso Sr., after canceling the third racing program of the year due to inclement weather. "We're hoping for clear weather from here on out so we can present some great racing for the fans."

Action at New Egypt Speedway returns next Saturday night, June 10, with formal graduation ceremonies for the Rookie Sportsman featured on the bill. The Rookie Class of 2006 will receive their diplomas and graduate into the Sportsman ranks next Saturday, with $750 going to the series champion, courtesy of sponsors Advantage Financial Mortgage Bankers and Cradle Rock Developers. Two-time series winner Bryan Driver looks like the man to beat - but with double points on the line for the last show, it's anybody's game. Don't miss Rookie graduation on June 10, where the novice drivers will be racing for double points and all the marbles.

Also on the June 10 racing card: big-block Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stocks and the Haldeman Ford SS Sprints will all be in action.

In addition, the eagerly-awaited Leach Racing Associates/Delran AutoBody Kids Box Car Challenge, originally slated for June 3, will take place on June 10. This twist on the annual Kids Big Wheel Challenge will see children 10 and under bringing "cars" they've made out of cardboard boxes and competing in a race down the front stretch - complete with pit stops. There'll be trophies for three age groups, courtesy of the Leach family, and a bunch of fun for the little ones.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on June 10, with first green at 6:30 p.m. Adult admission is $16, children 7-12 are $5, and kids 6 and under are free.

Coming up at New Egypt Speedway: On Saturday, June 17, Cream Ridge Golf Club presents Dads Appreciation Night, just in time for Father's Day. There'll be some great prizes for the Dads in the crowd. And the highlight of the evening will be the Cream Ridge Golf Club Senior Masters Challenge - a trio of invitational races featuring Dads of drivers.

And don't miss the Race of Champions Rocket Rumble on Wednesday, June 21, sponsored by Metal Fab Pro Race Shop. A sizzling 75 laps for big-block Mods and 40 laps for the Sportsman - and New Egypt's own Sportsman shoe Willie Osmun is two for two on the RoC touring series, winning races at Five Mile Point and Penn Can Speedways.

New Egypt Speedway will be holding an open practice session on Wednesday night, June 14. Pit gate will open at 5:30 p.m., with on-track practice for all divisions scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. A flat fee of $150 will be charged for each car. Driver and crew will sign in free with the race car.

Spectator grandstands will not be open for this racers' test-and-tune session. In case of inclement weather on Wednesday, the open practice will take place on Thursday night.

This is a great chance to tune up in preparation for the RoC doubleheader on June 21 and the URC Sprint show on June 24.

Teams that plan to take part in the Wednesday night practice session should call the track office at (609) 758-1900 during business hours, to register or ask any questions.