NAPLES, Maine – Ever since the return of stock car racing to Lanier Raceplex was announced earlier this year, fans and drivers alike have brought up memories of great races of the past at the speedway that opened in 1982.
On Saturday afternoon, new memories will be made when the Pro All Stars Series national super late model championship will be decided in the Lanier National 200.
While the championship will conclude a season that began at Richmond Raceway in March, the Lanier National 200 will pay $6,000 to the race winner, and an eye-popping $1,000 just to start.
Joining the PASS Super Late Models at Lanier will be three divisions of Legend cars and the Bandoleros. The Legends Pro/Masters will race for $500 to win, Semi-Pros will compete for $400 to win, and the Young Lions will race for $300 to win.
Among the early Lanier entrants are drivers like hometown favorite Shane Chastain and former All Pro Series racer Randy Gentry, who both raced Super Late Models at Lanier in the 1990s and 2000s.
For North Carolina teenager Kodie Conner, you might think he never had the chance to race there. But in his case, you would be wrong.
“I raced a Bandolero at Lanier and we actually won,” said Conner, driver of the Ameriprise Financial/Stephen Kidd/Accent Imaging/FK Rod Ends Toyota No. 45. “I saw that the track was repaved a few years ago and I feel like that is a good omen since we won the last time we were there. It’s good to go to a track that has been dormant for our type of racing. Everyone is pretty much on a level racing field not knowing what gear or springs to run.
“I’m just excited to be racing with PASS again; the series is awesome.”
In addition to the great racing Atlanta metro fans will be able to see on the famed three-eighths-mile speedway, camping and trackside parking will be available for purchase the weekend of the race only.
Camping spots can be purchased at the track on race weekend for just $20.
One of Lanier Raceplex’s most famous views is from the tiered trackside parking along the backstretch. Fans can purchase unreserved spots for just $10 to get a truly unique viewpoint of the Lanier National 200.
Since being announced earlier this year, the Lanier National 200 has become oneof the most anticipated events of the season. Hosting oval track racing for the first time in nearly a decade, the Lanier National 200 will crown the 2019 PASS national champion.
Maine’s Mike Hopkins has a commanding lead in the standings, thanks to wins at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and Seekonk (Mass.) Speedway.
Now that all infield buildings have been removed and hauler parking will be in the outside pit area, fans will have an unobstructed view of all the action, no matter where they sit.