All systems are go for NES season opener

NEW EGYPT - A new era in racing at New Egypt Speedway was kicked off Saturday as the track hosted its annual open practice session.

Over 110 cars from 10 different divisions went through technical inspection, testing and tuning during the afternoon in preparation for the track's season opener on Saturday.

Many sharp-looking Modifieds, Sportsman and Super Stocks packed the pit area, led by some familiar names. Looking strong throughout the day was Modified hot shoe Sam Martz. Martz, who won the final three races in 2006, was among the fastest all day long, while 2001 champ Keith Hoffman was also on hand and appeared to be ready to chase down his second track title. Defending champs Gary Butler (Sportsman) and Al Cheney (Super Stock) also turned fast laps as they look to pick up where they left off last season.

The new Friday night racing card was also represented, as cars from all four divisions were on hand, many for the first time. This season, New Egypt Speedway will race every other Friday, with Super Late Models headlining a card that will include SS Sprints, Outlaw Stocks and Crate 1 Sportsman. The Friday season will kick off on April 13, as the nationally recognized 360 OTC World of Outlaw Super Late Model Tour does battle in the "Cabin Fever 50," paying $10,000 to win.

Five URC Sprint teams towed in on Saturday as well, turning impressive laps around the half-mile D-shaped clay oval. They were led by four-time New Egypt/URC feature winner Brian Seidel of Allentown, Pa. The URC Sprints will make their first of five scheduled appearances this season at New Egypt Speedway on April 28.

Nine Rookie Sportsman drivers were on hand and preparing to do battle in the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookie Sportsman Series this season. The field was led with impressive runs by Bobby Butler of Milford and Danny Bouc of Plumsteadville, Pa.

Off the track, two new items of interest had the fans buzzing for much of the day. The first was a new observation deck that was built in the turn 4 picnic area. The deck, which directly overlooks the new technical inspection area in the pits, allows fans to watch the pit action firsthand. It received rave reviews from the many fans who crowded onto it all day long. The second was the new rule for the Sportsman and Super Stocks that they must display their last name in large block letters on the bottom of their right-side door, and many excited fans gave this a ringing endorsement.

New Egypt fans will see all of this and more Saturday, when the track presents its season-opening "Easter Bunny Hop" program, sponsored by Agin Signs and A-1 Racing Products. The Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookies will be sharing the bill with Big-Block Modifieds, Sportsman, and Super Stocks. Gates open at 3 p.m. with the first green flag at 5 p.m.

Matt Sheppard joins strong field of New Egypt Mods

With $3,000 to win on the line, a strong field of Modifieds will be on hand this Saturday when New Egypt Speedway will swing open the gates for the first race of the 2007 season.

Among those leading the charge will be 2006 champion Jimmy Horton, who will be back to defend his title. Former Champs Frank Cozze and Keith Hoffman will be joined by many other NES hot shoes looking to claim the top prize each week and compete for the 2007 title.

In addition, 2006 feature winners Sam Martz, winner of the final three events last season; Ryan Godown; Tim Tanner Jr.; Brian Godown; and Dominick Buffalino are geared up for a strong season. Frontrunners Ron John Koczon, Rich Rutski and Tad Cox are also poised to have a big year.

As if this competition wasn't enough, there will also be a new face in the lineup when the Modifieds take to the track, because one of DIRT's rising young stars will call New Egypt Speedway his home in 2007.

Matt Sheppard, 24, of Waterloo, N.Y., will make the three-plus-hour tow each Saturday to challenge for the $3,000 top prize.

"It was kind of an easy decision," said Sheppard

"I have always liked racing at New Egypt when we have visited in the past and we have been pretty successful." "This season when many tracks were lowering their weekly purses, New Egypt really stepped up to the plate and raised theirs."

Sheppard is a two-time winner at NES, winning a $10,000 to win Superstars of Stock Car Racing event in 2004 and picking up a win in a Super DIRT Series event in 2005.

"If we can be competitive, run up front and get a few wins, then I would consider that successful," he said. "The weekly competition is always tough down there, but we are ready for the challenge."

With heat races returning to the qualifying format for the Sportsman and Super Stock divisions this year, a large field of cars is expected to challenge for the increased winners share of $1,000 to win in each of their respective features. Both were well represented at practice day this past weekend, with track champions Gary Butler (Sportsman) and Al Cheney (Super Stocks) turning some quick times.

In addition, last year's runner-ups in the championship run - Willie Osmun (Sportsman) and George Quinlan (Super Stocks) - looked like they are ready to turn up the heat and challenge for the top honors.

The Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookie Sportsman Series also opens Saturday, beginning their nine-week run to decide who will be the NES Rookie champ.

A dozen Rookie competitors are already signed up to compete for the 2007 crown.