Procession through Downtown Oswego Kicks Off NAPA Super DIRT Week
by Clayton Johns
OSWEGO, NY – Oct. 5, 2016 – The Town of Oswego got its first taste of DIRTcar racing this afternoon, but the race cars weren’t on the track. An afternoon procession saw residents line the streets as cars from all divisions competing at the 45th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week drove through downtown Oswego.
“It was impressive. The streets were lined with people all the way through, and they had the kids out from the schools. It was really neat and very exciting,” said DIRTcar Pro Stock driver and Albany-Saratoga 2016 Champion Robbie Speed.
Some drivers gave their crew members the chance to get behind the wheel of the race car. Crew Chief Andrew Phillips drove Keith Flach’s No.43 Big-Block Modified through town and reported he enjoyed the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 900-horsepower machine.
“It was pretty neat. All the fans came out waving and cheering. It was a lot of fun,” Phillips added. “You had a couple of guys in front of me bobbing and weaving around a little bit, and you had Danny Johnson passing everybody, so there was some excitement.”
The students of Fitzhugh Park School were among the hundreds of residents lining the local streets to take in the sites and sounds of the cars. The opportunity to showcase DIRTcar Modifieds, Sportsman and Pro Stock to younger fans was the highlight of the afternoon, according to Speed.
“Hopefully they go home and tell mom and dad they want to go to the races to see the race cars. That’s where it all starts,” said Speed.
“All the little kids jumping up and down and waving was neat,” echoed Phillips.
Jumping behind the wheel of the car only added to the excitement and anticipation for some drivers who are eager to test Oswego for the first time.
“I can’t wait to get back in the car and get on the track and get some laps in at this place,” Speed said. “The facility is amazing and they’ve done a ton of work. It’s really impressive.”
The Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modified will take to the Oswego Speedway for the first time ever during the first practice session at 3:00pm.
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