HOSS/Marathon and Rockford Speedway Anxious for First Date

The Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series is set to roar into Rockford this Friday evening for the inaugural sprint car race at a cornerstone speedway of the racing community. Rockford Speedway hosts the Short Track World Championships, the Little Car Nationals, and yes, the World Famous Figure 8 Trailer Race. Rockford Speedway is a NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series sanctioned track. Appearing on the maps of most up and coming drivers at some point in their careers, Rockford tests equipment and competitor alike with its ¼ mile banked layout whipping lap times into the 11 second bracket for the HOSS/Marathon Pavement Kings with Wings.

The HOSS/Marathon season points standings have become super close midway through the 2004 campaign with Greg Wheeler (Swanson 7) holding a twelve-point edge over two time HOSS champ Ron Koehler (Koehler 10). Just behind are two drivers who are both rookies in title only. Michael Tarlton is third in points and leads Sondi Eden by just eight markers. Eden is the 2003 NAMARS Midget Champion and currently leads the Speedrome Midget Series points in Wednesday night Indy competition. Tied with Eden is Doug Berryman from Fremont, OH. Berryman (Rebman 1R) is a hotshoe and along with his teammate Joe Rebman (Rebman 77) will be right in the mix Friday. Both drivers are young and brave and very talented. Look for any of these competitors to win Friday night.

Veteran racer Jeff Bloom of Bangor, MI has been around racing for decades and has competed in everything from sprint cars to Indy cars. He wheels the blue and yellow Swanson Engines, Sterling Express number 26 in HOSS/Marathon competition. He is a powerhouse of winged sprint car racing on asphalt and is excited to be coming to Rockford Friday night. “I’ve been to almost every speedway in this country, so when the opportunity comes to race somewhere new it’s a great thrill. It’s always fun to see a track for the first time.”

Also coming to town from nearby Park City is the talented Tim Cox in the D&B Racing NAPA Auto Parts sponsored number 40. This racecar sports a very colorful palette of bodywork and is a quick pick to spot anywhere on the track. Usually packing an overnight bag to race in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana, Cox has been looking forward to this race all season as well. “I don’t get to run in Illinois much and this Rockford race will give my friends and family the chance to see me race without going so far away.”

Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series racing is the fastest open wheel short track racing there is to be seen anywhere. Every week the drivers take two qualifying laps to establish their positions throughout the evenings’ events. The fast qualifier each and every week takes home the Indy RV Center Fast Qualifier Award. At the most recent event Denny England, the 2003 HOSS Point Champ, received the trophy. Credit is also given to the driver who can advance the most positions during the feature race. The award is the Julian Construction Hard Charger Award and Tom Paterson of Argos, IN added that one to his collection. In addition, there is a myriad of contingency sponsors on board the HOSS/ Marathon bandwagon. Suspension Spring Specialist, home of the blue coil, awards a gift certificate every week. Weld Wheels also awards a gift certificate to a randomly selected finisher of the main event. Other sponsors help out behind the scenes and make the HOSS/Marathon series run smoothly for the fans to enjoy.

DIRECTIONS TO ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY from www.rockfordspeedway.com

From the West – Hwy 20 (bypass) East to Meridian Rd. North 8 miles to Latham Rd. East 8.1 miles to Rockford Speedway.

From the South – I-39 North to Hwy 20 bypass/I-90 west (Madison). Then follow “From the East.”

From the East – I-90 West/North to Riverside Blvd. (Exit 66). West 1 mile to Perryville Rd. North 5 miles to Hwy 173. West ½ mile to Rockford Speedway.

From the North – I-90 South to Rockton Rd. West 1 mile to Hwy 251 South. South 6.6 miles to Hwy 173. East 1 mile to Rockford Speedway.Rockford Speedway Quick Information

HOTEL INFORMATION

Travelodge has parking for car haulers. It is off I-90 at East State St.

Phone Number is 815-398-5050

Days INN- is off I-90 at Riverside Blvd.

Phone Number is 815-282-9300

Neither hotel has enough rooms for everyone so if you choose to stay you need to call for your reservations soon!!!