NEWS

CARS HIT THE TRACK AT WVMP TO KICK OFF THE 2008 SEASON. 

Wyalusing Valley got it's first practice of the 2008 season in on Sunday, with many competitors taking advantage of the beautiful day.

There were many new faces, new competitors, and past racers with new colors.

The rookie purple division saw some familiar faces, as well as some new ones. Dominick Rogers looked very fast all day, while Sean Lane and Kara Chapman both looked greatly improved from last season. Newcomer Rayce Ayres quickly got the hang of things, but not before she took a trip into the turn 4 wall.

The novice blue division looks as though it may be the most competitive to date, as Cam Ayres and 2007 Rookie Purple Champion Skylar Middendorf will join 2007 hotshoes Tyler Musselman and Dayton Cote.

Corey McCarthy was on hand in his new Slingshot ride, turning some impressive laps and looking quite comfortable in the bigger car.

Perhaps the most impressive story of the day was Bryan Sherwood making his 600cc Microsprint debut. Bryan's racing roots run deep, being the son of veteran asphalt modified driver Lee Sherwood. The Sherwood family business, Sherwood Racing Wheels, is very well known in the area stock car ranks. Bryan has extensive experience in microds, with the majority of that experience being on asphalt. The difference between a microd and a 600cc Micro is enormous, to say the least. With that said, it was obvious that young Sherwood has a maturity behind the wheel that extends beyond his years, taking the first couple laps cautiously and gradually picking up the pace. Within the first couple sessions, he began turning some very good laps, and by day's end looked very good in the car.

The new sportsman kart divisions looked to be very evenly matched in the kids and womens divisions. As these classes grow in numbers, look for them to put on some of the most competitive racing anywhere.

Discussions with the racers following the day's activities found the drivers pleased with the changes made to the track's banking and, more importantly, to turn 4. 

Next Saturday, WVMP will once again host a practice, with the 2008 season opener scheduled for the next day (Sunday).

Come on out next Sunday to the Nightmare of the Northern Tier for some fast family fun! On a tight budget? NO PROBLEM! New for 2008, WVMP is offering the FAMILY FUN PASS! Admission for 2 adults, 2 kids, 4 hot dogs, fries, and drinks for only $25!