Drivers Will Slow Down To Give Thanks With Families, Friends This Week

It’s one of those rare times in the life of a weekly racer when the engines are silent, tools are put away and racing is secondary.

It’s a week of giving thanks and racers are no exception. They will gather around the Thanksgiving table Thursday with family and friends and count their blessings.

“This is the time of year to reflect on and appreciate another safe year of racing along with remembering those who we have lost this year,” said Peyton Sellers, who won his third South Boston Speedway Late Model Stock championship in 2017 while recording three wins. “Racing is a tough sport. We compete on the track and have out differences but when we unstrap we should realize we are a family, a brotherhood that will do anything to help each other. Our difference on the track is what makes us unique.”

South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice couldn’t agree more.

“We were blessed with another year of great racing surrounded by great friends and family,” said Rice. “We are thankful to be working in this sport at this wonderful race track. We are so thankful for the support we get from so many race fans and team. It all is truly a blessing.”

Bobby McCarty just wound down his best year of racing. Even though he finished second to Sellers in the South Boston Speedway Late Model points, he won four races at his home track. He also picked up a huge win in the Hampton Heat at Langley Speedway in late summer and contented for the Virginia Triple Crown title.

“I have a lot to be thankful for,” said McCarty. “I’m thankful for my son, my fiancé for dealing with all the late hours working on the race car, my family and friends.

“I’m also thankful for the way my racing career progressed this year. I’ve learned a lot and can’t wait to see what the future has for my team and me.”

It was a break-out season for high school senior Colin Garrett. He captured the Limited Sportsman championship at South Boston behind five wins. He also branched out to other tracks on nights South Boston wasn’t running and picked up his first Late Model Stock win.

“I definitely have a lot to be thankful for this year,” said Garrett, a senior at Halifax High School. “Obviously my wonderful family and being able to have the opportunity to race. I can’t thank everyone who’s been a part of this team all year to get us to the point we did.

“My mom and dad put a lot of effort into my racing as well as my partners and I can’t be thankful enough to them all.”

South Boston’s 61st season will open on Saturday, March 24 with twin 100-lap races for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Division, a 50-lap Limited Sportsman event, a 30-lap Pure Stock race and a 15-lap Hornets race.

For the full 2018 South Boston Speedway schedule, visit www.southbostonspeedway.com.

SBS PR