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South Boston Speedway announces over $75,000 seasons end bonus program

South Boston Speedway
Over $75,000 in season-end bonuses will be awarded to competitors at South Boston Speedway this year through a new Championship Loyalty Bonus program sponsored by Hitachi Energy and EMPOWER Broadband.

Under the Hitachi Energy sponsorship, a $20,000 award will go to the top eligible driver in the Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division with payouts of $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 going to the rest of the eligible top five drivers. $2,000 will go to all other eligible drivers from sixth on back.

“Hitachi Energy is thrilled to partner with South Boston Speedway to invest in our local racing community and ensure that top-tier drivers continue to choose South Boston Speedway as their home track,” said Hitachi Energy Community Relations and Engagement Manager Ryland Clark. “This partnership not only strengthens grassroots motorsports but also enhances the experience for our employees, who will enjoy exclusive perks as part of our commitment to community engagement. We believe in powering progress – on and off the track – and this collaboration is another step in driving success for both our region and the sport.”

EMPOWER Broadband is sponsoring awards for eligible drivers in the Limited Sportsman, Pure Stock and Hornets Divisions.

A $3,000 award will go to the top eligible driver in Limited Sportsmans, with the next four eligible drivers receiving $2,000, $1,000, $750 and $500. All remaining eligible drivers from sixth on back will each receive a $250 award.

In the Pure Stock Division, the top eligible driver will receive a $1,000 award. Second through fourth eligible drivers will receive $750, $500 and $250. Fifth and all other eligible drivers will receive a $100 award each.

A $500 award will be given to the top finishing eligible driver in the Hornets Division with the second through fifth eligible drivers receiving $250, $100, and $75. Eligible drivers fifth on back will each receive $50.

“We are pleased to partner with South Boston Speedway for the 2025-2026 racing seasons. EMPOWER Broadband proudly supports our local communities and businesses and are excited to have the EMPOWER brand associated with the wholesome, family-oriented entertainment that short-track racing brings to the fans at the speedway,” said EMPOWER President and CEO Casey Logan. “South Boston Speedway is an iconic racing destination that has drawn loyal fans from all over Southside Virginia and beyond for more than 60 years. EMPOWER is committed to providing the best internet experience and empowering our local communities and businesses. It’s a winning partnership and we can’t wait to see what the next two years bring.”

The new Loyalty Bonus Program is contracted for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

“When we say we’re going to take care of our drivers and put on a show for our fans, we mean it,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Hitachi Energy and EMPOWER Broadband for putting their confidence in South Boston Speedway and supporting this monumental effort. This is a special place, and our drivers deserve a special championship program like this. We want the best-of-the-best to race here, and our fans are in for an incredible season of action because of the absolutely stacked fields this program will produce. Although this is a driver/team focused bonus, fans will immediately see benefits from even more top-notch competition at SOBO each-and-every week. We are not done yet, there will be another announcement coming soon that will also make the 2025 Championship battle at SOBO one for the ages.”

Track officials noted that award payouts will be based on season-end driver track points. The Championship Loyalty Bonus is designed to reward those who attempt to compete in all events at South Boston Speedway. Program eligibility stipulations will allow one race night waiver per each eligible driver, if needed. This waiver will be good for missing one night of racing, even a twin-race night. While they won’t receive points for that night, they will remain eligible for the loyalty bonus.

A second ‘emergency’ waiver is possible to receive, and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. It will be granted only if there is any unforeseen hardship that impacts a driver’s attendance such as, but not limited to, tragedy, injury, emergency illness, or a mechanical issue or crash during race day practice/qualifying.

Missing two race nights with no ‘emergency waiver’ will void a driver’s eligibility for the loyalty bonus.

Two-time NASCAR national champion and seven-time South Boston Speedway NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division champion Peyton Sellers spoke highly of the new program

“This is another step in the right direction for South Boston Speedway in taking care of those who support them,” Sellers pointed out. “With so much emphasis being put on touring series, this is an opportunity for grassroots racers to compete at their local track and be rewarded for it. This is definitely aimed at the weekly racer who works a 9-to-5 job and gives them an opportunity to run for a championship and be well compensated for it.”

Landon Pembelton of Amelia, Virginia, who will chase the 2025 South Boston Speedway Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division title after winning 11 races and a track championship last season, is also excited about the new loyalty bonus program.

“This program is going to be a great program for the racers,” Pembelton said. “I’m personally looking forward to it. This gives you something to really go after. Of course, you want to go after a track championship, but having this program on top of it is going to be good for the racers and everyone involved. I see this as a great thing for the future. It’s going to be good for short track racing. I hope this program is something we can have for years to come.”

South Boston Speedway will kick off its 2025 season on Saturday, March 22 with the SMART Modified Tour’s King of the Modifieds event. That race will be 125-laps for the tour-type modifieds. South Boston Speedway’s Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division will start its 2025 season as well. Twin-50-lap races, each paying $2,500 to win, will be the co-feature event of the day. Other series or divisions will be announced at a later date.

Advance tickets for the season-opening SMART Modified Tour King of the Modifieds event are on sale and $20. Tickets at the gate on race day will be $25. Advance tickets for all of South Boston Speedway’s 2025 events can be purchased online on South Boston Speedway’s website or by calling the speedway’s office at 434-572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540 during regular business hours.

Scotte is from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, living just a few minutes from the historic race track. Scotte has raced at local dirt tracks for five years, as well as covering NASCAR and short track races for nearly a year now, and has a firey passion for all motorsports, working to achieve a career as a driver.

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