Due to inclement weather in the forecast this weekend in Cordele, Georgia, the 20th running of Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest at Cordele Motor Speedway has been moved to Friday, January 17.
The marquee Late Model event was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 18, with qualifying taking place on Friday. However, the feature has been moved up to Friday because of the rainfall expected on Saturday.
“Faced with a Saturday forecast calling for a 90% chance of all-day rain, series and track officials worked together on a decision to move the feature racing to Friday night or Sunday afternoon,” states the announcement. “With Sunday’s forecast showing a slight chance of rain and keeping teams, drivers, and fans in the area for an additional two days, it was decided to move the feature program to Friday night where the forecast is dry.”
Practice will now begin at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, with qualifying at 4:30 p.m. ET. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m., and feature racing will follow.
Saturday’s racing lineup remains the same, but there will be a slight shift in race order. Bandoleros will start with their 15-lap feature, followed by the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour 100-lapper for the Pro Late Models. The Legends Car 25-lap feature follows the Pro Late Models, and then the 150-lap Super Late Model showcase co-sanctioned by the ASA/CRA Super Series and ASA Southern Super Series.
Over 45 Late Models are entered across the two divisions for SpeedFest. NASCAR Cup Series competitors Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain are scheduled to compete against the Super Late Model stars of Bubba Pollard, Stephen Nasse, Cole Butcher and more.
Pit gates open for an optional testing day on Thursday, January 16 at 10 a.m. ET, and testing will be from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Grandstand gates will open at noon. Tickets are still available online or at track on race day,a s wella s being broadcast on RacingAmerica.TV
