Connect with us

Super Late Models

Rattler 250 Signals the Return of Super Late Model in the Southeast

In the surest sign that the pavement short track world is starting to stir from its coronavirus shutdown inducted slumber, The Rattler 250 will finally take place this weekend. The signature event for South Alabama Speedway was originally scheduled for March 20-22 but thrice delayed due to the global pandemic. The track received its final […]

Matthew Bishop | STS

In the surest sign that the pavement short track world is starting to stir from its coronavirus shutdown inducted slumber, The Rattler 250 will finally take place this weekend.

The signature event for South Alabama Speedway was originally scheduled for March 20-22 but thrice delayed due to the global pandemic. The track received its final approval from the State of Alabama earlier in the week and the Southern Super Series season opener will take place two months later than expected.

It won’t totally be a normal looking Rattler 250 weekend, of course.

The track still has to adhere to physical distancing recommendations and the family owned track has contracted Ivy Creek Healthcare to implement temperature checks for every fan and participant permitted entry into the facility. The track has purchased hand sanitizer to place around the venerable short track.

Ivy Creek will also have a first aid tent set up in the grandstand area.

Track operations director Maleah Hill says the race is an important element to the start of their season and they wouldn’t begin any other way than its signature event.

“It sets the tone for the whole year,” Hill told Short Track Scene. “We have great support from our fans, our drivers and the community and it’s important that we open with the Rattler.”

Hill was adamant that the track isn’t at risk of closure without contesting its premier event but rather the season wouldn’t feel right without starting with the Rattler 250.

“Kind of like how the Snowball Derby end the year and closes the book, we like to open that book here in this part of the country” Hill said. “Like I said, it’s just a way to set the tone.”

And with much of the country and its racetracks shut down for the past two months, the racing community has responded with a premier event on the schedule for this weekend.

A total of 32 Super Late Models are on the entry list for this weekend, headlined by discipline mainstays Bubba Pollard, Ty Majeski, Stephen Nasse, Augie Grill and Josh Brock.

Defending winner Giovanni Bromante will also return with Anthony Campi Racing to defend their 2019 Rattler crown.

Majeski is a two-time winner of the race, having posed with the rattlesnake in 2016 and 2017. With a two-month layoff and the NASCAR Truck Series season resuming two days afterwards, Majeski wanted to shake off the rust at one of his favorite tracks.

“It’s an awesome race track,” Majeski said. “It’s so racey. You can race top-to-bottom anywhere, so it naturally produces great racing. It’s also one of the biggest races in the country and there are always a lot of top teams there.

“It brings out the best in everyone, and it’s definitely a way for me to get back into race shape for Charlotte.”

Saturday’s schedule includes Super Late Model qualifying at 3:30 CT. Pro Late Model qualifying will follow. Local divisions including modifieds and road runners will take place alongside the main event Pro Late Model Baby Rattler 125.

Sunday’s Super Late Model Rattler 250 is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.

The race will air on Speed51.com for its video service subscribers.

The complete entry lists can be found below.

Rattler 250 Entry List:

  1. Hunter Robbins
  2. Kyle Plott
  3. Kason Plott
  4. Mason Keller
  5. Kyle Bryant
  6. Bubba Pollard
  7. Jake Garcia
  8. Stephen Nasse
  9. Conner Okrzesik
  10. Jeremy Pate
  11. Jett Noland
  12. Steve Dorer
  13. Dawson Fletcher
  14. Gabe Sommers
  15. Daniel Webster
  16. Austin Nason
  17. Jackson Boone
  18. Josh Brock
  19. Anthony Sergi
  20. Augie Grill
  21. Daniel Dye
  22. Michael Atwell
  23. Hudson Halder
  24. Brandon Oakley
  25. Kyle Sieg
  26. Nick Joanides
  27. Boris Jurkovic
  28. Jeff Fultz
  29. Ty Majeski
  30. John DeAngelis
  31. Sammy Smith
  32. Giovanni Bromante

Pro Late Model Rattler Entry List:

  1. Kyle Plott
  2. Stephen Nasse
  3. Jett Noland
  4. Steve Dorer
  5. Jacob Beasock
  6. Justin Beck
  7. Dawson Fletcher
  8. Billy Van Mater
  9. Brandon Curren
  10. Scot Smith
  11. Rafe Slate
  12. Daniel DyeHarrison Halder
  13. Cody Brake
  14. Brad Kossow
  15. Korey Ruble
  16. Justin South
  17. Dylan Fetcho

If you like what you read here, become a Short Track Scene Patreon and support short track journalism!

Read more Short Track Scene:

Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Facebook

Archive

Advertisement

More in Super Late Models