The Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tenn. is putting up big money for their Crate Late Model Shootout race to be contested on Friday, April 10th to the benefit of area drivers in that class. But at the same time, track promoters are offering up a unique format that they hope will provide exciting racing action for fans as well.
At the end of the 60-lap feature, the winner of the event will receive the lucrative payout of $3,000, with the possibility of receiving even more cash. But to earn that payday, the top finishing driver and team will have to master a type of racing unlike most features.
Depending on the car count, a certain number(6-12) will be locked into the main event through time-trials with the top-6 qualifiers going to a fast car dash race to determine the first three rows on the feature starting grid. Those not locked in after qualifying will be sent to heat races. A bonus will be given to the night’s fast qualifier.
Once drivers have made the feature, the real strategy begins.
There will be a mandatory caution on lap 25 to allow for a pit stop in which teams may make adjustments to their cars. The leader at the end of that segment will receive a bonus. Also, there may be an inversion of the top-6 runners at that time.
Another mandatory caution flag will wave on lap 50. Once again, the leader at the end of that segment will receive a bonus and teams will be given time for a pit stop to make any needed adjustments to their cars. There will not be an inversion during this pause in the action.
At the end of the final 10-lap dash to the checkered flag, the winner will claim the big prize.
