(Cordele, GA) The entry list for the “Protect Your Melon – Buckle Up SpeedFest 2024” keeps getting stronger and stronger, with several Super Late Model stars entering the 150-lap race this week.
After the original wave of entries was released last week, race organizers have received entries from many of the best Super Late Model stars in the country. Headlining that list was 2023 Southern Super Series and CRA series champion, Gio Ruggiero. The Seekonk, MA became the first driver to win both series championships in the same season and also collected two ASA STARS National Tour victories.
Next up is Florida wheelman, Stephen Nasse. While Nasse will be looking for his first ever victory at SpeedFest, the Super Late Model star has claimed two Southern Super Series championships along with marquee wins in the All American 400, Winchester 400, and has claimed at least one of just about every big race at New Smyrna Speedway.
While many have talked about Ross Chastain racing in the Pro Late Model portion of SpeedFest, it has now been made official that NASCAR Cup Series driver, Josh Berry, will be competing in the Super Late Model portion of the weekend. Berry will be driving full-time this year for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series but will pilot a Kevin Harvick entry at Watermelon Capital Speedway.
Other drivers who race full-time in NASCAR that will be making the trip to Georgia for the January 20 race include Brandon Jones, from nearby Atlanta, GA and fellow Georgia racer Jake Garcia. Jones has been a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2015, while Jake Garcia will be driving full-time for ThorSport Racing in 2024 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Add in 2-time CARS Tour Super Late Model champion and former All American 400 winner Matt Craig, 2-time Southern Super Series point champion and former All American 400 and Rattler winner, Casey Roderick, and ASA STARS National Tour point runner-up and Redbud 400 winner Cole Butcher to the list, and SpeedFest turns into a can’t miss event.
All of the aforementioned drivers add to an already strong list that included Bubba Pollard, of Senoia, GA, who has won the last two SpeedFest events, in addition to Michael Hinde, Billy VanMeter, Jett Noland, Jake Finch, and Michael Atwell. As of Friday afternoon, January 12, 2024, the field is at 26 cars and is expected to create the great racing fans are accustomed to seeing each year at the annual event.
The ASA Southern Super Series Presented by Sunoco and ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS will sanction the 150-lap Super Late Model race and for the first time, SpeedFest will be a point race for the Southern Super Series. The JEGS/CRA All Stars Tour presented by Chevrolet Performance, Legends, and Bandoleros will complete the four strong divisions of competition at the Cordele, GA facility.
SpeedFest began in 2005 at the now defunct USA International Speedway in Lakeland, FL before moving to Georgia’s Lanier National Speedway in 2009. SpeedFest then found its home at Cordele Georgia’s Watermelon Capital Speedway at Crisp Motorsports Park in 2012 and has been held there ever since. Some of the biggest names in motorsports have won SpeedFest including Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Harrison Burton, Chandler Smith, and Corey Heim. Bubba Pollard has won the last two SpeedFest events at the track.
There will be an open practice on that Thursday from 1 to 5pm. Friday’s schedule will consist of practice and qualifying, with all features being run on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM ET. Advance sale discounted tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/SpeedFestTix
The driver / team entry forms for Speedfest are available at https://trackenterprises.wufoo.com/forms/entry-blank-speedfest-100. Additional track and event information as well as event camping opportunities can be found at www.trackenterprises.com and www.crispmotorsportspark.com. For track rental prior to the event, interested parties can contact Ben Sumner at 229-938-8814.
ASA Branded Tours
ASA Branded Tours encompasses four (4) pavement Super Late Model racing series operating under the Track Enterprises banner and under the ASA Brand via a licensing agreement for logo and IP Rights. ASA Branded Tours include the ASA STARS National Tour, the ASA/CRA Super Series, the ASA Midwest Tour, and the ASA Southern Super Series.
Additional information on the ASA/CRA Series can be found at www.cra-racing.com. Information on the ASA Southern Super Series can be found at www.southersuperseries.com
