Many drivers, teams and fans came out to watch the Hoosier Tire Testing that awakened the 1/2 Mile Concrete Oval known as Shangri-La II Motor Speedway on Tuesday, June 23rd.

Representatives from all four divisions which will compete each Saturday night in the ASA Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Street Stocks were invited to test the new track and provide feedback to the Hoosier Tire staff on the scene.

Three drivers tested for the ASA Late Models division. The drivers included former TIOGA Motorsports Park champion, Jim Lamoreaux of Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania, Joe Berretta of Exeter, Pennsylvania and Scott Nurmi of Lakeview, New York.

"The track is good and has a lot of momentum." said Berretta following his first session. "A little rough but it will be fast once all the bugs get worked out and some rubber is put down." Berretta returned to the speedway in his #21 ASA Late Model and ran into a little trouble as he scraped the turn 3 wall which ended his afternoon. Scott Nurmi turned some very quick laps in his #20 ASA Late Model. He said the track is sweeping fast and it allows you to get right back on the gas coming out of the corners. Nurmi also commented that Tires shouldn't be an issue.

Jimmy Zacharias of Candor, New York, Dave Bellis in the Swansbrough Racing #06 and Billy Cole III from New Jersey tested for the Mighty Modified division. Zacharias and Cole III put on an exciting show for the fans and passed each other in turn one a couple of times. Dave Bellis on the other hand, took a hard hit into the third turn wall as something broke in his machine. Bellis exited the car under his own power which indicated he was okay.

Lee and Charlie Sharpsteen both of Waverly, New York tested for the Sportsman Modified division. "This place is fun" commented Lee Sharpsteen. "Once there is more grip and you can use the banking, you should be able to get two or three wide racing which will make it more exciting for the fans." Both Sharpsteen's stated that the tires used for the test held up well.

Frank Chapman and Dylan Terry tested for the Street Stock division. Chapman seemed to be the first driver to really put his car to the test on the new concrete surface. Both drivers had a solid afternoon and look to be a factor during the 2009 racing season.

The day was filled with loads of fun as the Track Owner George Swansbrough made the first laps around the speedway in a 2007 Yellow Chevrolet Corvette which will be the official pace car of the speedway. Swansbrough made laps with friends, family and media representatives. "It was a beautiful day and a great turn out." said Track Manager Amy Stilson. "It is great to see the fans come out to watch tire testing and this is just the start to something special."

The Staff at Shangri-La II Motor Speedway will hold open practice on Friday, July 3rd. Pit gates will open at 4:00pm, Grandstand gates at 5:00pm and the action will begin at 6:00pm. On Saturday, July 4, a special five division show will be scheduled, headlined by the ASA Late Models (50 laps) and the Mighty Modifieds (50 laps). The Sportsman Modifieds will feature a 40 lap feature event, while the Street Stocks will do battle for 30 laps. Joining the action on grand opening night will be the Cup Lites Racing Series, with a 50 lap main event scheduled. On Sunday, July 5, the action at Shangri-La II continues with Twin 50's for the ASA Late Models and a 100 lap event for the Mighty Modifieds. The always entertaining Sportsman Modified division will do battle in a 75 lap feature and the Street Stock class will face off in a 50 lap main event. Pit Gates and Registration will open at 9:00am, Grandstands at 10:00am with the action kicking off at 11:00am for both Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, you can view the website at www.shangrila-2.com. Shangri-La II Motor Speedway and the American Speed Association (ASA) - Concrete Kicks Asphalt!

Tire Testing Participants:

ASA Late Models: Jim Lamoreaux (No. 37), Joe Berretta (No. 21) and Scott Nurmi (No. 20).

Mighty Modifieds: Jimmy Zacharias (No. 1), Billy Cole III (No. 0) and Dave Bellis (No. 06).

Sportsman Modifieds: Lee Sharpsteen (No. 1) and Charlie Sharpsteen (No. 2).

Street Stocks: Frank Chapman (No. 89) and Dylan Terry (No. 27).

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