Tuscarora 50 Preview

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This coming weekend the Port Royal Speedway plays host to the biggest event in the speedway's historic and storied history.  The weekend kicks off with a full program for the All Star Circuit of Champions on Friday night, and then the Tuscarora 50 follows on Saturday night with its own unique format.  The 50th running of the Tuscarora 50 will pay a whopping $50,000-to-win, and $900-to-start, and there will be plenty of heavy hitters vying for the winner's share of the purse.  Ever since the event was announced last season, many drivers have circled it on their calendars as an event that want to win.  If you would like an updated driver's list you can check out my Twitter page for an updated list of probable entries @LiveDirtUpdates.  Also check out the Juniata County Fair while you're in town with delicious fair food all weekend long.  If you can't make it this weekend one of our sponsor's Speed Shift TV will have live pay-per-view coverage of both nights of action, and they always do a great job.  Let's take a look at the favorite, and some contenders and sleepers for the event this weekend.

Patrick Miller Photo

Favorite

Lance Dewease - Dewease has to be considered the favorite for this event.  Ever since he teamed up with Donnie Kreitz at the beginning of last season the duo have been a threat to win every time they unload, and Port Royal has been their best track.  In seven starts at the speedway this season, Dewease has garnered four victories.  Look for Dewease to be charging on the bottom of the track and he will be very tough to beat this weekend.

Patrick Miller Photo

Contenders

Greg Hodnett - Sure Hodnett hasn't had his best season, but ever since the team went out to Knoxville for the 360 Nationals and the Knoxville Nationals, they have been faster.  Hodnett is always a threat at Port Royal, and after finding some speed look for them to be a contender this weekend for the $50,000.

Brock Zearfoss - Nobody is hotter in Central Pennsylvania right now than Zearfoss.  He has four victories at Port Royal this season, and came within inches of winning the Labor Day Classic this past Monday only to be passed by Danny Dietrich coming to the checkered flag.  If Zearfoss can lay down a good time trial lap and have a good run in the heat, look for him to be in contention on Saturday night.

Patrick Miller Photo

Danny Dietrich - Dietrich is a big money racer and always seems to be fast when big money is on the line.  Dietrich would love nothing more than to win the Tuscarora 50 flying Bob Weikert colors in his Weikert's Livestock machine, and after picking up a victory in the Labor Day Classic with a late race charge by passing Zearfoss coming off turn four of the final lap, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dietrich in victory lane.

Lucas Wolfe - Wolfe has been fast all season long and should not be counted out among the drivers with a great chance to win the Tuscarora 50 this weekend.  Earlier this season Wolfe flipped on the first lap, repaired the car and picking up a regular show victory at Port Royal with a field that included both Dewease and Hodnett.  He will be tough this weekend.

Brian Brown - Brown is the outsider invading Central Pennsylvania this weekend with the best chance to win.  Brown looked very fast last season in his one visit to Port Royal in the World of Outlaws event, and Brown plans on staying in Pennsylvania through the Williams Grove National Open at the end of the month.  I expect Brownie to be fast this weekend.

Patrick Miller Photo

Sleepers

Dylan Cisney - Yes you read that right.  Dylan Cisney is the current weekly points leader at Port Royal, and he is deceptively fast there.  If time trials go his way, Cisney could very well pull a huge upset and pick up the big $50,000 check.

Dale Blaney - Blaney made big news during the off-season pairing with the Zemco team, but so far they have not lived up to expectations, but Blaney has had his best runs at Port Royal, and there wouldn't be a better night for them to put it together and get their first win as a team than Friday night.

Sammy Swindell - Sammy will be piloting the Coldren Motorsports No. 07 car this weekend, and that car has great equipment.  If Sammy is ready to go this weekend he could be very fast, as Swindell is one of the greatest sprint car drivers of all time.

Kerry Madsen - The Madman will be in action at Port Royal this weekend and with his familiarity with Knoxville and how well he runs on big fast speedways, don't be surprised if Madsen runs very well this weekend in the Tuscarora 50.

Well there you have it.  Our Tuscarora 50 preview here at The Dirt Network.  One this is for certain, the best track on the East Coast will be in great shape this weekend for some awesome racing.  We hope to see you there.