'Need for speed? Get to Champion Motor Speedway'

The Supermodified Racing League returns to Champion Motor Speedway Saturday, but will have something special to offer its fans today.

Officials of the SRL will bring a 2-seat, supermodified racecar to the track today to offer rides to the media and general public. Davey Hamilton, owner of the SRL, calls it "The Limo."

Driven by current points leader Lonnie Adamson, each person will get five laps -- at speed -- in the car. Cost of the ride is $125 per person, safety equipment will be provided.

"This is a big marketing tool for the SRL," said Hamilton. "It's an opportunity for fans and the media to go for a ride in a supermodified car. We're trying to make the league bigger and better and this is one way for more people to get involved."

If you're up for a ride, tell track officials, "Dale Lamborn sent you." The passenger is positioned behind the driver in an extended chassis set-up.

Local teams and drivers competing in Saturday's race include Dale Lamborn, S&S Motorsports with Troy Ragier of Dinuba, Calif. behind the wheel, and Jerry Allec Jr. in Dan Gurney's No. 72 sprint car.

Most of the cars now run 410 cubic-inch motors averaging 800 horsepower. Weight of the car, fuel and driver must be at least 1,925 pounds before the main event. After-race weight distribution must be at 68 percent or less on the left and 32 percent right.

The change in engine size helps car counts for feature races as they compare to that of a sprint car. The sprints can run with or without a top wing and be competitive with the supermodified cars. Supermodified cars are the fastest, short track race car in the world -- undisputed. A supermodified car runs on methanol and has no clutch, they are a direct-drive car and must be pushed to start.

Lamborn said he is ready for Saturday. He likes Carson City and likes to race at home.

"I like the smaller tracks, too," Lamborn said. "I always run good at Carson City."

The 1995 late model track champion feels he has a little bit of an advantage racing at the track and would like to score a win for sponsors Empire Builders and S&S Motorsports.

"The key to winning here was starting on the pole. I haven't raced on the track since it was resealed, but we're hoping for a good run. It's always nice to win at home."

Race series director Steve Fensler said the supermodifieds will run a 40-lap main event. Lineup will be determined by qualifying times first, then the fast-qualifier will draw a number -- either a 6, 8 or 10, to determine the number of cars to be inverted.

Tom Silsby, co-owner of S&S Motorsports No. 98, said whoever is "working" that night will win.

"It all happens so fast, if something goes wrong you don't have time to fix it," Silsby said. "It's a tough division."

"We owe a lot to Ron Burdg at Sierra Racing Products," said Steve Shaw, co-owner with Silsby. "He has helped us a lot and does so much for us. As does Valley Chevrolet and Paughco."

"We're looking at about 18 supermodifieds to be in Carson City for the race," Fensler said. "Several sprint car guys have called and said they're going to join us, so that number may be higher. The winner will receive $2,500; total purse is $12,305."

Supermodified racecars will be on display today at Les Schwab Tire Center, 3020 S. Carson St.

SRL RIDE INFO:

WHAT: Ride in a supermodified 2-seater

WHEN: Friday 1-3 p.m. SRL has all safety equipment available

COST: $125 for five laps

INFO: Call and register with Champion Motor Speedway, 267-0505