In a move planned to make it easier for sportsman division racers to compete at both Riverside International Speedway and Scotia Speedworld (near Halifax), officials for both tracks and the NAPA Sportsman Series have collaborated to unify the rules packages. The NAPA Sportsman Series sanction the sportsman races at Riverside.
“We hope this makes sportsman racing even stronger in the region as we move into 2021,” said Bill Vasil, president of the NAPA Sportsman Series. “We weren’t that far apart to start with but thanks to a desire to work together for the betterment of all, we’re on the same page now.”
Ken Cunning, general manager for Scotia Speedworld echoed Vasil.
“Our rules were very close before, but we concentrated on a few sections to ensure we understood what each was saying,” said Cunning. “We mostly meant the same thing, but we used different words. The result is a racer’s ability to run at either track without having to overhaul his or her car to do it. Drivers who wish to run at both tracks will find it very easy.”
The NAPA Sportsman Series will run exclusively at Riverside International Speedway in 2021 on four occasions: June 12, July 23, August 21, and September 11. The June and September shows will see the sportsman division in a support class role while the July and August dates will see them as the feature event. All four sportsman races at Riverside will be sponsored by Henry’s NAPA Autopro.
The Sportsman division at Scotia Speedworld is part of the CARSTAR Weekly Racing Series, with select special events, and running from May through September at the popular 3/10-mile oval across from the Halifax airport.
The few remaining differences in rules between Scotia Speedworld and the Napa Sportsman Series are minor and track-specific or in the process of being transitioned into effect. Sportsman racers can find 2021 rule books online for the Napa Sportsman Series at www.napasportsmanseries.com and Scotia Speedworld at www.scotiaspeedworld.ca. Racers who plan to run at both facilities should be aware of and will be expected to abide by the rules of the track they are at. Questions should be directed to Tony Leonard for the NAPA Sportsman Series and Lawrence Hopper for Scotia Speedworld.
Both Riverside International Speedway and Scotia Speedworld are planning full seasons in hopes things are getting back to normal by then. But if still under COVID-19 restrictions, management for both facilities are confident they have a good baseline to prepare with and to adjust as necessary, both having hosted successful Public Health-approved events in 2020 with Covid-19 protocols in place.
About Scotia Speedworld:
Scotia Speedworld (SSW) is a 3/10-mile asphalt oval racing facility, the only track in Nova Scotia to host a weekly racing series that runs May through September. SSW also hosts special events including the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. SSW is located at Exit 6 on Highway 102, across from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. For more information please visit www.ScotiaSpeedworld.ca or call (902) 481-2514.
About Riverside International Speedway:
For 52 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).
