Ace Speedway gearing up for the 11th annual Rodney Cook Classic
By Julian Austin
The 11th annual Rodney Cook Classic is coming to Ace Speedway on November 1st and 2nd.
Rodney was a competitor at Ace Speedway among other tracks in the Carolina's and Virginia. The perennial fan favorite passed away in 2013 after a brave cancer battle. This memorial race has been run in his honor since 2014. In a related but somber note, Rodney's brother Calvin "Nukey" Cook recently passed away earlier this month making this weekend extra special for the Cook family.
Mason Bailey has been the most recent driver to add his name to the Late Model Entry List. Mason captured his first career zMAX CARS Tour pole this year at Wake County Speedway and always brings a fast piece no matter what short track he goes to.
Kyle Dudley who is a former winner at the speedway will not be able to make the start this weekend due to his car being destroyed in a recent crash at Kingsport Speedway in Tennessee.
The driver roster for all divisions that will be competing on Saturday. ***Note, this is subject to change***
Pico Propane and Fuels has come on board as victory lane sponsor for 11th Annual Rodney Cook Classic.
The format which came under much scrutiny online has been altered since it's original announcement. Instead of the first 10 entries being locked in, all drivers will now have to run one of four 14-lap heat races. The first 10 drivers will start at the front of their respective heat races, with the rest of the lineup being determined by the order with which entries are received. The 14 lap heat races will determine the starting lineup for the 140 lap feature.
Ace Speedway has also announced they are adding to the winners purse by $4000, bringing the winners share to $14,000. Also to show appreciation to the early entrants for their support of our idea, the highest finishing early entrant will receive a $1400 bonus.
General Admission Tickets are $25.00, $5.00 for kids and little kids are free. Management has decided to take up donations for hurricane relief efforts at the speedway. If you bring an item for donation, you will receive five dollars off your ticket. Suggested donations include any baby related items (formula, diapers, blankets, bottles), boxed food, sports drinks, juices, clothes, blankets, shoes, coats, pots, pans and dishes. Water is plentiful but will also be accepted.
Gates open at 1 and racing starts at 3 on Saturday, November 3rd. Grandstands will be open to fans on Friday, November 2nd which is an open Late Model practice day.
**Photos provided by ACE Speedway Management**