CARTERSVILLE, GA – The NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series has entered into an alliance with the newly formed Pulaski, PA-based Northern States RUSH Late Model Series that will sanction crate late model racing in several states. The Northern States RUSH Late Model Series will use the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS as a model for operations and rules.
The Northern States RUSH Late Model Series will implement the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS engine and tire rules, with only a few differences for the Chevrolet Performance 604 and 602 Crate Engines used by both series. The RUSH series will also adapt the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS engine sealing program to create accountability for engine repairs and rebuilds.
The Northern States RUSH Late Model Series will be operated by veteran race organizers Vicki Emig and Mike Leone, who bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the series after working with another series in the area for the past six years.
“The decision to leave where we were and start a new crate late model series was not an easy one for us, as we have dedicated the last six years of our lives to the diligent growth and development of crate late model racing in the Northeast,” Emig said. “With that said, after months of difficult contemplating, we came to the conclusion that we feel we can better serve the needs of both the speedways and the racers in our region by operating as an independent entity.”
Like the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, the Northern States RUSH Late Model Series will feature a Touring Division and a Weekly Racing Series for non-touring drivers. The two series will have separate point funds. Both series will operate independently with the NeSmith DLMS covering the Southeastern United States, and the RUSH LMS operating in the Northeastern United States.
The RUSH Northeast Touring Series will consist of 20 to 25 events. The RUSH Regional Weekly Series Championship will feature a $25,000 point fund paying back 30 spots and paying the top 30 drivers in the point standings with $5,000 going to the Champion.
“We’re excited about working together with Vicki Emig and Mike Leone and the Northern States RUSH Late Model Series in the pursuit of giving racers, promoters, and fans affordable and competitive dirt late model racing,” NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Founder and Director Mike Vaughn said. “Dirt Late Models using the Chevrolet Performance Crate Engines have kept dirt late model racing alive, especially at weekly tracks. These economical engines have kept dirt late model racers in the sport, they have provided the promoters an affordable late model class, and that has kept the ticket prices down for the fans. I truly believe that Vicki and Mike can carry on this mantra in the Northeastern United States and we’re here to assist them in reaching their goals.”
The NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series has been in operation since 2005 competing exclusively with economical Chevrolet Performance 604 and 602 Crate Engines that are built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications.
Through the years, the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS has developed a Certified Engine Rebuilders program and a special seal for repaired and rebuilt engines that has ensured a level playing field and gives accountability to the rebuilt engine. The NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS Engine Seals will be available to engine builders in the RUSH LMS area of operation that choose to be approved by the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS.
The RUSH LMS will still accept seals from other dirt crate late model series, as does the NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS. Racers with technical questions and interested engine builders looking to be approved as Certified Engine Rebuilders can contact the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Technical Director Tim Sims at 256-794-4047 or at tim@nesmithracing.com until the RUSH LMS Technical Director is put in place.
The NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS and the Northern Sates RUSH Late Model Series will share the same tire rule with two different Hoosier Race Tire compounds to choose from – the Crate Racin’ USA D55 and Crate Racin’ USA D21 tire.
“While both series will have the freedom of operating as separate entities with its own programs and procedures, both will work in tandem towards the betterment of Crate Racing and expansion, if needed, into all forms and divisions of racing,” Emig said. “To symbolize our unity in achieving these goals and taking crate racing to the next level by joining the knowledge and abilities of both organizations, its speedways and racers, both series will be tagged with ‘Powered by Crate Racin’ USA.’”
Also, by aligning the Northern States RUSH Late Model Series with NeSmith, competitors will have the opportunity to participate in the following upcoming National Events: the 8th Annual $10,000 to-win, 100-lap Chevrolet Performance World Championship Race at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, FL on November 30-December 1, 2012, and Florida Speedweek at BRP on January 28-February 2, 2013.
Tracks wishing to sanction weekly Crate Late Model racing under the RUSH Racing Series and/or interested in booking a Northeast Touring Series event, should contact the office at 724-964-9300.
E-mail can be sent to info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. The office is open daily late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. A RUSH Racing Series website will soon be released at www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels or follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.
For more information about the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series visit the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com, or visit the series on Facebook at NeSmith Racing. Becoming a fan of the NeSmith Racing Facebook page will make you eligible for special prizes that will be given away each month. You can follow us on Twitter @NeSmithRacing.