Second-generation racer Roark has big dreams

BY ALLEN GREGORY

BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

COEBURN — Caleb Roark has big dreams.

The visions for the 14-year-old second-generation racer from Abingdon center around fast cars, big tracks and adoring fans.

Roark and many other weekend dreamers will have the chance to chase their dreams this season at Lonesome Pine Raceway.

After a problem-filled year which included the death of a female racer, the tradition-rich speedway tucked into the coalfields of Southwest Virginia has new owners and sanctioning from the American Speed Association.

"Lonesome Pine is a great track, and I was so excited to hear that it was opening back up," Roark said. "I’m hoping for a big season."

Harold Crook shares the excitement. The Marion native has returned to his former role as LPR general manager and has spent the past few weeks spreading the news of the rebirth at the 35-year-old track.

"Everybody from the sponsors to the drivers have been real receptive," Crook said. "Fans of hardcore, grassroots racing are in for a treat."

The powerful Late Model cars will again serve as the featured division, with the weekly program including Street, Mod-4 (Modified 4 cylinder), Pure 4 cylinders and the new Charger class.

"I’ve heard from around 30 Late Model drivers, plus we expect some of the UARA [United Auto Racing Association] guys to run some with us," said Crook, who works in marketing with the Hendersonville, N.C.-based UARA-Stars touring series. "Overall, I’d say we’ve got 80 to 85 cars already registered.

"After all that happened with the track last year, we have some things to overcome. But with the contact that I and other new tracks owners have, it will be a smooth transition."

Roark is anxious to compete with his new Charger, which is basically a 3,300-pound short-track car with spec engines in the $2,700 range.

The Chargers are also scheduled to run at Bristol Motor Speedway on July 5 and August 9 as part of diverse UARA and ASA Late Model events

"We’ve got to come up with things that make people want to come out to the track, and we think the Chargers will put on a good show," said BMS vice-president of events Wayne Estes. "These are not Thunder Roadster or Pro Challenge cars, the Charger is a full-scale introductory stock car that is solidly built.

"This is a great opportunity for younger racers. The Chargers will have a driving school kind of speed limit, but they are fun to watch."

And Roark expects to have plenty of fun, both at Lonesome Pine and BMS.

"It’s really an honor to have the chance at run at a world-class track like Bristol," Roark said. "I’ve been to one race at the speedway, and it was really something.

"This Charger is a pretty racy car, so it should be a great experience. I hope to learn a lot and run fast."

Roark will also compete in the UARA Late Model touring series for the Abingdon-based Jeff Roark Motorports team. Smyth County native "Big Tom" Buchanan will provide sponsorship.

Practice sessions are set for March 29 and April 5 at LPR, with the opening race set for Saturday, April 5.

All of the regular weekly racing events will be held on Saturday night.

"I can’t wait for the season to start," Roark said. "There a lot of weekly racers in Southwest Virginia, and it’s cool to have the chance to race close to home."

| (276) 669-2181