Series and track officials remain in communication for long-term future
FREEDOM, N.H. (April 22, 2023) – The Sprint Cars of New England (SCoNE) club confirms that Legion Speedway has cancelled its five scheduled events for the 2023 season.
Legion Speedway, which is located on the line between the New Hampshire towns of Rumney and Wentworth, has long been considered an anchor track for the SCoNE tour, and it has hosted more than 75 SCoNE events. The cancelled 2023 event dates are June 2, June 30, July 28, August 18, and September 15; events at other tracks will not be affected, and the scheduled SCoNE opener on Saturday, May 13 at Devil’s Bowl Speedway remains in place.
Legion promoter Ron Giroux informed SCoNE President Justin St. Louis of his desire to make the change on April 18, and while the two were not able to come to an agreement to retain any of the five races, talks in the following days were productive and encouraging.
“I want to focus on building the weekly racing program at Legion in 2023,” Giroux said. “For now, we wish the SCoNE club the best of luck, and the tour will always be considered when we’re making plans for Legion in the future.”
St. Louis said that while it’s disappointing to lose the events, he is encouraged that the lines of communication will remain open for a future partnership.
“It’s obviously not a great situation, but I’m very optimistic about this season and the future of SCoNE,” St. Louis said. “Ron and I have a strong relationship and I think that SCoNE will eventually return to Legion, but for now I respect his decision and will offer support however I can.”
The emphasis remains on strengthening SCoNE’s foundation and building the tour up. St. Louis and SCoNE Race Director Dan Douville have begun talks with other race tracks and touring series in the region, and they are focused on a fun season while exploring additional options for the tour.
“We are moving forward with a great group of race teams, and we have 10 exciting events to look ahead to,” St. Louis said. “Bear Ridge Speedway, Devil’s Bowl Speedway, and The Flat Track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway continue to be great partners, and there is a possibility for some news about one or two new races in the coming weeks.”
The 20th Sprint Cars of New England season opens on Saturday, May 13, at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vt., with a $1,000-to-win event. SCoNE features winged, open-cockpit, open-wheel racecars with 360-cubic-inch, methanol fueled engines producing more than 600 horsepower. For more information, visit www.nesprintcars.com or find the “SCoNE – Sprint Cars of New England” page on Facebook.
(Alan Ward photo)