Old School Racing pulls plug

The Old School Racing Series announced earlier this season that the inaugural campaign for the series would be pushed back one year and would begin in 2009.

That announcement came after South Boston Speedway officials had already released their 2008 schedule, which included a Friday night, Oct. 17 appearance at America’s Hometown Track for the Old School Racing Series. It also came after season tickets for the 2008 season at South Boston Speedway had already been sold.

Therefore, South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice announced this week that persons who purchased 2008 season tickets would be eligible to receive a $10 discount off the cost of 2009 season tickets.

“We were all very excited about hosting the Old School Racing Series and were disappointed when the announcement came that the series would not be competing at South Boston Speedway this season," Rice said. “Hopefully our fans will understand that this decision was not made by us."

According to a release issued by the Old School Racing Series, the postponement of the inaugural season was done so to allow a partnership to form that will make the series bigger and better for the drivers, crews and fans.

“I regret that the 2008 season has been cancelled and apologize to the old school fans that have been dying to see their past heroes compete once again," Old School Racing Series Managing Partner Norm Weaver said. “We had a great schedule planned for 2008, but to make this series survive the test of time, with the help of our new partners, we have designed a much better series for the ultimate fan experience. I don’t want to go too far into details because we want to do that when we announce the redesigned Old School Racing program."

The Old School Racing Series, based in Mooresville, N.C., is expected to field cars for such drivers as David Pearson, Harry Gant, James Hylton, Geoff Bodine and others.