July 25, 2010

GROVE HANDICAPPED RACES PROFITABLE FOR LANCE DEWEASE

     MECHANICSBURG, PA -- While some very successful drivers have found it difficult to win a handicapped sprint car race at Williams Grove Speedway, it has never been a problem for Lance Dewease.
     The 5-time track champion has won two of the five handicapped races run at the Grove this season.
     He’ll get an opportunity to win another one on Friday evening, July 30, when the sprint cars will be joined by the 358s.
     The first heat is scheduled to start at 8:00.
      Both divisions will be handicapped according to the drivers’ earnings averages at Williams Grove with those who have made more money starting behind those who have earned less.
     The Grove’s handicapping system forces the most successful drivers to pass cars if they are going to win races, and Dewease has been a master of this system.  His wins this season have come from the 9th and 11th starting positions respectively.
     Dewease, 44, of Fayetteville, has won 73 sprint car features at the Grove, and the large majority of them have come in handicapped races.  None of his previous handicapped wins, however, has been as profitable as either of his two in 2010.
     Because of an increase in the base payoff along with bonus money contingent upon starting position and laps led, Dewease’s wins have been worth $4190  and $4290.
     Other winners of handicapped races at the Grove this year include Stevie Smith, Mark Smith and Danny Dietrich.
     The 358s have provided plenty of action in handicapped races as well with Pat Cannon winning twice from the 12th starting position while Cory Haas and Scott Geesey each won from 10th.