SUPER MODIFIEDS TO DOUBLE DIP IN 2024 OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN EVENTS

Super Modifieds will once again return to Davey Hamilton Jr’s Open Wheel Showdown in 2024. But fans will be delighted to know that they will be showcased in both Las Vegas and Irwindale this year as part of both Showdowns.

They will participate in the Las Vegas event November 14-16, 2024, at the ‘Bullring’ at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and return a week later at Irwindale Speedway 22-24, 2024.

It’s no secret that the division has been idle in recent seasons. With the help of Adam Nelson, owner of Meridian (Idaho) Speedway, and his creation of the new Speed Tour Super Modified Series, the division is growing quickly.

When Davey Hamilton Jr. announced the division would be added to the inaugural Davey Hamilton Jr’s Open Wheel Showdown at the ‘Bullring’ at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last December, many were skeptical that enough cars could be rounded up to put on a competitive event. The event exceeded everyone’s expectations and drew a healthy field of cars.

It had been many years since the Supers were featured in a West Coast event as high profile as the Open Wheel Showdown. Super Modified events on the West Coast had been few and far between until 2022. Nelson had been hosting a handful of two-day events at Meridian Speedway and it seemed to help to get cars out of the garage, and out to the track. St. George, Utah racer Bryan Shafer helped organize a high paying event at the ‘Bullring’ in 2022 that really speeded up the revival.

Last year’s event drew cars from the Midwest and East Coast in addition to the West Coast. Oswego (New York) Speedway regular Dave Danzer won the inaugural event last year in a thriller that saw him closing in on race leader Hamilton Sr. late in the race before Hamilton Sr. crashed out due to a mechanical failure. The duo was about to put on a thrilling battle for the win had Hamilton Sr. not encountered misfortune.

If this year’s early entry process is any indication, fans are in for a treat. As of June 13, there have already been 18 Supers entered for both events with the events still five months away. This is great news as several East Coast teams are expected to enter in the next few months including defending Las Vegas race winner Dave Danzer.

A second Open Wheel Showdown was added in 2024 at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, California. It will be the first time Supers have roared around Irwindale Speedway since November 6, 1999. Troy Regier won that Western Super Modified Racing Association event nearly 25 years ago.

With the addition of the Supers Modifieds to the Open Wheel Showdown last season, the event now has a true Copper World Classic feel to it. With the resurgence of West Coast Super Modified racing thanks to Adam Nelson, Speed Tour, Mark Pasquale, Bryan Shafer, and Davey Hamilton Jr., it would appear the division will be a part of both events for years to come.

For updates to the Davey Hamilton Jr’s Open Wheel Showdown Super Modified entry list please visit www.openwheelshowdown.com leading up to the events.