What's New

Annis & Richards Win by Slim Margins at Sugar Hill
Weare, NH – As Sugar Hill Speedway enters the second half of its racing season, the championship races are heating up and the race finishes have been getting closer and closer. This past Sunday there were two races that definitely tested the electronic scoring system. In the Jr. Outlaw ‘A’ division, TJ Jeski led the first five circuits before getting into a battle with Josh Annis. From the halfway point of the race, Annis and Jeski ran nose to tail and swapped the lead as the laps dwindled. As the duo approached for the checkers, the call was too close for the naked eye and it was the electronic scoring system that determined that Annis edged Jeski by 3/100^th of a second to claim the victory. Complete Story

Vitaminwater Offers Chance to BBQ with Papi
Vitaminwater is a new sponsor for the 2008 season at Sugar Hill Speedway. As a marketing partner with Vitaminwater we are helping them promote a sweepstakes that will send a lucky winner to a BBQ with David "Big Papi" Ortiz. We thank Vitaminwater for their support of the Weekly Racing Series at Sugar Hill. You can enter the sweepstakes online at: www.whosyourpapi.com

Eurasian Autoworks LTD Signs As Jr. Champ Heavy Division Sponsor
Sugar Hill Speedway is pleased to announce that Eurasian Autoworks LTD., along with Juanita's Auto, have joined the growing number of 2008 sponsors. The two companies will be the title sponsors of the Jr. Champ Heavy division as part of the Weekly Racing Series at Sugar Hill Speedway.

For over 22 Years, Eurasian Autoworks LTD has been providing quality service and repairs for foreign and domestic vehicles. The Tilton business is conveniently located on West Main Street. Juanita's Auto, at the same location, is your stop for quality pre-owned vehicles. You can get more information about the services offered by Eurasian and Juanita's by asking for Rick Perreault in the pit area every Sunday at Sugar Hill. You can also find more information online: www.eurasianautoworks.com

Sugar Hill Speedway is also pleased to announce the return of the following sponsors: Lovering Volvo, Centrix Bank, and McLaughlin Transportation Systems, Inc.

Sugar Hill Speedway Takes Fast Track to Safety
Sugar Hill Speedway in Weare, NH, in its continued commitment to safety for all of its competitors, would like to officially announce the Fast Track Medical Response Systems Bracelets. The 2007 season brought the debut of this leading edge medical/ID program. Sugar Hill Speedway has pledged its participation and support for the 2008 season. The management at Sugar Hill Speedway is making this program optional for all drivers. Sugar Hill Speedway’s General Manager Bob Stanhope has already ordered a bracelet for himself and for his son who works at the speedway. Read more...

Alcohol Prohibited at Sugar Hill Speedway
Beer, wine, and any other alcoholic beverages are no longer permitted on the property of Sugar Hill Speedway. The Pit Stop Grille located at Sugar Hill Speedway is state-licensed to sell beer and wine.

"We will not be selling beer and wine during our competition programs," said Bob Stanhope. "This includes all Sundays and the DASH Series races," continued Stanhope.

Being a licensed vendor, the Speedway must follow the guidelines of the State Liquor Commission. Those guidelines mandate that the speedway not permit alcohol to be brought onto the premises during any events.

WOW! 30th Anniversary Shirts POP!
The Limited Edition Sugar Hill Speedway 30th Anniversary T-Shirts arrived this week. The graphic to the right does not do these shirts justice.

Amigos Mexican Cantina Plans a Fiesta as Sponsor of Jr. Sportsman Champ Division
Sugar Hill Speedway announced on Thursday another marketing partner for the 30th Anniversary Season set to kick at the end of April. Amigos Mexican Cantina of Milford will be the title division sponsor of the Jr. Sportsman Champ division in the Weekly Racing Series on Sundays.

"We are very excited to have Amigos join the growing list of marketing partners for our 30th anniversary," said Sugar Hill Speedway General Manager Bob Stanhope.

Amigos is located just off the Oval in downtown Milford and is open 7 days a week offering authentic Mexican cuisine. The partnership includes a cross-promotion of Amigos and Sugar Hill Speedway through giveaways and special events at both locations. Amigos offers the "Best Mexican Food North of the Border!" For hours and a menu, visit Amigos online at: www.amigosmilford.com

Sugar Hill Speedway's 30th Anniversary season is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, April 27th with the 2nd Annual Sugar Hill 500.

Freedom Cycle Joins Growing List of 30th Anniversary Marketing Partners
Sugar Hill Speedway is happy to announce that Freedom Cycle in Concord, NH has joined the 30th Anniversary Celebration and will have a visible presence at each event in 2008.

Established in 1977, Freedom Cycle has built its success on customer service and satisfaction. They have over 150 models of new and used motorcycles, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, scooters, and ATV’s on display. Add to that over $450,000 in parts, accessories, and clothing.

For more information about Freedom Cycle, visit them online: www.freedomcyclenh.com.

New Memberships Keep Arriving
Tiger Sprints are leading the charge in pre-season membership registrations at Sugar Hill Speedway. So far through early March, we have received registrations from Emily Blast, Mitchell Hoar, Kayla & Kerry Murphy and Trevor Searles. That is right, another Murphy family member competing in 2008. Mike Murphy will also be returning to compete in the Jr. Outlaws. One other Outlaw registration was received in March and that was from Ryan Hammer. Chris Martel, who competed in Outlaws last year is moving over to the Jr. Champ division. Add three more drivers to the Box Stock Heavy Oval division with new registrations from Luke Labonte, Matt Chagnot and Rod Houghton. Rounding out reservations are those from Jr. Sportsman Champ competitors Tyler Searles and Josh Ball. Ball was the 20th registration received and will receive a FREE 30th Anniversary Sugar Hill Speedway T-shirt (now available for pre-order).

Sugar Hill Speedway & MyHeroCards.com Form 30^th Anniversary Partnership
Weare, NH – Sugar Hill Speedway, a motorsports facility located in Central New Hampshire, will celebrate 30 years of kart racing in 2008. On Monday, speedway management announced a partnership with MyHeroCards.com to promote the 2008 schedule of events being hosted by the speedway. The partnership also promotes the design services and products offered by MyHeroCards.com. 

“MyHeroCards.com has been a pleasure to work with on the design of our 30^th anniversary schedules,” stated General Manager Bob Stanhope. 

“We provided them with our photos and a brief overview of what we wanted to see on the schedule cards and they produced a top notch product that we are very happy to use to promote the speedway,” continued Stanhope. 

MyHeroCards.com creates custom printed hero cards for racers, tours, and speedways at prices starting as low as $40. A variety of packages are offered through the MyHeroCards.com website as well as the ability to make a secure payment for your purchase. 

“Sugar Hill Speedway members will receive a sample of the hero cards produced by MyHeroCards.com within the next month,” said Stanhope. 

“Plus, one lucky member will win a package for 100 hero cards from MyHeroCards.com at the first weekly racing series event scheduled for Sunday, May 4^th,” continued Stanhope. 

Sugar Hill Speedway and MyHeroCards.com management teams are very excited to work together and will continue to develop a relationship leading up to the year end banquet in November. 

Schedule Adjustment Announced for DASH Series
Sugar Hill Speedway has announced that there will be an adjustment in the 2008 DASH Series schedule. DASH event #4, originally schedule for Saturday, Sept. 6th, has been moved to Saturday, August 23rd. All other dates in the DASH Series remain the same. View the complete 2008 schedule of events.

Point Fund for Box Stock Heavy Oval Division
Sugar Hill Speedway and New England Kart Center reached an agreement on Monday that will provide a point fund for the Box Stock Heavy Oval division. The point fund will be distributed at the 2008 Banquet of Champions to be held at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH. The fund will be built from purchases made through New England Kart Center. When a driver purchases a box stock animal motor from New England Kart Center, $25 of each purchase will go to the point fund. The point fund will be distributed to the drivers competing in the Box Stock Heavy Oval division with a motor from New England Kart Center.

WIN Pre-Season Prizes
We have a new 30th Anniversary T-Shirt being produced by Dale Averill Designs in Concord, NC. We will post the design online as soon as it is completed. If you are the 20th, 40th, 60th, or 80th competitor to register, you will receive one of these limited edition shirts for FREE! Get those memberships in early to be eligible.
2008 Sugar Hill Speedway Membership Form - Print a Copy

Team Sugar Hill Say Thanks for the Support of Special Olympics
Special thanks to Steve Pukas, Jake & Brad Fitzgerald, the Bairams, Raymond Prouty, Thundering Valley Raceway, the Ferlands, Bank of America, Wiggins Family, Shaw Family, Douglass Lazelle Racing, Dugan Family, Johnson Family, Hastings Family, Walker Family, Branich Motorsports, Mike Emhof Motorsports, Linda & Tyke Matheson, Eurasian Auto Works LTD., Infantine Insurance, the Racers Workshop Attendees, the Pelletiers, Shamrock Racing, John Villano (Poughkeepsie Speedway), Granite State Copy, Mark Piekarski, Joe's Family Car Care, Scott Gregory, New England Kart Center, and an anonymous donor. With the support of each and every one of these people we were able to join forces with Londonderry Raceway to raise more than $3500.
 

GSINet Returns as Partner for 30th Anniversary Season

Sugar Hill Speedway is pleased to announce a renewed marketing partnership with GSInet for the 2008 season. "GSInet has been a longtime supporter of the racing program at Sugar Hill speedway," said General Manager Bob Stanhope. "We look forward to continuing that relationship as part of our 30th anniversary season," continued Stanhope. GSInet provides a full range of services including high speed Internet access, web hosting, and website development across southern New Hampshire. GSInet hosts the official website of Sugar Hill Speedway at www.sugarhillspeedway.com.

The Gates Have Opened for Memberships
Since our last posting regarding memberships, we have received additional registrations from Eric Williams who will be competing in the Box Stock Heavy Oval division. Josh Laffond will be making the move up from the Jr. Outlaw 'B' division to the 'A' division in 2008. Laffond was a top competitor until his motor expired late in the 2007 season. Nicoal Perreault is returning to compete in the Jr. Champ Heavy division. Perreault was a regular competitor in the Super Saturday Series last year. Brad Zahensky moved from the Tiger Sprint 'C' division last season, to the 'B' class and visited victory lane a number of times. In 2008, he will take his place at the top of the Tiger Sprint divisions in the 'A's.

Providing Clarity on Rulebook
We have taken a few calls at the office since the rule book was released. Here is some clarity to some of the questions received:
1. Define 'Sugar Hill Speedway Approved Engine Builder' - For Tigers and Outlaws, there is no change. We will honor seals from New England Kart Center and Wild Thing Karts. All motors are still subject to technical inspection.
2. Box Stock Heavy Oval Seals - We honor sealed motors from any authorized NorthEast Pavement Series Engine Builder. If you don't want your motor inspected by a professional engine builder before hitting the track (not recommended) and want to have your motor drop shipped directly from the manufacturer to the doorsteps at Sugar Hill Speedway, we will seal on-site at the speedway. All motors are still subject to technical inspection.
3. Sugar Hill Speedway reserves the right to seal any motor. - If following a race day technical inspection, you want your motor sealed before you leave the speedway. You can put it back together in front of the Technical Inspector and a seal will be placed back on your motor. All motors are still subject to technical inspection.
4. Why a Spec Tire? The Burris tire was chosen for a number of reasons. We are aligning our rules with other tracks and series. The tires longevity will keep the costs of racing down. With a spec tire, Sugar Hill Speedway will set a durometer rule. This will keep the playing field level. Burris Racing is giving back to the racers. Burris Racing has been great to deal with in our off season discussions and they offer an awards package for the racers at the yearend banquet. In addition, they worked with Sugar Hill Speedway to offer a tremendous discount to transition to a spec tire. The compounds chosen will allow competitors to race at Sugar Hill and in other races such as the NorthEast Pavement Series without the added expense of purchasing a different tire for everywhere they race.

Memberships Start Arriving at Sugar Hill Office
Memberships for the 2008 season are starting to arrive and the Outlaws are leading the way. Moving up from the Junior Outlaw 'B' division to the 'A' Class are 2007 Champion Josh Annis and Chris Lovering of Hollis. Moving into the Jr. Outlaw 'B' ranks are Douglass Lazelle coming out of the Tiger Sprints and new competitor Daniel Winter from Windham. Winter turned some laps on the road course this past season in the Hot Laps karts. Jim Karatsanos of Concord will be returning to compete in the Box Stock Heavy Oval division. Making the move from the Box Stock Heavy Road Course division to the oval division is Merrimack's Nate Parkhurst.

For the 30th Anniversary of racing at Sugar Hill, a limited edition t-shirt is being designed by Dale Averill Designs. Sugar Hill Speedway is offering a special promotion which will award every 20th membership registration with a FREE t-shirt to that racer. The winners will be announced on the Sugar Hill Speedway website as we reach each level of 20. Print a Copy of the 2008 Sugar Hill Speedway Membership Form to compete in this special promotion.

Sugar Hill Speedway Presents Partnership Opportunities for 30th Anniversary Season
When the gates swing open on the 2008 season, 30 years of kart racing history will begin to be written. Since 1978, Sugar Hill Speedway has been offering affordable racing through karting. Competitors range in age from 7-70+ and compete in a dozen different divisions from April until October. Many young competitors begin a similar path in racing as Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, and others in the NASCAR Sprint Car Series who started their racing careers in karting. Sugar Hill Speedway will have a season-long celebration with its competitors, fans, and marketing partners. Spectacular racing and entertaining events will highlight the program through 26 events.

Partners have the opportunity to present a division of racing, a day at the races, promote their business with a billboard or banner, or to provide 'anniversary presents' to fan guests at each event being held at the Sugar Hill Speedway in 2008. For more information on the marketing opportunities available, view the Sugar Hill marketing card online. Call Sugar Hill if you would like to be involved in this 30th anniversary celebration or if you have any questions, 603-529-2929.

Divisions competing in 2008 Weekly Racing Series and Dash Series: Tiger Sprint A, B, C; Jr. Outlaw A, B; Sr. Outlaw; Jr. Sportsman Champ; Jr. Champ Heavy (Combined Flathead and Animal); SH Modifieds; Box Stock Heavy Oval; Box Stock Road Course; Microstocks (Alternating Sundays)

Updated for Firestone Clarification (1/21)
2008 Rule Book Released (Update to January Edition of The Sugar Hill Report)
Sugar Hill Speedway has released its 2008 rulebook. There are a few notable items. The spec tire for all divisions, with the exception of Tiger Sprints, Outlaws, and Modifieds, will be a Burris tire. Champs will compete on a Burris 55 tire only. Karts will compete on a left side Burris 44 and a right side Burris 55. In the Tiger Sprint and Outlaw divisions, the spec tire will be a Firestone F-Series (YFF, YGF, and YJF) only. And, in 2009, all divisions will be competing with Briggs & Stratton Animal Motors only. Further specs on this program will come later in the 2008 season. Also, ALL divisions will compete on Burris Tires in 2009. A durometer rule for spec tires will be forthcoming. The rulebook is finalized to the point that any competitor can prepare for the 2008 season. Management is more clearly defining some pre-race and post-race procedures which will be posted at a later date. In closing, one other notable item is the point system. All competitors will receive points for Heat Races.

DASH Series EXCEPTION to the Rule Book
We understand that there is some tire stock that many competitors might have on hand that they want to use up. The DASH Series will have an open tire rule for all races (see schedule for DASH Events). NOTE: Tire prep and tire warmers are still banned with an open tire rule.

The Sugar Hill Report - January 2008: Rule Book Being Fine Tuned for 2008
It was our hope to have a rule book ready for January 1st. There is a great deal of fine tuning being done to the rule book. That said, there are no major changes to engine programs.

The Box Stock Heavy Oval class will see the biggest change going from the Raptor to the Briggs Animal. This engine will be sealed. Engines will be available through an SHS Approved Builder. Email us for more details.

For all Jr. and Sr. Outlaw competitors, we have approved the changes proposed to the chassis by the manufacturer, Wild Thing Karts. The changes are optional. The chassis changes can be completed by Wild Thing Karts or New England Kart Center.

We are going to try rebuilding the Sr. Champ division with a Box Stock Animal engine and a weight of 425 lbs. If you have questions about this class, please give us a call. We needed to start somewhere and there were a lot of requests for this division, but no suggestions or feedback. We have set the foundation. Lets go racing.

There are some safety rules that we will need to impose due to some insurance requirements this year. All open, flat kart competitors must wear a rib/chest protector. Gloves have been recommended in the past. Now they will be required for all competitors, in all divisions.

CLARIFICATION NOTE: The age range below was noted because this is the typical size for youths within the age group. If a youth competitor within this age group has a head that requires an Adult size helmet, the Youth helmet size and rule below does not apply. For more information on this specification, we have found two articles for your review [1|2]. Youth helmets should meet an SFI 24.1 specification. These helmets are available from all major helmet manufacturers. This primarily impacts youth competitors with a helmet size range of 6 3/8 to 6 5/8. Or, the age range from 7-10 years old. Because this rule change may impact a number of competitors, we have tried to find the best deal possible on a helmet with this rating. We can get the Bell Racing Star 500 Kids helmet far below what it retails for direct or through any other dealer. Bell Racing has an entire karting line that they are introducing and they are working with Sugar Hill Speedway to allow us to set up a showroom on-site. Look for an announcement in the near future on the opening date of the showroom.

A revamped tire rule and and point system are the other items that are in their final stages. All hopes are to have a completed rule book by January 11th.

In addition to the rule book, we have been working on a number of promotional events throughout the local Concord/Manchester/Nashua areas. We will be announcing events very soon as well. We are going to focus our promotional efforts in 2008 to approximately a 1-hour radius of the speedway. That said, we have decided against attending the Speedway Expo event in West Springfield, MA this year.

We will have a 30th Anniversary of Karting at Sugar Hill T-shirt completed by mid-March. In addition, look for new hats and other apparel promoting racing at Sugar Hill Speedway.

On the schedule, there is one more date pending on a Saturday to be added to the DASH Series. This will compliment the Weekly Racing Series schedule that is already in place. There are sponsorship opportunities available for the DASH Series as well as the weekly racing series. Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring a division, a race event, or placing a billboard at the speedway. All sponsors will receive a listing on the Sugar Hill Speedway website in two locations. The homepage and the sponsors page.

There is one more series that is in discussion stages at this time, but we are optimistic that it will happen and Sugar Hill will be a BIG part of it. We will let the cat out of the bag as soon as the details are finalized.

Now that the holidays are over, look for a steady flow of news coming from Sugar Hill Speedway. As you can see, there are a number of irons in the fire that we are tirelessly working on to build up the weekly racing program at Sugar Hill Speedway. While we still are not in the office every day, we do encourage you to leave a message by calling 603-529-2479 or send us an email.

Dube Says Modifieds Strong Division for 2008
Mike Dube Jr. contacted Sugar Hill Speedway with great news about the SH Modified division. Dube Motorsports will be fielding three cars in the division when the green flag flies in April. All drivers to be announced in the near future.

Joining Dube will be Nick Queen in the #14 machine. Queen ran a limited schedule in 2007, but looks to make a strong return in 2008.

Sean Murphy purchased the modified that Luke Labonte took to a championship in the Super Saturday Series. Poodiack Racing has two cars in their stable.

With every car on the track, fans could see the most exciting racing the division has seen since its inception. Check out the Sugar Hill Speedway classifieds to see if there are more of these cars available.

Campers
There is a new camping policy at Sugar Hill Speedway. Campers can only be on the grounds for race weekends. Campers may not be stored during the week. Generators and music must be turned off at night. Our neighbors are very close and we must be respectful of this fact. A curfew will be in place.