Super Sprints slated for Can-Am double

Less than two weeks after one of its biggest crowds in years, the Can-Am Speedway in LaFargeville is preparing for what could be an even bigger show this weekend.

Weather permitting, the speedway will host two straight nights of competition featuring the Empire Super Sprint series on Friday and Saturday.

One of the stars of the series is Antwerp native Jeff Cook, who came to Can-Am last Friday and put on a demonstration for the fans, circling the half-mile track in just 161/2 seconds. According to speedway general manager Chip Burdick, the average time a modified can circle the track is anywhere from 19 to 22 seconds.

"This is a fun thing to watch," Burdick said of the super sprints. "This will probably be our biggest weekend of the year."

The Empire Super Sprints were supposed to race at the Mohawk International Raceway in Hogansburg last Friday, but that was called off after a series of thunderstorms hit the area in mid-afternoon. The series will attempt to make another trip to Hogansburg on Aug. 14.

Staying at the same track two straight nights is a rarity for the circuit, but it will make for an easier holiday weekend.

"Last year we had them on July 4 weekend and it was like a home run, too," Burdick said. "It should be a great weekend. We've never done back-to-back nights with the sprints. It should be a huge success, if the weather cooperates."

The weather could dampen the expected big weekend for the track. Weather forecasts show that thunderstorms are expected both Friday and Saturday in LaFargeville.

But if the races make it, Burdick expects to see many of the fans who showed up on June 22 to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series return for at least one of the nights this weekend.

"I think doing what we did (June 22) put the place back on the map," Burdick said. "There were people there who hadn't come in years. With all those people there the other night, even if we got some of those people back, it should be a great weekend."

A LOOK AT THE SPRINTS

Justin Barger, who ranks second in the point standings in the Empire Super Sprints, should be the driver to watch this weekend, based on recent history. Barger won last year's race at Can-Am and has won two of the last three ESS races at the track, including one of the three races held in 2006.

The 2007 race was rained out. Jeff VanDusen and Jessica Zemken also won races at Can-Am in 2006.

Lance Yonge leads the series standings with 590 points, even though he hasn't won a race this season. He has three top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes. Barger, who also has not won yet this season, is just three points behind Yonge.

Steve Poirier, Tony Wickham and Chuck Hebing rank 3-5 and each driver has one victory this season. Cook ranks sixth in the standings with one top-five finish and four top-10 finishes.

AROUND THE TRACKS

The Can-Am Speedway isn't the only area track preparing for a big holiday weekend.

Mohawk International Raceway plans to have a fireworks show during its show on Friday. The Independence 35 for the 358 modifieds will highlight the show, which begins at 7:45 p.m.

The Cornwall (Ontario) Motor Speedway will feature the Mr. Dirt Sportsman Series, with a 50-lap feature on Sunday night. Time trials begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Brockville (Ontario) Speedway will also have racing on Saturday, highlighted by a 40-lap DIRT Sportsman Tour feature.

The Thunder Alley Speedpark in Evans Mills, a sister track of Can-Am, will not have racing this weekend.