Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – PORT ROYAL, PA – There’s just something about Port Royal Speedway that Ryan Godown loves.
This weekend is the annual $50,000-to-win Speed Showcase and Godown has to be one of the favorites heading into the event with a fourth in last year’s event and a victory at the Speed Palace in March.
“We love coming down here to Port Royal,” Godown said. “I wish they’d do more races here than they do.”
With his track record at the Pennsylvania track, Godown has a right to be excited this weekend. He might just walk away with the big payday when Saturday night is over.
“We’re just happy to be here,” he said. “Right now, we’re working to make sure the car turns, make sure the motor is all right and get ready for Friday night and then a strong rest of the weekend.”
First, he and his team have to get through qualifying night on Friday.
“Hopefully we do all right, qualifying and make the redraw,” he said. “That will make a good night for us tonight.”
How important for a successful weekend is getting into the redraw?
“It’s real important,” he said. “I don’t think it’s the end of the world if you don’t, but it’s pretty important being only 75 laps. If it was still 200, I don’t think it would matter as much. Obviously, the further forward you can start, the easier you can to manage your tires and everything else that comes with it.”
The Short Track Super Series race at Port Royal was a short 40 laps compared to last year’s big race in October of 200. This year, teams will go 75 for $50,000-to-win.
Does Godown like that?
“Absolutely,” he said. “That’s why Brett (Deyo) is doing a fantastic job and getting better and better. Obviously with the viewership with FloRacing, it’s just great to expose ourselves on a stage like this for big money and 75 laps.”