By: John Houghton
The Auto Value Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints are set to hit the pavement this Friday at Delaware Speedway for a very special night of racing. The event will see the homecoming of local favourite Ryan Litt and is also the only Canadian stop for the sprints in the 2008 season! With anticipation for the event high amongst fans and drivers, local driver Ryan Litt took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss his upcoming visit.
“An Auto value Super Sprint is a 1600 lb open-wheel car with a 410 cubic inch all-aluminium small bock motor,” said Litt. “They have mechanical fuel injection, and are billed as the fastest short track cars in the world.”Delaware Speedway fans are used to the APC Late Models being the fastest car on the track, but AVSS cars certainly give the regular Delaware divisions a run for their money.
“The cars are quite a bit different from a Late Model,” said Litt. “When they go by you’ll know they’re quite a bit faster and noisier then a Late Model. With the wing, it’s different looking and has big tires on the right rear. A sprint car is quite a bit different then the average race car.”
Delaware Speedway is a race track that will provide some of the fastest speeds on the AVSS circuit this year.
“Delaware has long straights, and the corners are a bit tight. On a long straight we’ll be doing 135-140 mph (225 KPH). Our fastest speeds at Winchester Speedway are around 165 mph (265 KPH).”
Litt himself had a very busy 2007 racing season, but has decided on a new focus in 2008.
“Last year we decided to not focus on points racing. We did a bit of USAC, which is the same car without the wings. We also did a few Auto Value shows and ISMA shows. The two highlights that stand out for me were our win at Cayuga, and finishing second at Delaware last year with the ISMA guys. This year we’re doing the full Auto-Value deal for points. It lets you get in the swing and find a rhythm instead of moving into a bunch of different cars all the time.”
Racing at Delaware is very special to Litt, who considers Delaware Speedway to be his home track.
“I grew up around Delaware and raced there when I was younger. It’s great to see all my friends who I haven’t seen. My friends and family also get to come out and see the race. I’ve done a lot of laps around Delaware, it’s familiar so you get to relax and have some fun.”
“Over the winter we did a lot of changes to the car. My crew is my grandfather, Alex Litt, and my dad Wade Litt. We put our heads together and made some changes to help it with the wing on the car. It seems to be helping quite a bit so far, there was a noticeable difference. With BS&B radiator, OTC Tools are back on board we’re shooting for the AVSS championship this year, and working on consistent top 5 finishes, along with some wins of course. We’ve been fast one week and then miss the setup next week. This year, we want to perform consistently across all kinds of tracks.” Litt also plans to compete with the ISMA Super Modifieds at Delaware on September 26.
“I’ll be back again this year in the Super Modified, so hopefully I can get two top fives or even two wins! It’s great to have the hometown fans see me in action, I hope it goes well.”
Litt also encourages fans to come on down to his trailer after the event to collect and autograph and even pick up the new 2008 Litt Racing t-shirt.
So far the Auto-Value Super Sprints have one race under their belts in 2008. Tom Hartsell, series director for the AVSS took a few minutes to talk about their previous event and to look forward to the only Canadian stop of the year for the AVSS.
“Our opener went fairly well. We were bit light on cars, with fifteen showing up, but many guys were waiting on motor parts and getting things back together,” said Hartsell. “We’ve gained at least 3-4 cars since then. We’re thinking there will be around nineteen cars at the Delaware event or even twenty or more. I’m really excited about this weekend.”
The series had an early event at Auto City Speedway but has had a bit of downtime before the Delaware event. Following Delaware Speedway the series begins a multi-week tour.
“We’re rippin’ and rearing to go!” said Hartsell. “It all kicks off at Delaware. The Canadian hospitality is great! Even though there is an imaginary line that separates our two countries, you guys are so welcoming to us it’s just amazing. We enjoy competing with each other in front of different fans, and just look forward to coming over. It can be a hassle at the border, but the men and women there are doing a great job. With the right credentials we do okay - - it’s a bit of an expense but if you love the sport it’s part of the highs and lows in racing!”
“The great thing about Delaware is the steps they’re taking in making plans to smooth the surface and take the bumps out of it. They’re taking good small steps and using good meticulous planning. In the coming years they’ll be very successful in what they do.”
Another local driver, Mike Ling is also rumoured to be part of the action this Friday. Ling is thought to be driving for Jim Brown. The AVSS confirmed that Brown has ordered tires for the event. Also expected to compete is Scott O’Connor, of Delaware Speedway Challenger Motorfreight Truck fame.
The Peterbilt of Ontario Super Stocks and POWERADE Open Wheel Modifieds will be competing Friday as well as the sprints. It’s going to be a full night of exciting Delaware Speedway action! Gates open at 6:00 PM, Auto Value Super Sprint time trials are at 7:30, and racing starts at 8:00 PM. You won’t see racing this intense on television - - don’t miss a lap!
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