Eldora Speedway
Notes: James to pilot Rayburn at World 100
Scott James
An 11th-hour phone call from C.J. Rayburn has put Scott James into a house car for the Hall of Fame chassis builder from Whiteland, Ind., for this weekend’s 43rd annual World 100 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.
James, who has had limited starts since leaving the Warrior Race Cars house car earlier this season, will field a Rayburn Race Car with Rayburn Automotive horsepower at the Sept. 5-7 event that includes two preliminary programs along with the traditional Saturday action of six heat races, two consolations and the 100-lap feature, Dirt Late Model most prestigious event.
"It has been a crazy week to say the least,” James said Thursday morning after leaving his Lawrenceburg, Ind., race shop headed towards Eldora. "I didn't have anything lined up for the World 100 until late Tuesday night when C.J. (Rayburn) called. I went to Whiteland yesterday morning to get the car and we pretty much pulled an all-nighter on it last night.
“It is the new-style car that (Ohio driver) Jon Henry has been pretty fast in right out of the box and I have spent a lot of time with Jon over the phone in the last day. I have to thank C.J. for giving me the opportunity to drive his equipment and I also have to thank Frank, Tommy, David Spille, and his dad for helping me get the car ready in the last 24 hours. Hopefully, we can get it dialed in during the first two prelim nights and go after the win on Saturday.”
James, who has four World 100 starts with a best finish of 11th in 2008, will drive a No. 83 car carrying sponsorship from Powell Motorsports, Hoffmann Trucking, Joseph Stocker & Sons, C.J. Rayburn Race Cars, and Rayburn Automotive. Michael LeFevers of Slicker Graphics plans to letter the car Thursday afternoon. — Ryan Delph
Feger’s big return
Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., finished fifth in last year’s World 100, then captured the UMP DIRTcar Fall Nationals at Eldora last October.
But this weekend will mark the 35-year-old Feger’s first run at the historic half-mile oval owned by NASCAR champion Tony Stewart this season after a suspension from World Racing Group events prevented him from running June’s $100,000-to-win Dream.
“I can’t wait to get back to Eldora and see everyone. It just fits me, I feel comfortable there,” Feger said. “It was tough. I think everyone has a special place for Eldora, and for me to miss my first (Dream) in probably six or seven years was tough.”
Feger, nicknamed the Highside Hustler, is aiming to be the first Illinois driver to claim the World 100’s globe trophy.
“Eldora usually always has a high side, so I think that’s part of the reason I like it so much,” he said. “I like the top when it is really tricky and not many others want to get up there and chance it, or can’t make it work, and I can.”
Among Fegers recent outings were an Aug. 23-24 sweep on the MARS DIRTcar Series at Paducah (Ky.) International Raceway and Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, a pair of high-banked, high-speed tracks that share some characteristics with Eldora.
“I can’t wait to get to Eldora to see everyone and get back to one of my favorite places,” Feger said. “My cars are running good right now and I’m anxious.” — Greg Billings
Odds and ends
Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Ind., sidelined with neck and back injuries since a Aug. 22 rollover accident at Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tenn., has been cleared by doctors to return to competition. ... Thursday’s tech inspection continues through 4:30 p.m. ... The drivers’ meeting is scheduled for 4:45 with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. ... More than 110 cars were in the pits early in the afternoon with other pre-entered drivers expected.
