New, but Familiar Faces in Charge at Hagerstown in 2017
When fans and racers return to Hagerstown Speedway for the 2017 season, they will notice a few changes, but may recognize some familiar faces.
Collectively as a group, there are many years of racing experience among all members that make up the team of officials at the famed Hub City oval.
Leading the way is track promoter Doug Timmons. Timmons has long been associated with local auto racing as a car owner, team sponsor, track and series promoter, and trackside racing fuel sales. Timmons promoted Winchester Speedway for 23 seasons, and was the founder of the former Three State Flyers series for Super Late Models. He is well known throughout the pit area by the team owners and racers.
Lisa Plessinger returns as general manager after a three year hiatus. Plessinger handles the duties in the ticket office, and takes care of the day-to-day operations at the speedway. She grew up at the speedway, working in the concession stands and has been a part of the speedway most of her adult life.
New to the role of chief pit steward will be Walter Nichols. Although not new to racing or officiating, Nichols takes over this job for 2017. His racing experience includes owning and driving, and he was an official of the former Steel Block Bandits series.
Also coming from the Steel Block Bandits is former racer Butch Mayo. Mayo will be up in the booth overseeing control as the race director, and handling communications through the one-way receiver to the drivers.
Returning to the speedway and roaming the pits will be Danny Wilson. Wilson has been the announcer at the speedway, and will take the microphone and his video camera throughout race nights gathering interviews and footage for the popular internet racing show Turn 5 Turnaround seen on Facebook and YouTube.
Brett Rose officially joins the staff as the media/press and public relations official. Rose has been a part of auto racing in various facets throughout his life, and is also the writer of Finish Line that appears each Tuesday during racing season in The Journal-News of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Returning to the speedway are scorers Holly Kaiser and Josh Fries, chief starter Calvin Davis, technical director Phil Hose, official photographer Jason Walls, and track prep lead supervisor Brian Jones. Of course, returning as track owner for the 36th year is Frank Plessinger.
All of us at the Hagerstown Speedway invite everyone to join us each race night. We are looking forward to providing you with a great racing experience throughout the 2017 season.