Racing Series * Racetracks * CalendarThe SeriesProbably the fastest-growing type of racing in the country is high-powered Dirt Late Model stock car racing. Dozens of traveling series are in place all over the country with hundreds of dirt tracks featuring the class. There are also a large number of big-money races for Dirt Late Models, including the Eldora Million at Ohio's Eldora Speedway.
One of the most energetic and newest dirt stock car groups in the country is the Mid-Atlantic Championship Series (MACS) based in Indiana, Penn. The Geesey brothers-Andy is president, Matt is the secretary-treasurer and Jeff is the public relations person-run the show with a majority of the races occurring in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Competitors come from 17 states, and the Geeseys are hoping to expand to western Ohio this season.
There are two main motivations in MACS, according to the Geeseys: economy for the drivers and competition on the track. "All the guys who drive for us have a full-time job, so we try to keep the travel distances under control, around a maximum four hours one-way driving distance," Jeff Geesey said. "We also want to have good competition without the top guys starting up front. For that reason, we don't have any qualifying, so everybody has to take their chances."
But don't get the idea that this group doesn't use top-flight equipment, with outstanding performances against superstar performers who often compete in the series. Names such as Donnie Moran, Rick Aukland, Bart Hartman, Steve Francis and others often hit a MACS race when their schedule allows.
There are some interesting rules with this organization. First, there is no engine rule. Just about anything goes with unlimited displacement and compression ratio. Both alcohol and gasoline fuels are allowed. Then, there is also an open tire rule with American Racer, Hoosier and Goodyear all allowed. "That way, if a guy has a tire deal with any of those companies, he can still run with us without having to buy another brand of tires," Jeff Geesey explained.
MACS officials realize it's not wise to schedule against other series on the same night, so they work hard with other groups and track promoters to prevent it from happening.
Like other Dirt Late Model groups, MACS has a number of big-money races, including a $12,000-to-win race at Virginia Motor Speedway. There is also a $7,000-to-win event held annually at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway. The three-day season finale at Pennsylvania's Challenger Speedway pays an attractive $15,000-to-win from the $120,000 purse!