By Mike Kays
Outlaw Motor Speedway co-owner Lynn Skinner used two sports to put into perspective major changes announced Wednesday as the track entered into a sanctioning agreement with NASCAR as one of approximately 60 short tracks in North America.
“To me we’re now a farm team of the New York Yankees as far as race tracks go,” Skinner said following a press conference announcing the deal, held at the Muskogee Civic Center. “Every race car driver in this part of the country will want to connect here and the residual effect on our fans will be like getting to see a Heisman Trophy winner before he turns pro.”
By joining the NASCAR short track circuit, drivers in Outlaw’s main divisions — Pure Stock, Factory Stock, Grand Nationals, Modified and Outlaw Modified will compete not only within the OMS points race but also in a national points race involving 60 short tracks in the U.S. and Canada, including 12 other dirt tracks.
The points breakdown will recognize regional and state points champions as well — meaning at this point that OMS champions will automatically be state champions. This is the first track in the state that has been selected for NASCAR sanctioning.
“This just seemed like a great place to start,” said George Silbermann, managing director of racing operations for NASCAR.
The arrangement also will allow OMS drivers to participate in the driver’s insurance program available to NASCAR’s major racing series drivers in Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck.
Additionally, a portion of that network will convene at the track for the NASCAR Whelan Series All-American Dirt Track Championship July 1-3.
