The year was 1969, the late founder Bill Cathell, decided to move the speedway which was located on the other side of the dragstrip to its current location. Back then, Cathell leased the property to Delaware Racing Club. After working all winter moving the facility anticipating the start of the 1970 season, the club contacted Mr. Cathell to say they would not be renewing their lease. At that point, Bill and his son, Charlie Cathell, had to make a decision whether to try this venture on their own. Since then, the U.S. 13 Speedway, now Delaware International Speedway, was formed and still operates today under the Cathell family. In 2018, the Delaware International Speedway will celebrate their 48th year of providing Delaware and the Eastern Shore residents with dirt track racing.

 

Back by popular demand in 2018 is the successful Full Throttle Modified Series for the Big Block and 602 Modifieds. Last year, fans witnessed some of the best Modified action in years, with the top driver on the East Coast racing on an all new surface and configuration. We will kick off 2018 with the 2nd annual Messick family and Taylor & Messick dealership of Harrington, Delaware's 40 lap main event. Race one for the 2018 Full Throttle series will take place on Sunday, March 25th. Big Block Modified teams will again compete for 40 laps, for $4,000 top prize. Joining them will be the 602 Sportsman Modifieds, with their 20 lap feature event competing for $1000 to win. Our Mod Lites and Super trucks will also compete during the Sunday night venue.

 

Other Full Throttle dates for 2018, Sunday, June 10th and Tuesday, August 7. Returning for the third year will be the Diamond State 50, on Thursday, May 24. This Short Track Super Series Southern Regional will surely bring the top drivers on the East Coast to battle it out for $5000 to win the 50 lap main event.

 

Race fans, for the first time in Delaware’s rich racing history, one of the longest standing racing organization in the country will come to town. The USAC EAST COAST SPRINT CARS! These wingless sprinters will tackle the half-mile clay oval twice in 2018. In addition, the URC Sprints will return two times this season, and the Mid-Atlantic 305 Sprints will headline the Saturday, May 5th event.

 

For our Super Late Model and Crate Late Model fans, we have several events for these two divisions. Super Late Model drivers will have a couple of chances at larger purses beginning on Saturday, May 5, and Saturday, September 8. On September 8, DIS will be participating in a 6 track series, “Clash for Cash." Super Late teams will run a 6 race series competing at Georgetown, Potomac, Winchester, Bedford, Hagerstown and Delaware International Speedway. A points series will accompany the Clash for Cash, with the 6th and final race at DIS on September 8.

 

Last season, we joined the RUSH Late Model organization and by the end of the season it proved to be a great move. This year, we will join them in the kick-off of their 2018 Touring series on Wednesday, April 18. This 4-day speed week concept between four of the best late model tracks in the Mid Atlantic region will give Rush Crate model teams a $2000 top prize each night. This will also be the first appearance of the USAC East Coast Sprint Car Association along with the Super Trucks. Crate teams will have two races with an expanded purse paying $1000 to win, also in 2018.

 

Two Inaugural events will take place this season. August 18 will feature the Inaugural Sportsman Nationals, highlighting our 602 Sportsman Modified, Rush Crate Model and Mod Lite teams. This event will solely focus on giving our Sportsman teams and drivers a well deserved recognition night. The only other division competing will be the final appearance of the USAC East Coast Sprint Cars for 2018. 

September 8th will be another Inaugural event, the 1st State Triple Crowns Shootout. This night will feature a battle of three premier divisions on the East Coast. Super Late Model and Big Block Modified teams will race in 30 lap feature events, for the $3000 to win prize money. That night, the URC Sprints will join these two to complete the triple crown night of racing.

 

The Camp Barnes Benefit race returns for it’s 46th annual event benefiting under privileged children in Delaware. This race is set for Tuesday, June 19, with rain-date of Wednesday, June 20th. This race is one of the fans favorite races of the year benefiting a great cause put together by the Delaware State Police.

 

To end the season, the always anticipated 2-day event, Delaware State Dirt Track Championships, will be held Friday night and Saturday night October 19 & 20. This event features Big Block Modifieds, Small Block Modifieds, Super Lates, 602 Sportsman Modifieds, RUSH Crate Late Models, Mod Lites, Vintage stock cars, Little Lincolns, Street Stocks, Delmarva Chargers and Super trucks. At the conclusion of our champ show,  the 22 race schedule for 2018 will be complete! There is a lot to look forward to in 2018, be sure to come out and watch us “play in the clayâ€? in 2018!

 

2017 Awards Banquet tickets are still on sale. This years banquet will be held on Saturday night, January 6, at the Laurel Fire Hall in Laurel, Delaware. Tickets are $28 per person, you may reserve tables of 8 and the doors will open at 6 pm, cocktail hour 6-7 pm with dinner and awards to follow. DJ VO will entertain everyone at the conclusion of the awards program till the midnight hour.

 

From the Cathell family and staff of U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!