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There is an adage in motor sports that racers don't make great promoters. Don't tell that to Tom Smith and Bobby Blount of Plymouth Speedway, who in 4 short years have taken a track from the brink of extinction to the fastest growing facility in Michiana.

Owner Tommy Smith didn't pull any punches when asked about his thoughts for 2009 he said, "In my opinion, this is going to be the best year of racing seen in the industry in 15 years.  Small tracks have a real opportunity to connect to fans which we might have lost to the Sunday [Nascar Sprint Cup] shows. We are going to bring some of those big series fans who can't afford their product [back] to the local track and if we put on a great race and a great promotion they will pack our stands".

Promoter Bobby Blount has been in the race business his entire life.  His dad was an Indiana racing legend and Blount himself is among the finest and well known shoes in the Mid-West. Blount gets straight to the point when he says, "I'm a racer.  I like racing, I like doing it, I like watching it". When asked what he did away from the track and away from racing Bobby was equally blunt.  "Nothing, I don't have any interests outside racing", was his reply. For fans of Plymouth Speedway that's music to their ears.

The team of Smith and Blount has worked hard with the owners of New Paris and M-40 Speedway's to put together a Triple Crown Series of races featuring the Late Models. The ownership tandem is also working with the other tracks so they can each have a turn putting on great shows and at the same time giving the fans more bang for the buck.

Cooperation is not just about the fans.  Working with their neighboring tracks, Plymouth Speedway has put together some great deals with the Hoosier Tire provider and the Renegade Racing Fuel distributor and is passing those savings right on to the drivers.  "I am going to try my absolute hardest to save you money", said Blount when asked about his message to drivers for 2009.

That is one of the reasons why the track went to the 970 Hoosier Tire for 2009.  "Yea, I know the 950's are stickier and let the cars go faster", said Blount.  "This is a good tire and it lasts longer and it saves the racer money", he added.

When the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene approached Blount about marketing for 2009 he was quick to jump on board.  "Two years ago we had over 250 cars for our Street Stock Festival [and] last year we barely broke 100.  The only difference was we didn't have the MARC Times Racing News to help us get the word out.  I've been a long time supporter of the MARC Times Racing News and I'm glad to have you guys back" Blount stated.

It doesn't take long to figure out why Plymouth is bouncing back.  Smith and Blount have some great shows coming to Plymouth Speedway this year.  People are going to be blown away.  The IOS Outlaw Figure 8 Late Models are coming in 3 times and these guys are the biggest, baddest, fastest, craziest group you have ever seen.  Add to that The Triple Crown Series, The Jim Blount Memorial Race, the CRA Sportsman, the Ford Focus Sprints and the Hoss Sprints. Blount proudly states, "We are going to give you best show for the buck".

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