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Sophia, NC (October 21, 2024): Throughout the history of the annual North-South Shootout, several classes have joined the mighty Modifieds. However, no other companion division has ever been as fast as the Supermodifieds. Harkening back to 2007, ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds are set to return to the schedule in 2024. This marks the first time in Caraway Speedway’s illustrious history that the Supers will take to the .455-mile oval.
Weighing less than 2,000 pounds and producing over 800 horsepower from methanol-burning, fuel-injected, big-block engines, these winged, open-wheel machines are among the fastest short-track race cars in the world.
“With the downforce, horsepower, speed, and g-forces of a Supermodified, there is nothing like it in all of short-track racing,” said legendary Supermodified ace Otto Sitterly. “And nothing compares to the adrenaline of racing a big-block Super.”
Sitterly, from Canajoharie, NY, is the newly crowned 2024 ISMA/MSS Champion. In fact, he and car owner John Nicotra have secured three championships since joining forces just four seasons ago. Sitterly has been racing competitively for over 20 years, winning nine (9) big-block Supermodified championships at Oswego Speedway in Oswego, NY.
The International Supermodified Association (ISMA) was founded in 1974 by multi-time Oswego Speedway champions Jim Shampine and Nolan Swift to ensure the future and longevity of Supermodified racing. ISMA and the Midwest Supermodified Series (MSS) officially merged in 2023. Today, ISMA/MSS holds between eight and 12 races each year.
One of the most unique aspects of the Series is the origin of the race cars themselves. While there are a select few chassis builders, most of the cars are still hand-built by individuals, much like the Series pioneers, in backyard garages.
“It’s pretty cool that ISMA will make its debut at Caraway during the 50th anniversary of the Series,” added Sitterly. “ISMA has competed on race tracks from Florida to Canada, Michigan to Maine, with fantastic drivers showcasing really good racing.”
The North-South Shootout joins prestigious Supermodified races like the Bud Classic at Oswego Speedway, the Star Classic at Star Speedway, the Hy-Miler Nationals at Sandusky (Ohio) Speedway, and the Classic Championship Weekend at Evans Mills Speedway.
Fans of the North-South Shootout are in for a real treat at Caraway in 2024. The speedway’s tight corners are expected to provide extra excitement. Renowned Supermodified builder Jim Bodnar has compared the facility to Sandusky. Large 24-square-foot adjustable top wings and ultra-wide 20” Hoosier race tires help create massive downforce for high cornering speeds.
Many expect the Sitterly/Nicotra duo to be the team to beat at Caraway, still riding high from an ISMA championship battle that went down to the wire.
“We went into the last night at Evans Mills behind in the points,” said Sitterly, “but everything went our way. We swept the events that weekend, and we were able to secure the championship in the last race on the last night.”
Even after 12 big-block Supermodified championships, this one was big for Sitterly.
“The 2024 season ranks right up there for us with everything we went through this year,” said Sitterly, who sustained injuries in a fire during an ISMA/MSS event at Oswego in July.
The incident tested Sitterly’s mettle, citing not only physical but also mental struggles to “stick it out.” A victory at the North-South Shootout would cement this season as one of the most memorable for the team.
The 22nd Annual John Blewett III Memorial North-South Shootout In Memory Of Charles Kepley is scheduled for Friday & Saturday, November 8 & 9, 2024, at Caraway Speedway, 2518 Race Track Rd, Sophia, NC 27350. Qualifying begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 8. A pit party kicks off the festivities on Saturday, November 9, with racing starting at 1:30 p.m.
Advance discount tickets are available now at CarawaySpeedway.com. Buy now and save.
The Tour-Type Modifieds will go 125 green-flag laps, with 60 laps of winged racing action for the ISMA/MSS Supermodifieds. The full racing card also includes 602 Modifieds, Pro Late Models, and Challenge Series. Complete race information is available at CarawaySpeedway.com.
An optional practice is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, for all divisions from Noon to 6 p.m. A free concert will be open to the public from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring country music star Kalya McKinney on her Twisted Trail Tour. Learn more at NorthSouthShootout.com.
“There are no cars quite like Supermodifieds,” concluded Sitterly, with obvious pride. “It’s a small group of dedicated people racing one of the coolest cars in the country. I really hope people come out to the North-South Shootout to see us race.”
