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Nick Graziano
Photo: Tom Morris
Published March 14, 2025
The best Big Block Modified drivers in the country, revamped fan experiences and exciting racing that only New Egypt Speedway can produce await the Super DIRTcar Series in March.
For the second straight year, the Series will kick off its 2025 championship season at the unique 7/16-mile dirt track during the Power in the Pines weekend on Saturday, March 29.
Chris Moore, the new executive VP of operations at New Egypt, will lead the track’s side of the event this year – his first event in the position – and shared what people can expect and why they should go.
Why should someone go to New Egypt Speedway?
Moore: I think you’re going to get the best Modified racers in the world at one of, I think, the coolest tracks, one of the most unique tracks that you’re going to get in the Northeast.
What makes New Egypt Speedway unique?
Moore: I think because of its shape, it’s its own challenge. Even the best in the world like (Matt) Sheppard and (Stewart) Friesen… like last year, Sheppard finished fourth and wasn’t a factor to win. Perrego came from like sixth in the second half to win. I think because of its unique shape, it provides a challenge for everybody and evens the playing field in a greater way than other places would.
How exciting is it that the Super DIRTcar Series will be your first big event?
Moore: It’s cool. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve worked for Brett Deyo for the past four years. I’ve learned a fair among, good and bad. I’m excited to put it all to use and hopefully we can get off to a good start with your guy’s show.
What did you do before working at New Egypt?
Moore: I was the announcer at Utica (Rome Speedway) and Fonda (Speedway). And then on the series, I pretty much did whatever was needed. Helped with tech. Helped in the pits. Or did announcing, just depended on everything that was going on. I did whatever was needed, following the series.
I worked for [Deyo] full-time, so I did all kinds of stuff during the week; write press releases or help unload soda. Everything that goes into racetracks.
How did you get the opportunity to work at New Egypt?
Moore: Obviously, last year they had the tragedy with Joey (Liquori – the previous general manager at the track who died last year). After that, I reached out and they ended up getting through the end of the year. But they wanted to go in a direction, and I felt like I had done everything I needed to do to be qualified to be able to do this. So, Fred Vahlsing, the owner of the place, said you’re more than qualified, so let’s see what happens, see what we can do.
How long have you been involved in racing?
Moore: Phew, well, my dad raced from the time I was born until I was about five (years old) or so. Then, he got out of it and my brother raced from 2008 to 2010 and then he got out it. I started announcing at Bridgeport (Speedway) in 2016 and I’ve been in it ever since.
For people traveling to the race, is there anything they should check out in the area too?
Moore: I would definitely tell them to go to The Roost Restaurant – they’re a sponsor of ours now. They have good food. There’s a lot of nice golf courses around.
If Six Flags is open, Six Flags is really close by. There’s an indoor fun zone – Adventure Crossing USA – they have bowling, they have golf.
What are you looking forward to the most with the Power in the Pines event?
Moore: I’m excited to get the year started, and… I love racing, but we all definitely love the big races where the big guys are around. I’m excited to see our New Egypt home guys like Ryan Godown, Danny Creeden and Johnny Bangs. It’ll be cool to see our home track guys run against the likes of your regulars on the Super DIRTcar Series.
Is there anything else you want fans to know about for the event?
Moore: We’re going to have a kids club. That’ll be open. I think it’ll be a hit. We’re going to have a lot of fun with that. We have a video board right by our concession stand, so if you wanted to grab a bit to eat you won’t miss anything racing.
The Beast of the Northeast will invade New Egypt Speedway to kick off their 2025 championship season during the Power in the Pines weekend on Saturday, March 29.
If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.
