YORK HAVEN, Pa. – Modified driver Mike Maresca doesn’t have a lot of laps at BAPS Motor Speedway, but he’s certainly made the most of them.
There haven’t been many opportunities, as the division hasn’t run many events at the York Haven, Pa., facility. And yet, Maresca was able to tame the racing surface a year ago and come away with a satisfying victory in the year-end Sprint Showdown.
Now, Maresca has a chance to back up that victory. The Capitol Renegade Sprint Showdown presented by FK Rod Ends takes place Nov. 13, and with the 358 Modifieds paired with the 410 Sprint Car division, the Potsdam, N.Y., is one of the favorites to take the top prize.
“I haven’t been there much, but the layout of the track is really fun,” Maresca said. “It had a top that you could hustle, the bottom was good, and it was just a fun track. You could race hard, but it took some finesse.
“It took me a while to get used to it, but it’s a cool place because we don’t get to go there a lot, and it has red dirt. It’s a big track, it’s a really nice facility, and the PA Posse Sprint Car guys are there, and we don’t see them a lot. As a race fan, it’s cool to be parked next to guys like Danny Dietrich and Lucas Wolfe.”
The Modifieds will be racing for $3,000 in the main event. If there are 35 cars in the pit area, first place will balloon to $4,000. There will also be a Hard Charger Award and heat race prizes.
For Maresca, 26, it’s a chance to close out the 2021 season on a high note. Considering last year’s performance, there is no doubt he will be one of the favorites in what should be a strong field.
“Honestly, [BAPS] is one of the most fun tracks we go to,” Maresca said. “I wish we were able to go there more. It’s a good track.
“Last year, we went after the sprint cars, and the track wasn’t super slick, but it was fun. The track was perfect, and I’m excited to come back.”
The 410 Sprint Car division will be competing for a $5,000 top prize. There will also be a 50-Lap Enduro paying $1,000 to the winner. Pit gates open at noon, with the grandstand slated to open at 1 p.m. Racing begins at 3 p.m.