Highlights & Interviews | Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series at Rome Speedway

Here is a statement from the series concerning the mid-race caution charged to Dale McDowell:

On lap 25 of Saturday’s Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series feature at Rome Speedway, a car running at the tail of the field slowed in turn two just in front of leader Dale McDowell. The series race director briefly keyed up the Raceceiver but with no contact and with the slowed car exiting the track safely, no caution was called and the green light remained on.

A full lap later, McDowell slowed in turn two. Assuming McDowell had a flat tire or a mechanical problem, the series race director then called a caution. By the time the caution was called, both Ashton Winger and Zack Mitchell had passed McDowell. Using the Blend Rule, McDowell was scored third for the ensuing restart.

While it is unfortunate that McDowell apparently perceived the keyed Raceceiver as a caution being called, nothing was said over the Raceceiver to indicate that this was the case, and the Raceceiver being keyed does not automatically indicate a caution.

Series officials spoke with Dale McDowell, his car owner Shane McDowell, and multiple other drivers after the race to explain the situation and hear their complaints, concerns, and suggestions for improvement. Steps will be taken by the series to improve the use of the Raceceiver and other in-race communications with drivers in an effort to avoid any similar incidents in the future.