That’s right - “JZ” will be behind the wheel of a supermodified soon. “She’s a promoter’s dream”, said Oswego Speedway co-owner Eric Torrese, talking about Zemken’s turn behind the wheel of a supermodified. Zemken will roll out for some practice laps on Thursday, October 6th, in the Ray Graham owned machine that was driven this year by Brian Sobus.

While this isn’t a permanent deal or even a promise of more super races in the future, it’s the first step to see if there will be more trips to Oswego for Zemken. “Baby step”, said Torrese. Zemken has been to the speedway before to admire the supermodifieds, but had never wheeled one before. Will she be in awe of the supers, as many before her have been? That remains to be seen, and will certainly dictate any future rides in the division.

I would be surprised to see her in any permanent supermodified ride in the near future, as I think sprint car racing seems to be her favorite way to go racing. Competing in many divisions of sprint racing, including driving for Tony Stewart on the World of Outlaws series, it would be a surprise to see a change. But if she loves it, I bet there would be a ride available for Zemken to wheel from time to time.

Wheel down to the speedway at 2:00ish on Thursday. (Torrese confirms that it will be an open test.) I bet she LOVES it.

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Also happening this week at Oswego is a tire test for supermodifieds. Torrese confirmed that a few super drivers will soon be testing some American Racer tires, to see how they work.

“We’re happy with Hoosier - we’re not trying to “muscle” Hoosier”, said Torrese. But American Racer contacted the speedway about performing a test with their tires, and Torrese “felt obligated to look at everything for the benefit of our competitors”.

Does this mean Hoosier is out? Absolutely not. But they are aware of the test. I’ve heard an awful lot of squawking from the drivers about the inconsistency of the tires this year. Is this normal with any brand of tires, and something that just has to be dealt with? Or could another brand of sneakers maintain their stagger better and make the drivers happier? Maybe that question can be answered a little better after Wednesday. Stay tuned.