JACKSONVILLE, NC – Eddie Humphrey is hoping to be in victory lane at the conclusion of Saturday night’s 52-lap, $520-to-win B-52 Bomber Car Battle at Goodyear All American Speedway – which serves as the headline act for Military Appreciation Night at the Jacksonville track.
Humphrey, 45, from Hubert, North Carolina, has won five races in the Bomber division at Goodyear All American Speedway and enters the race with the points lead. While his sights are set on a second track championship in Jacksonville, a win on Saturday night would be a meaningful victory for Humphrey.
“The competition keeps getting stronger every week so every win means a lot, but a win on Saturday in this big race would mean the world to me and to my sponsors that get us to the track and keep us up front,” Humphrey said. “A lot of them will be there and we want to be a factor at the end of this thing.”
Humphrey began his racing career in 2008, at the age of 33, competing in a Street Stock at Goodyear All American Speedway, then called Coastal Plains Raceway. In 2009, he won the division championship and finished second in points the following year. However, in 2011, the increasing costs of racing sidelined him – until last year, when he was able to get back in a car.
“I just watched the races from the sidelines for many years and saw this Bomber class race a few times and decided maybe it was time to give it another try,” Humphrey remarked. “I had no idea if I even had the guts or skill to get back in a racecar. Well, here we are. I guess it just comes natural to me.”
Now, Humphrey is not just a competitor in the budget-friendly Bomber division, he is also an ambassador for the class. He has helped other drivers get into the division and often helps them set their cars up prior to the start of their races.
“I really enjoy helping other people, and we’ve helped as much as possible building this class with at least five or six cars and drivers that saw what we were doing and wanted in,” Humphrey explained. “I really love the Goodyear All American Speedway. It’s where I cut my teeth and is such a fun, but tricky, track to get around. Being the headliner race this weekend is amazing. It’s going to be a barnburner for sure.”
The Bomber class is a budget-friendly division that runs cars that are about as stock as a racecar gets in the 21st Century, and the class continues to grow with increased participation and interest.
“My advice to anyone that wants to enter the division is, go find a cheap car, knock out the windows, and come join the most fun, most inexpensive racing available,” Humphrey stated. “You won’t be disappointed. Rookies and veterans alike can take advantage of this affordable hobby.”
Saturday’s B-52 Bomber Car Battle pays $520-to-win and $52-to-start and will be contested over the course of 52 laps. In recent races, Late Model divisions have been the headline act at Goodyear All American Speedway, but on Saturday, the Bombers take center stage and Humphrey believes he has a good chance of standing in victory lane at the conclusion of the race.
“I want to win this one more than anything,” Humphrey commented. “It will not be an easy task. I expect to see between 20-30 cars in the field this weekend. I definitely think we will be competitive, but everybody is gunning for me. It won’t be easy, but it’s a points race also, so big picture will play a factor in my aggressiveness.”
Humphrey leads the division standings by just three points over fellow Hubert driver Wayne Phillips.
Saturday’s racing program will also feature racing for Late Models, Legends, Mini Stocks, U-CARs, and Bandoleros. Gates open at 4pm and racing begins at 6pm. Active and retired military can get tickets at the gate for just $5. For the public, general admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and kids five (5) and under are admitted free. Trackside parking and suites are available as well.
Goodyear All American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events. For more information about Goodyear All American Speedway, check out the speedway’s website, like/follow “Goodyear All American Speedway” on Facebook, or follow the track on Instagram.
