Hamilton takes over Supermodified League

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1999 | 10:20 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Indy Racing League driver Davey Hamilton has confirmed he's the owner of the new Supermodified Racing League that will hold races around the West starting in February.

"This is not a racing club, it's a business," said Hamilton. "I own the business. I started a new company."

Hamilton, of Las Vegas, said the old Western Supermodified Racing Association was dying out and drivers weren't showing up.

"There are 62 cars in the Western U.S. But only 10, 11 or 12 cars have been showing up at the races lately," Hamilton said. "Every racer we've talked to is backing us. I have not met one guy that's not for it (the new series)."

The first official race of the SRL will be the Copper World Classic in Phoenix. Other tracks already booked include Irwindale and Madera in California, Portland, Ore., and Boise, Idaho.

The business doesn't interfere with his driving commitment in the Indy Racing League. Hamilton has longtime friend Brad Belveal running the new operation for him.

"Davey and I grew up together in Boise, Idaho, and went to high school together," Belveal said. "I spent the last two years ... taking care of Davey's travel arrangements. Then he came to me with this offer and I about dropped the phone."