Andrew Belmont representing racing family in Daytona
To say that the Belmont family of Langhorne, PA is dedicated to auto racing would be a huge understatement. The entire family lives, eats and breathes the sport. And they will all be heading to Daytona Beach, Florida to work with Andrew as he takes part in the Lucas Oil ARCA 200 on the two and one-half mile superspeedway coming Saturday, February 10th. The race kicks off a week of stock car racing that ends with the 60th Annual Daytona 500 on February 18th.
Andrew, a 25 year old iron worker, will be following in his father Andy’s footsteps as he races in the big event that features some of the nation’s top stock car racing talents. Married to Brittany and the father of a 2-year old daughter named Emma Andrew is counting on them as his cheerleaders.
It has been 11 years since 60-year-old Andy Belmont “Dad”drove in competition. However he has not lost the zeal for competition.
Son Kyle has spent the last couple of years as a crew member with the Wood Brothers NASCAR Cup team that had young Ryan Blaney as its driver. Now Blaney is set to race with the Roger Penske operation and Kyle will be going along. Another son, Brett Belmont, was able to win his first Modified stock car race this past summer with the win coming at Bridgeport, NJ Speedway. The Belmonts will continue to see action at the popular South Jersey racing facility.
Andy, who spent many years in ARCA and NASCAR competition plus area dirt tracks, and having raced in the elite Cup Series, is pretty proud of all his family members.
“I never pushed them to go racing, it just sort of happened. This is going to be a special race,” said Belmont from his Belmont’s Auto Repairs in Langhorne, PA. “Racing has been my life for forty years and now to see my son race at Daytona is kind of surreal.
Recently Andrew had the opportunity to participate in a test session with ARCA at the Daytona track and did well. With more than 60 racers on hand Andrew turned some impressive laps and Dad was able to contact some people and put together a ride for the young racer.
Over the years Andrew has raced quarter midgets, Legends, Allison Legacy and dirt Modifieds along with driving some ARCA dirt competition in cars owned by NASCAR legend James Hylton.
Andrew will be driving the No. 2 Wayne Hixon prepared car, a Ford, and he will have plenty of help.
Sponsorship will come from ModSpace, the company was with Andy years back when he was racing ARCA and NASCAR, ISC Racer Tape (located in Fairless Hills, PA), KB Letterin’ (operated by Andy’s brother Kevin), Mechanix Wear, Continental Fire & Safety, G Force, LaJoie of Seating and PWD Lubricants. Knowing Andy he will probably have some more support by the time the race takes place on Saturday, February 10.
And there will be plenty of crew help including members of the family along with Levittown’s George Kermer, Dave Brooks (Langhorne), Ed Ruth (Wildwood Crest), Michael Angelo (Germantown), Kirk Lee (Limerick), Gary Spry, Tim McKie, Mike Evangelisti and Dakota Ward.
Andy’s dad Chic will be part of the team also. He has been the patriarch of the family and continues to be very supportive of the family racing efforts.
Missing will be Mom. Sandy Belmont was a huge part of the Belmont racing efforts including being the cook at many events. She passed away in October after a long illness. Her spirit will be with them.
TV coverage of the race starts at 4:30 pm on Fox Sports 1.
The Outlaw Enduro Series will jump start their 2018 racing season on Saturday Afternoon March 24th at Grandview Speedway. Before the new year of competition officially begins, however, the Enduro series is presenting their awards banquet at Johnny & Hons Smokehaus (924 West Penn Ave in Robesonia PA) on Sunday February 11th.
Doors will open at noon with the banquet taking place from 1PM to 4PM. Admission is $20 to be paid at the door. Dinner consists of a hot and cold style buffet along with an open bar.