Billed as the fastest short-track cars in the world an ISMA supermodified, driven by Chris Perley of Rowley, Mass., holds the one-lap speed mark at the half-mile paved Somerset County oval with a mark of 15.239 seconds (123.32 mph average).

“These cars are just ‘wicked fast’,” said Jennerstown General Manager Larry Mattingly. “They’re pretty much the ultimate race car on paved tracks … they even look fast when they are sitting still.”

Much of that has to do with their construction. The winged supermodified is a pure bred racing machine, featuring a custom-built tubular chassis. Weighing only 1850 pounds, the cars are powered by 800 horsepower, fuel injected 470 cubic inch engines, which hang off the left side of the frame for better handling capabilities.

The cars also feature aerodynamic aluminum bodies and wings. The wings utilized by the cars also add to their mystique. The back of the devices are connected to air shocks, which automatically permits the wing to rotate into a horizontal position on the straights, generating less drag and more speed. The wing shifts to a more vertical position in the turns, giving the rear wheels more traction and increasing cornering speed.

Perley, who won the tour’s most recent event at the Mansfield (Ohio) Speedway, will again lead the field into the Jennerstown fray. Competition is expected to come from Pennsylvania drivers Nokie Fornoro and Lou Cicconi, along with Canadian pilots Dave McKnight, Mark Sammut and Mike Lichty.

Also on the racing card will be a complete four division NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series racing program for the Courtesy Suzuki super late models, WJAC-TV late models, Advance Auto Parts street stocks, and the hobby stock division.

The ISMA cars and drivers also will participate in an on-track autograph session on the front straightaway.

Spectator gates will open at 2:00 pm, with the first race set to receive the green flag at 5:00.