SPRINTING AGAIN
The Sprint Car Nationals are returning to Ohsweken Speedway this year.
Late last year, due to parking restrictions for fans, the dirt oval decided to postpone its three big shows, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Tours, the Triple Crown Showdown featuring an assortment of dirt track race cars, and the track’s signature event, the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.
But the track recently announced it is going ahead with the Nationals, and Arrow Express will present the 14th annual race Sept. 15.
“When we found out about the parking situation, we started with a plan,” said Ohsweken’s general manager, Clinton Geoffrey. “And the land south of the track was bought, and this plan is coming together. It will be ready well on time.”
With a large purse, the Nationals has become one of the premier Sprint Car events in North America, and draws competitors from not only across the continent but Australia as well.
In 2017, 80 drivers signed in to compete in the 35-lap feature which paid $12,000 (US) to the winner, Carson Macedo of California. Quebec’s Steve Poirier and Shane Stewart of Indiana are tied with three wins each in the Nationals. Chris Steele still holds the fastest one-lap record in a 360-Sprint Car with a 13.03-second, 101.445-m.p.h. posting from 2012 on the 3/8ths-mile track.
The new parking area will be suitable for motorhome parking, and will be reached via a new gate off Chiefswood Road by turn four of the race track. Geoffrey added this new entrance will give regular fans a new visual outlook when entering the facility.
Ticket holders from the 2017 Nationals will be able to renew their seats for this year’s race until May 17, and after that seats will go on sale to the general public. Ohsweken will officially open its 23rd season May 18 with a regular Friday night show featuring 360 Sprints, Crate Sprints, Thunder Stock, and Mini Stocks.
***
Flamboro Speedway’s 2018 season gets underway Saturday at the Millgrove paved oval. Racing will be held in the Pro Late Models, Pure Stock, and Pro Challenge divisions, as well as a visit from the touring Can-Am Midgets. Front gates open at 5 p.m. with the green flag falling at 6:30. For admission prices, including a family package, go to flamborospeedway.ca.
On June 2, Flamboro will be hosting the Interstate Batteries 100, the second of nine races this year for the touring APC Late Model Series. The APC, which began in 2015 and has become a popular venue for this class of race car, travels to various paved ovals in Southern Ontario.
***
Bits and pieces ... Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has come on board and will now be the title sponsor for Flat Track Canada’s National Series. Headquartered in Cambridge, riders will travel across the country for 12 stops this year, starting May 19 at Trois Rivieres May 19. The tour also includes races on the Flamboro Downs horse track and at Ohsweken Speedway ... The 360 winged Sprinters of the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) begin their 23rd season May 19 as well, with their first of 10 tour stops at Brighton Speedway ... The Cayuga Dragway of Toronto Motorsports Park will be holding its Victoria Day show next weekend. The strip is expected to host quarter-mile action in several classes, including Top Alcohol Funny Cars, Top Sportsman and Dragster, jet vehicles, and a round in the Race Cayuga Sportsman Series. Racing starts both next Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., with the show cars to perform at 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.