By Brian Liskai
FREMONT, Ohio – Sprint car racing will return to the Sandusky County Fair in Fremont, Ohio for the first time in 40 years. Thanks to efforts by long-time racing supports Joe and Fran Darmofal, the Sandusky County Agricultural Society and Fremont Speedway local 305 sprint car teams will entertain on Tuesday, Aug. 23rd during the Sandusky County Fair which runs from Aug. 23-28.
“Short track auto racing began as an attraction at county fairs throughout the United States over 100 years ago. Only a handful remain today. We are excited to be a part of bringing sprint car racing back to the Sandusky County Fair,” said Joe and Fran Darmofal.
Fremont Speedway has hosted racing since 1951 and the last time sprint cars raced on “The Track That Action Built” during the fair was 1976.
“The fair race used to be THE event at the track for 30 years. This will not only bring back a lot of great memories from many of our veteran fans but will expose our exciting and entertaining racing to new fans. I want to thank Joe and Fran for stepping up to really make this a special event and to the fair board for working with us,” said Fremont Speedway Promoter Rich Farmer.
For the 305 sprint teams the event also offers an increased purse. The winner will take home $1,200 with the rest of the purse being: 2. – $600; 3. $400; 4. $300; 5. $260; 6. $250; 7. $240; 8. $235; 9. $230; 10. $225; 11. $215; 12. $220; 13. $215; 14. $210; 15. $205; 16. $200; 17. $195; 18. $190; 19. $185; and 20. $180.
There will also be a ladies Powder Puff race with female drivers behind the wheel of the track’s weekly dirt trucks in a feature event only.
Farmer said a driver’s meeting for the 305 sprint teams will be held prior to the night’s racing on Saturday, Aug. 6 so that all the logistics of pit areas, etc. can be discussed.
Fans will have to pay the $8 fee to get into the fair and admission to the race is only $7 at the main track gates which open at 5 p.m.
The fair race is only part of an exciting second half of the season at Fremont Speedway. It kicks off Saturday, Aug. 6 on Specialty Fuels Night with the Fort Ball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints; Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints; Burmeister Trophy Dirt Trucks; and the McCullough Industries 602 Late Models in action. It is Fan Zone Night where the fans are urged to support their favorite driver with banners, etc. and prizes for the winning fan group. It is also Child Heart Defect Night.
Fremont NAPA Auto Parts Night on Saturday, Aug. 13 features the 410 and 305 sprints, late models and trucks. It is Family Fun Night, with a package of adult and children general admission tickets, hot dog and drink coupons being offered at a special price.
Following the Aug. 23 fair race, the action heats up on Saturday, Sept. 10 on Kistler Racing Products Season Championship Night featuring the 410 and 305 sprints and dirt trucks. It is Salute to Champions Night with all former track champions invited to attend and there will be an autograph session prior to the night’s racing.
Then it’s the “must see” event of 2016 – the Jim Ford Classic – a doubleheader of racing on Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17.
On Friday it is All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Head Night featuring the Kistler Racing Products FAST Championship Series presented by KS Sales and Service finale for the 410 sprints as the $10,000 Kistler Cup Champion will be crowned. It is also the JLH General Contractor 305 Sprint Championship Series presented by Engine Pro title night. The 602 late models will also determine their 2016 track champion.
Saturday (rain date of Sunday, Sept. 18 if needed) will be JLH General Contractor Night with a special purse for the 410 sprints. The 305 sprints and dirt trucks will also be in action. Prior to the night’s racing the annual Kick-It kick ball tournament and auction will be held to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Saturday, Oct. 1 will be the Fort Ball Pizza Palace Open Wheel Shoot-Out featuring the BOSS non-wing sprint cars, winged 410 sprint cars and 305 sprint cars.
Fremont Speedway’s 65th season wraps up on Saturday, Oct. 29 with the huge War on Wheels Demo Derby which will pay $10,000 to win!
For times, ticket prices and more go to www.fremontohspeedway.com