From Jim Hanks
SALEM, IN, April 29 – Entries and story lines are loading up for one of the biggest open wheel events of the season at Salem Speedway, where the Winged Sprint Spectacular is set for Saturday night, May 8th.
Race teams from as far away as Canada, Michigan, North Carolina and Florida are expected for what will be the historic inaugural race for the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series.
“We’re expecting the greatest line-up of pavement sprint cars ever assembled at Salem Speedway,” said track general manager Richard Deaton. “We had 27 sprint cars on hand for the ’09 Winged Sprint Spectacular and we’re anticipating 30 or more for this year’s race.”
At least six former Salem winners are expected for the race, which is being co-sanctioned by the Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series (HOSS).
Heading the list of former Salem winners are Chad Goff of Whitmore Lake, Mich., who recorded a convincing victory one year ago at Salem, Aaron Pierce of Daleville, Ind., a two-time winner on the high banks (2008-2007), Jason Blonde of Litchfiled, Mich. (2003), and Mike Ling of Mt. Brydges, Ontario (2001).
Two former Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial winners, Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla., and Jacob Wilson of Crawfordsville, Ind., are also expected for the first open wheel race of the season at Salem. For Wilson, who pulled off a surprising win in the 2008 James/O’Connor Memorial, it will mark his first career race in a winged sprint car.
Other top drivers expected include Ryan Litt of London, Ontario, Hank Lower of Angola, Ind., Jeff Bloom of Bangor, Mich., Jimmy McCune of Toledo, Ohio, Tim Cox of Park City, Ill., Blaze Martin of Martinsville, Ind., and Sondi Eden of Union City, Ind.
Besides being the first MSR Xtreme Sprint Series race of the year, the event marks the kick-off of an exciting 10 race TV schedule for Must See Racing during the 2010 season.
The tape delayed broadcasts, with veteran announcers Rick Benjamin, Dave Argabright and Tom Bigelow will be broadcast to over 60 million households throughout the United States and beyond.
Sharing the high banks with the super-fast sprint cars on May 8th will be the Lucas Oil Super Stocks and Dave & Deb’s Winner’s Circle Street Stocks. With the April 24th Spring Speed Fest having been cancelled due to rain this will be the season opening event for both Salem divisions.
Spectator gates open at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8th, with practice at 3:30, qualifications at 5:45 and the first race at 7 p.m. (EST).
Advance general admission tickets are priced at $16 for adults and $3 for children (age 7-12). Kids 6 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Advance reserved seat tickets are priced at $21 each. Advance tickets are available at the Speedway office or by calling 812-883-6504 or toll free 1-888-246-7223.
ONE LUCKY RACE FAN WILL GET THE OPPORTUNITY
TO DRIVE A WINGED SPRINT CAR
Have you ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a winged sprint car to test your skill and bravado? One lucky person at the May 8th Winged Sprint Spectacular at Salem Speedway will get the opportunity to do just that, as mustseeracing.com is giving away an on-track session at the Charlotte, N.C., based Dirt Track Racing School.
The on-track package valued at $329 will be given-away before the start of the sprint car feature event on May 8th.
In addition to the racing school experience, Must See Racing will be giving away t-shirts, Frisbees and other special items in celebration of the historic inaugural race for the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series.
Race fans are also invited to take advantage of the on-track autograph session which will take place before the start of the 30-lap sprint car feature event.
“This is an excellent opportunity for race fans, both young and old, to see the cars up close and meet the drivers,” said Salem Speedway general manager Richard Deaton.
Race fans are also invited to an open practice session for the sprint cars on Friday, May 7th, from 3 to 7 p.m. Fans may view the four-hour practice from the grandstand area at no cost.