From Ken Pelkie
The place to be in 2011 on Friday nights, all summer long will be Ohsweken Speedway. The finest and fastest 3/8 mile dirt track in Southwestern Ontario has assembled a program for 2011 racing season that will be sure to fulfill your Friday night family entertainment appetite. With a commitment to action packed racing, Ohsweken Speedway has been the scene of a solid field of cars with fast paced, non-stop excitement for the growing legion of fans the past couple of seasons.
When the gates swing open on May 20th for the opening round of “Friday Night Thunder” the fans will be able to “Feel The Excitement” as the season begins for the only track in Ontario offering the thrill of the “ground pounding” winged Sprint Cars on a weekly basis. “Sprints remain the main attraction at Ohsweken while support classes include Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers” stated promoter Glenn Styres while releasing the 2011 slate of events. “We will also offer up a weekly entertainment bonus ranging from Mod Lites or Vintage Cars to Chain Races and our Junior Fan Club. Every week will be something different but our eye will remain on the time as priority will be to end the show by 10:30” Styres concluded.
On May 20th the Winged Sprint Cars embark on an eighteen race chase to the championship and a piece of the $20,000 posted point fund backed again by Corr/PAK Merchandising of Richmond Hill. The Sprint Cars will be joined each week by the Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and the Pierced Parts Bombers. Special events designed to entertain every fan are scattered over the summer with something different being presented each week. With “Affordable Family Entertainment” as the primary goal, Ohsweken Speedway is the place to be at 7:45 PM each Friday night for an evening of action packed entertainment.
“We have been focusing our attention and building toward family entertainment while giving our fans a true racing alternative in the area” states Ken Pelkie, Director of Racing Operations. “Our commitment to the fans is to provide an entertaining, first class show that the whole family will enjoy and present it in a timely manner. Two to two and one-half hours is the target for completion of the program throughout the season” Pelkie concluded.
Fans will have to wait just a little over four months before an open practice sessions take place. Friday, May 6th & 13th will see all classes of cars that will compete at the Speedway during 2011 testing the speedway while they shake down their equipment. On track action will begin at 7:00 PM and is Free to spectators.
The season then officially gets underway on Friday night, May 20th when Engler Machine & Tool presents the “Frostbite 75”. This opening round in the season long point championship race for all four weekly classes on the fast 3/8 mile clay oval will feature extended feature laps for all divisions.
Awesome Racewear will host “Swing Into Spring” May 27th as the championship chases for the four divisions settle in for the grinding 2011 season.
To kick off an exciting month of June, Grisdales Racing Products will present ”Bring Your Neighbour Night” as all Adults bringing a guest will receive 2 for 1 admission. Also on the program will be the first of five visits for the season of the “Vintage Cars”.
BS&B Radiator presents “Youth Uniform Night” on June 10th. All youths under 18 wearing a uniform of any sports team or youth group they belong to will be admitted free while the adult that accompanies them will be admitted for half price. The first of five visits of the “Mod Lites” will also be on the program.
June racing continues on the 17th as Lighthouse Tattoos hosts “Brant County Night” featuring Twin 15’s for the Lighthouse Tattoo Thunder Stocks. CORR/Pak Sprints, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers will also be on the racing program. Any spectators showing proof of residence in Brant County will be admitted to the speedway for half price. The popular Mini Van Figure 8 race and Demolition Derby will close out the night.
The “Northern Summer Nationals” has been expanded into a mini-series for 2011 with two events being run at each of Ohsweken Speedway and South Buxton Raceway. Round #1 takes place June 24th at Ohsweken with Round #2 the following night at South Buxton. CORR/Pak Sprints, ASCS Sprints On Dirt, the Patriot Sprint Tour, and the Southern Ontario Sprints will all co-sanction the series with the overall point champion of the series capturing a guaranteed starting position in the 7th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals in September. A full program of Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers will also be on the program.
July gets started in a big way on Friday night, July 1st as Metal Works Powder Coating of Caledonia presents Kids Night. Mod Lites will also be on hand as the first of two nights of “Box Car” races are scheduled to take place during intermission.
July 8th finds Mid Season Championship night up next as WISECO Pistons presents the midyear classics for Corr/PAK Sprints, Lighthouse Tattoo Thunder Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers while Evers Financial hosts the championship round for the HRW Automotive Mini Stocks. Extra laps and extra cash await the drivers for the night’s action.
Best Western – Cairn Croft Hotel plays host to “Norfolk County Night” on July 15th. Any spectators showing proof of residence in Norfolk County will be admitted to the speedway for half price. The second of five appearances of the “Vintage Cars” and a ”Small Car Figure 8 Race” is also on tap.
July 22nd finds Outhouse Image & Design hosting “Christmas In July” when a visit from Santa is on his schedule. The annual “Toy Drive” is also on tap for the evening with 100% of the donations distributed to needy organizations in neighbouring communities. Last year’s collection showed the true generosity of our fans and supporters and was graciously received. Everyone donating a toy this year will receive a 2 for 1 admission coupon that can be used for any regular priced race night for the remainder of the season. Corr/PAK Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers will provide the on track action for the evening.
Leading up to the return visit of the “World Of Outlaw” Sprint Cars, a special evening of racing is in the planning stages for Tuesday night, July 26th. A full points program of our four regular classes will be featured topped off by a 25 lap, $2,000 to win feature event for our Corr/Pak Sprint division. The World of Outlaw Sprints take to the track on Wednesday night, July 27th this season in their only visit to Ohsweken Speedway. A full program will be presented by Arrow Express consisting of Time Trials, Heat races, “B” Main and “A” Main paying $10,000 to the winner plus valuable points toward the season long championship chase. All the regulars on the Outlaw circuit including Donny Schatz, Steve Kinser, Joey Saldana, Jason Meyers, and others including Jessica Zemken will be on hand to try to dethrone the defending champion of the “Six Nations Showdown”, Donny Schatz who took the title last season from two time winner of the event – Jason Sides. The Stars Championship Tour North Dwarf Cars will compete on the program as the support division. July 28th has been secured if needed as a makeup date for the World of Outlaw event.
Gales Auto Aftermarket will host the inaugural appearance of the “Western Ontario Outlaws” lawn tractor racers on Friday night, July 29th. These hand built racing machines provide lightning quick speed and are not your average lawn tractor. A “Blind Fold” and “Chain Race” will round out the night’s action which will include a full program of our regular action packed classes.
The Art Hill Memorial will once again be contested by the Mini Stocks on August 5th. Presented by HRW Automotive, the 42 lap affair will again pay $1,000 to the winner. Joining the Mini Stocks on the program will be the Corr/PAK Sprints, Thunder Stocks, and Bombers while the 3rd Annual “Ohsweken Speedway Hot Dog Eating Championship” will be contested at the flag stand during intermission.
The final drive toward the season long championships continues on August 12th when Trailers by Jim Bray presents “Haldimand County Night”. All adults proving residence in Haldimand County will be admitted to the speedway for half price. Corr/PAK Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers will be joined for the third time in 2011 by the Vintage Cars. Rounding out the night’s action will be a “Double Flag Pole Race”.
The final two legs of the “Northern Summer Nationals” take place at Ohsweken Speedway August 19th and South Buxton Raceway on August 20th. Teams from CORR/Pak Sprints, ASCS Sprints On Dirt, the Patriot Sprint Tour, and the Southern Ontario Sprints will again gather to declare the overall point champion of the series awarding a guaranteed starting position in the 7th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals in September. A full program of Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers will also be on the program at Ohsweken.
August 26th, DASH FOR CASH will present a “BENEFIT RACE NIGHT” with a full program of racing for Corr/Pak Sprints, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers. Making their fourth of five appearances in 2011 will be the Stars Championship Tour North Dwarf Cars. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event as details are developed.
Labour Day weekend kicks off with racing at Ohsweken Speedway as Pierced Parts presents a Labour Day Special. CORR/Pak Sprints, Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks, HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and Pierced Parts Bombers will all be in action in their final tune up before the Season Championship races on September 9th. Vintage Cars and Box Car Races will also be on the program along with our second Chain Race of the season.
Season Championship races are on tap September 9th for the Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers as their point chases will end when the Rochester Knighthawks host the evening’s action. Qualifying positions for the “7th Annual – Ohsweken Shootout” are up for grabs for the Corr/PAK Sprints who will conclude their championship chase on Canadian Nationals weekend. Extra distance will be added to all feature races contested that evening.
Ohsweken will roar back to life on Thursday, September 15th as ESSO Speedway Variety presents Fan Appreciation. A full program of Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers will close out their season as they join the Sprint Cars for the beginning of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals weekend.
Friday, September 16th the 7th Annual Ohsweken Shootout returns to headline the Night Before the Nationals. Along with twin 15 lap features for the Sprint Cars presented by the Rochester Americans that guarantee the winners a starting position in the Saturday feature event, the Ohsweken Shootout provides an opportunity to see qualified cars from the sanctioning bodies compete head to head in a 10 lap showdown. The 5th Annual Dave MacLeod Memorial – Mr. Sprint Car Challenge is also scheduled to run on Friday night. The Bracket style elimination event to honour the life long competitor from the western New York region has become a fixture on the Friday night portion of Nationals weekend.
Then the racing season ends its weekly program on Saturday, September 17th as the 7th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals presented by Arrow Express takes to the speedway. In its six year history, the Canadian Nationals has provided some of the finest fields of competitors anywhere and stands as the flagship event of Ohsweken Speedway while ranking among the top events for 360 Sprint Cars in North America. This year paying $11,000 to win the Feature event, 35 laps await the thirty car line up for the green flag. $800 will go to the last place finisher. As an added incentive for teams to compete again this year, a non Qualifiers Second Chance “Little Feature” will be presented by Riverside Bar & Grill which will see the winner locked into the 30th starting position of the Main Event.
One final event is slated on this year’s calendar as the Inaugural “MONSTER MASH’ – DAY OF DESTRUCTION takes center stage on Saturday afternoon, October 15th. Along with an Enduro Race, many other events designed to provide non-stop “WRECKCREATION” will be on the agenda. In case of inclement weather this event will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 16th.
Several other sponsors have committed to return and support Ohsweken Speedway in a major way throughout the season including Hoosier Racing Tire Canada, Engler Machine & Tool, Manton Push Rods, Zemco Speed Equipment, HRP Racing Products, Canton Racing Products, Saldana Racing Products, DMI, KING Racing Products, The Brakeman, Winters Performance, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, and Kinser Air Filters who combined will expand the Corr/Pak Sprint Car point fund to over $25,000 in cash and product. The renewal period for last year’s Reserved Seat ticket holders will end at 6:00 PM December 31st. Advanced Ticket Sales for all events where reserved seating will be utilized which include the World of Outlaws show and the Canadian Nationals will open to the general public January 4th and continue Monday through Thursday during normal business hours at 1-888-720-7223 on a first come, first served basis until the week prior to the events scheduled dates. Requests for tickets may also be submitted via email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net (attention Cheryl). Please follow instructions to obtain your tickets as posted on the official website at www.ohswekenspeedway.com . Any questions should be directed to Cheryl or Ken Pelkie at (1-888) 720-7223 or email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net.
Until the sound of racing engines fill the spring air, Ohsweken Speedway will be taking part in several racing shows and static displays. The first coming up soon takes place in Toronto at the International Centre. The Canadian Motorsports Expo runs three days from January 21st through the 23rd. The show will feature the cars of Glenn Styres and 2010 CORR/Pak Champion Dave Dykstra. Please stop by to pick up a 2011 schedule and say hello.
Performance World will be next up on the Winter schedule running from March 11th through 13th in Toronto again at the International Centre. The New Speed and Custom Car Show, March 25th through 27th will take place in London at the Western Fair Grounds combining the former CPT Racing Experience with the annual London Autorama is also on the schedule plus a return visit to the Brantford Lynden Park Mall on April 13th through 16th.
Be sure to visit the website often for all of the latest news on these and other happenings as work continues toward a pair of practice sessions May 6th & 13th with opening day on May 20th.
OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
2011 RACE SCHEDULE (Subject To Change Without Notice)
– All Friday Dates Feature Corr/PAK Sprints / Lighthouse Tattoos Thunder Stocks / HRW Automotive Mini Stocks & Pierced Parts Bombers Unless Otherwise Noted plus Added Attractions as listed.
MAY
Friday 6 – TEST & TUNE – (all divisions competing at Ohsweken in 2011)
Friday 13 – TEST & TUNE – (all divisions competing at Ohsweken in 2011)
Friday 20 – ENGLER MACHINE & TOOL presents FROSTBITE 75 – SEASON OPENER
Friday 27 – AWESOME RACEWEAR presents SWING INTO SPRING
JUNE
Friday 3 – GRISDALES RACING PRODUCTS presents BRING YOUR NEIGHBOUR NIGHT (2 for 1 Admission) plus “VINTAGE CARS”
Friday 10 – BS&B RADIATOR presents YOUTH UNIFORM NIGHT plus “VINTAGE CARS”
Friday 17 – LIGHTHOUSE Tattoo’s presents BRANT COUNTY NIGHT featuring “TWIN 15’s for THUNDER STOCKS” plus “MINI VAN FIGURE 8” & “DEMO DERBY”
Friday 24 – ENGINE PRO Racing presents “NORTHERN SUMMER NATIONALS Series – Round #1” co-sanctioned by CORR/Pak Sprints; ASCS Sprints On Dirt; Patriot Sprint Tour; and Southern Ontario Sprints:
Saturday 25 – “NORTHERN SUMMER NATIONALS Series – Round #2” at South Buxton Raceway co-sanctioned by CORR/Pak Sprints; ASCS Sprints On Dirt; Patriot Sprint Tour; and Southern Ontario Sprints:
JULY
Friday 1 – METAL WORKS presents KIDS NIGHT plus “STARS Championship Tour North (MOD LITES)” and “BOX CAR RACES”
Friday 8 – “MID SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT” presented by EVERS FINANCIAL for Mini Stocks & WISECO PISTONS for Corr/Pak Sprints / Thunder Stocks & Bombers
Friday 15 – BEST WESTERN – CAIRN CROFT HOTEL presents NORFOLK COUNTY NIGHT with “VINTAGE CARS” & “SMALL CAR FIGURE 8 Race”
Friday 22 – OUTHOUSE IMAGE & DESIGN presents “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” featuring SANTA CLAUS
Tuesday 26 – Tentative – TBA
Wednesday 27 – ARROW EXPRESS presents World of Outlaw SPRINTS plus “STARS Championship Tour North (MOD LITES)”
Thursday 28 – (“SIX NATIONS SHOWDOWN” Rain Date)
Friday 29 – GALES AUTO AFTERMARKET presents “WESTERN ONTARIO OUTLAW LAWN TRACTORS” plus “BLIND FOLD & CHAIN RACES”
AUGUST
Friday 5 – HRW AUTOMOTIVE presents “ART HILL MEMORIAL for MINI STOCKS” plus “Annual OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY HOT DOG EATING CHAMPIONSHIP”
Friday 12 – TRAILERS by JIM BRAY presents HALDIMAND COUNTY NIGHT plus “VINTAGE CARS” & “DOUBLE FLAG POLE RACE”
Friday 19 – ENGINE PRO Racing presents “NORTHERN SUMMER NATIONALS Series – Round #3” co-sanctioned by CORR/Pak Sprints; ASCS Sprints On Dirt; Patriot Sprint Tour; and Southern Ontario Sprints:
Saturday 20 – “NORTHERN SUMMER NATIONALS Series – Round #4” at South Buxton Raceway co-sanctioned by CORR/Pak Sprints; ASCS Sprints On Dirt; Patriot Sprint Tour; and Southern Ontario Sprints:
Friday 26 – DASH FOR CASH presents BENEFIT RACE NIGHT plus “STARS Championship Tour North (MOD LITES)”
September
Friday 2 – PIERCED PARTS presents LABOUR DAY SPECIAL plus “VINTAGE CARS” / BOX CAR RACES / “CHAIN RACE”
Friday 9 – ROCHESTER KNIGHTHAWKS presents “SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS” for All Divisions
Thursday 15 – FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT presented by ESSO PEEDWAY VARIETY with Corr/PAK Sprints / Thunder Stocks / Mini Stocks & Bombers
Friday 16 – ROCHESTER AMERICANS presents 7th Annual “OHSWEKEN SHOOTOUT” & “THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NATIONALS” plus 5th Annual “Dave MacLEOD MEMORIAL – Mr. SPRINT CAR CHALLENGE” plus “VINTAGE CARS”
Saturday 17 – ARROW EXPRESS presents 7th Annual “CANADIAN SPRINT CAR NATIONALS” (35 laps – $11,000 to Win) plus “non-Qualifiers Little Feature” presented by Riverside Bar & Grill and “MOD LITES”
Sunday
(or Next Dry Day) 19 – (“CANADIAN NATIONALS” Rain Date)
October
Saturday 15 – MONSTER MASH – DAY OF DESTRUCTION
Sunday 16 – (“MONSTER MASH” Rain Date)