By Brian Liskai
FREMONT, Ohio – Some of the best dirt track drivers in the world have blasted around the clay at Fremont Speedway, giving fans memories that have lasted life times. Now, as “The Track That Action Built” prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary season in 2011 with many special events, fans will get the opportunity to create new memories as drivers battle to add their names to the legendary track’s win list.
The 2011 season will include three $10,000-to-win 410 sprint car shows in addition to some $3,000-to-win Kistler Racing Products Fremont Attica Sprint Title Championship Series (FAST) events and the biggest weekly 410 sprint car purse in Ohio.
“There aren’t many dirt tracks in the United States that have been around for 60 years so we wanted to make this anniversary season very special,” said Fremont Speedway Promoter Rich Farmer. “We truly have some of the most loyal, knowledgeable fans in the country and we wanted to reward them with a schedule that will provide some of the most exciting and entertaining races that can be found any where.”
The 2011 season will include a $10,000 to win visit by the “Greatest Show On Dirt,” the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars on Oct. 15 (rain date of Sunday, Oct. 16), presented by Coors Light and Miller Lite. The World of Outlaws have not competed at Fremont Speedway since 1992.
Also on the schedule, the O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions will make six visits to “The Track That Action Built,” thus adding to the slogan “Fremont Speedway – Home of the All Stars.”
The All Stars will first come to the Sandusky County Fairgrounds for a weekend double-header on Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, May 28 will be Kear’s Speed Shop Night featuring the All Stars, Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints and Fremont Fence Dirt Trucks. On Sunday, May 29, Budweiser Night will include all three divisions. The All Stars return on Beck Oil Night, Tuesday, June 21 as part of the 29th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek, and just four days later will wrap up the iconic Speedweek event with a $10,000-to-win finale on Fort Ball Pizza Palace Night, June 25. The All Star will conclude their season at “The Track That Action Built” as part of the Jim Ford Classic Weekend – which is fast becoming a must-see event – on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 and 17 with All Pro Cylinder Heads and Ludwig Propane sponsoring the action.
Other special events in 2011 include the third induction class into the Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame prior to the racing on Jon Wright Custom Chrome Plating Night, June 4. A hall of fame building has been constructed along the midway at the track, commemorating the 60 years of history.
The 12th Annual 305 sprint invitational is set for Sunday, Sept. 4 and will include the final visit of the year by the wheel-hiking late models on River Master Night.
Also, JLH General Contractors Night will feature the 360 verses 305 Sprint Shoot Out on Saturday, Aug. 13. The 410 sprints and dirt trucks will also be in action.
“We are planning many special events during the summer to celebrate our 60th anniversary such as Australian Pursuits, Crack The Whip, King of the Hill and more. This will truly be a memorable summer at Fremont Speedway,” said Farmer.
The 60th season of racing at The Track That Action Built will kick off Saturday, April 16. Gates will open every Saturday at 4 p.m. with racing underway at 7 p.m. Times will vary for special events.
TENTATIVE 2011 SCHEDULE (races may be added, cancelled or changed)
Saturday, April 16 (rain date of Sunday, April 17) – Pepsi Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, April 23 – Eagle 99 Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, April 30 – Bauman Auto Group Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, May 7 – UUI Night, late models, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, May 14 – Roots Poultry Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, May 28 – Kear’s Speed Shop Night, All Star Sprints, 305, dirt trucks
Sunday, May 29 – Budweiser Night, All Star Sprints, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, June 4 – Jon Wright Custom Chrome Plating Night – Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame Induction, 410, 305, dirt trucks, vintage cars
Saturday, June 11 – Crown Battery Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Tuesday, June 21 – Beck Oil Night, All Star Sprints, Ohio Sprint Speedweek, 305 sprints, dirt trucks
Saturday, June 25 (rain date of Sunday, June 26) – Fort Ball Pizza Palace Night, All Star Sprints, Ohio Sprint Speedweek Finale, 305 sprints, dirt trucks
Saturday, July 2 – McDonald’s Mid-Season Championship Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, July 9 – Fisher Performance Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, July 23 – Burns Petroleum Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, July 30 – Kistler Engines Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, Aug. 6 – Burger King Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, Aug. 13 (rain date of Sunday, Aug. 14) – JLH Contractors Night, 410, 305/360 challenge, dirt trucks
Aug. 20-27 Fair Week, No Races
Sunday, Sept. 4 – River Master Night, 12th Annual 305 Sprint Invitational, late models, dirt trucks
Saturday, Sept. 10 – Hoys Again Night, 410, 305, dirt trucks
Friday, Sept. 16 – All Pro Cylinder Heads Night, Jim Ford Classic, All Star sprints, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, Sept. 17 (rain date of Sunday, Sept. 18) – Ludwig Propane Night, Jim Ford Classic, All Star sprints, 305, dirt trucks
Saturday, Oct. 8 – Kistler Racing Products Night, 410, 305 dirt trucks, vintage cars
Saturday, Oct. 15 (rain date of Sunday, Oct. 16) – Coors Light/Miller Lite Night, World of Outlaw Sprints, 305 sprints, dirt trucks