By Larry Boos
ROSSBURG, OH (May 14) – While the gigantic fireworks display that has become synonymous with Eldora Speedway’s $8 Family Fun Night promotions will light the skies post-race this Saturday (May 17), the on-track action prior to it has been given an infusion of volatility as well.
This year’s Mobil 1 sponsored event has seen the addition of the BOSS (Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series) to the popular fun-themed night, with no increase in admission, to create a tripleheader racing menu. Complementing the ‘Eldora experience’ prior to the racing action will be a ‘meet and greet’ autograph session in the FanZone from 4:30 through 5:30 p.m. while balloon twisting clowns and inflatable bouncers will be on site for the kids. In keeping with the family concept, children 12 and under will be admitted free this Saturday.
The BOSS tour now joins the previously scheduled UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and Eldora Stock Cars for a busy racing program of Heat Races, B-Features as needed and 25, 18 and 15-lap A-Features respectively.
All of this leads up to the signature attraction of the evening, the colossal pyrotechnic display that has come to be known as the finest in the area.
The non-winged BOSS Sprints, and the ‘backing-it-in’ through the high-banked turns and slide-jobs, are a throwback to the style of racing that helped shape Eldora’s history and remain a fan favorite. While a dialed-in chassis set-up remains an important key to success and victory, driver skills are paramount, resulting in varied and aggressive styles. Established in 2011, this will mark the third BOSS appearance at Eldora, with Luke Hall and Brady Bacon having won the previous contests.
An intense point battle towards the cumulative season championship titles will continue among the Modified and Stock Car divisions.
Defending Modified champion Jerry Bowersock holds a slim four-point margin over Jesse Bitterling coming into the chase, while third place Matt Westfall, a two-time A-Feature winner, sits only three markers ahead of Ryan Sutter.
In the Stock Car class, last season’s Rookie of the Year, Chris Douglas, is sitting atop the point pursuit with a somewhat comfortable 11 point edge over Jordan Conover, who in turn is clinging to a one-point lead over opening night A-Feature winner Jeff Koz.
While general admission (open seating) tickets for this event will be sold trackside beginning at 4 p.m., event information and tickets/campsites for the other exciting events may be purchased by calling the track office during normal business hours at (937) 338-3815, or by going online to www.EldoraSpeedway.com. Additionally, race fans and race teams can get behind-the-scenes access by following @EldoraSpeedway on Twitter, hitting ‘Like’ at Facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway and view video highlights at YouTube.com/EldoraSpeedwayInc. Mobile device users can access the Eldora Speedway app for the iPhone, iPad and Android which is available for download via iTunes and Google Play.