By T.J. Buffenbarger
When the 2016 Hartford Speedway schedule is released at the beginning of 2016 Sprint Cars likely will not be listed as a “regular” division. After multiple National schedules were released on Thursday it is clear that Sprint Car racing will take center stage multiple times in 2016.
In addition to the traditional Michigan based series that appear at along with the return of the All Star Circuit of Champions Hartford has booked the first appearance by the American Sprint Car Series National Tour and the return of the World of Outlaws sprint car series. For Michigan Sprint Car fans Hartford is providing an outlet to see multiple regional and National level touring series without leaving the state.
So far the Hartford dates are among the most anticipated for me to cover in 2016. Being able to cover multiple top level sprint car events and sleep in my own bed happens far fewer times than it did 20 years ago, but that trend is starting to reverse itself. Hopefully race fans respond to the change and continue to support the sprint car races at Hartford and make it out to some of these bigger programs in large numbers.
Once Hartford’s full schedule is revealed, based on various conversations throughout the off season, sprint car fans will be very pleased about what they see. Look for more big sprint car announcements from Hartford to come.
In addition to Hartford’s dates I-96 Speedway will host the World of Outlaws and All Stars while Butler Speedway has an All Star event as well. Along with the big touring shows Hartford is expected to host several of the local sprint car touring series in high profile type events as well.
2016 could be one of the most anticipated seasons for me to cover in state in years. Throw in Michigan Traditional Sprints, Great Lakes Sprint Series, Sprints on Dirt, Spartan, Butler, Auto Value Super Sprints, and Must See Racing and Michigan open wheel fans will have one of the best slates of racing to choose from in recent memory.