By Brian Liskai: ATTICA, Ohio (April 8, 2006) – Mother Nature finally got her way. Friday thunderstorms gave way to falling temperatures Saturday, April 8, forcing the cancellation of racing at Attica Raceway Park for the weekend.
“The wind is whipping in from the Northeast…right into the stands. They are calling for temperatures reaching only the low 40s during the day and dropping to the upper 20s by race time. Add that wind and it would be very, very uncomfortable for the fans and the race teams,” said Attica Operations Director Rex LeJeune.
A big weekend of racing is on tap at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” on Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15, when the All Star Circuit of Champions open their northern schedule with the Coors Light Spring Nationals. The All Star sprints and limited late models are in action Friday while the 305 sprints join the All Star sprints on Saturday.
The Coors Light Spring Nationals have seen some of the best racing in the 19 year history of ARP. Frankie Kerr and 12-time ARP track champion Mark Keegan dominated the first three years of the nationals (1992-1994). In 1995 two new faces graced victory lane in Dale Blaney and Joey Saldana. Bobby Teeple shocked the racing community in 1996 by winning opening night of the nationals with Danny Smith finishing first the next night. Gary Wright and Butch Schroeder scored Coors Light Spring National wins in 1997, with Jeff Shepard and Frankie Kerr following in 1998. Only one night of racing was run in 1999-2001 because of rain, with Kenny Jacobs, Craig Dollansky and Byron Reed picking up victories. In 2002, Greg Wilson and Shepard picked up national wins, with Chad Kemenah and Wilson scoring victories in 2003. Kemenah would pick up the only nationals win in 2004.
The 2005 version of the Coors Light Spring Nationals was one of the most exciting on record. Stevie Smith and Craig Mintz battled on opening night, with Smith edging the Gibsonburg, Ohio youngster for the win. On the second night, it looked like Smith would cruise to the weekend sweep, only to get caught up in a tangle with a lapped car in the closing laps to allow Danny Smith to sneak by for the win.
Gates on Friday will open at 5 p.m. with racing slated for 8 pm. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday with racing at 7:30 p.m.
Admission prices are $20 for adults each night (16 and up); $18 for senior citizens; $15 for teens 11-15 years of age; and children 10 and under get in free. Pit passes are $25 per person each night.
For more information log onto www.atticaracewaypark.com or call the track office at 419-680-5606 or 419-681-2941. On race day call the track phone at 419-426-8911 or 419-426-8910.