Cold weather delays Attica Raceway Park season opener

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Contact: Rex LeJeune
 
ATTICA, Ohio – Very cold temperatures, coupled with saturated grounds from a snow storm that hit the area Tuesday night has delayed the 2018 season opener at Attica Raceway Park for Friday, March 23. Because of the forecast, the Saturday, March 24 make-up date is also being cancelled.
 
“The high temperature for both Friday and Saturday was forecast to only get to 39 or 40 degrees with lows in the evening in the low 20s. Those temperatures are too hard on the race teams, fans and our employees,” said Rex LeJeune, Director of Operations at Attica Raceway Park.
 
Attica Raceway Park will try again Friday, March 30 on Merrill Lynch/Construction Equipment and Supply Night with a rain date of Saturday, March 31. The Callie’s Performance Products 410 Sprints, Summit Racing Equipment UMP Late Models and Fremont Fence 305 Sprints will be in action. Gates will open Friday at 5 p.m. with racing underway at 7:45 p.m. If Saturday’s rain date is utilized, gates will open at 3 p.m. with racing getting underway at 6 p.m.
 
In just two weeks it’s the 28th Annual Core & Main Spring Nationals, Friday and Saturday April 6and 7 at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” speed plant. April 6 will feature the All Pro Aluminum Heads FAST 410 Championship Series presented by Ohio Logistics battling for $5,000 to win along with the UMP Late Models and 305 sprints. On Saturday Tony Stewart’s Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions come to Attica for the first of five appearances of the season. The UMP Late Models and 305 sprints will once again be in action.
 
For more information go to www.atticaracewaypark.com or follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.
 
 

2018 Attica Raceway Park Schedule Announced

ATTICA, Ohio – Attica Raceway Park will celebrate the track’s 30th anniversary season in a big way in 2018, awarding over $550,000 in A-main prize money. It all kicks off Friday, March 23.

“While we still have the marquee events like five appearances of Tony Stewart’s Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions, the 30th Annual Ohio Logistics Brad Doty Classic presented by Racing Optics with the World of Outlaw Craftsman Sprint Car Series, 9 All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads FAST 410 Championship Series events, and the Third Annual Dirt Classic Ohio, we still have the best weekly Friday night racing around,” said Rex LeJeune, Director of Operations at Attica Raceway Park.

“We are also bringing the American Ethanol Late Model Series to Attica for the first time ever to go along with the Wayne County and Oakshade Raceway challenge series events,” added LeJeune.

The 2018 Attica Raceway Park highlights include:

– 28th Annual Core & Main Spring Nationals, Friday and Saturday April 6 and 7. April 6 will feature the FAST 410 sprints battling for $5,000 to win along with the UMP Late Models and 305 Sprints on Friday. Saturday will see the All Stars come to Attica for the first of five appearances along with the UMP Late Models and 305 Sprints.

– The All Stars return to Attica on Friday, May 25.

– Attica will kick off the Ohio Sprint Speedweek with the All Stars on Friday, June 15. It will be a double points night for the late models as well. This will be the 28th Speedweek event at Attica, the longest consecutive speedweek track in Ohio.

– The annual Attica Ambush is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. On Friday the All Star sprints will battle for $5,000. It will also be championship night for the UMP late models with double points as they vie for $2,000 to win. Saturday features the Dirt Classic Ohio and the All Star sprints going for $5,000 to win.

– The Ohio Logistics Brad Doty Classic presented by Racing Optics featuring the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will take place Tuesday, July 10 (rain date of July 11).

– The first ever appearance of the American Ethanol Late Models Series will be Friday, May 11 in a $4,000-to-win affair.

– There will be seven JLH General Contractor FAST 305 Sprint Championship series at Attica in 2018 with the May 18 event paying the feature winner $1,000 as part of the Eric Phillips 30th Anniversary event thanks to Gressman Powersports. The July 20 305 sprint race will also pay $1,000 to the winner thanks to Griff’s Engines.

– As part of the Mid-Season Championship Night, the mini sprints will compete at Attica along with the FAST 410 sprints and FAST 305 sprints. The mini-sprints will return on season championship night Aug. 24.

LeJeune noted for the first two weeks of the racing season at “Ohio’s Finest Racing” speedplant, there are rain dates for Saturday and, if needed, gates will open at 3 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.

“Thanks to all our great marketing partners who have billboards, night sponsorship, point fund contributions and more we have another fantastic schedule for 2018. We continue to be able to put together exciting shows because of the support from them, our great fans and race teams and our dedicated staff. I’m excited to celebrate the 30th season at Attica,” said John Bores, Attica Raceway Park Promoter.

“We also want to thank Callies Performance Products of Fostoria for coming on board as the division sponsor for our weekly 410 sprints along with Summit Racing Equipment and the Fremont Fence Company coming back as the sponsors for the UMP Late Models and 305 Sprint divisions respectively,” added LeJeune.

For more information go to www.atticaracewaypark.com or follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.

Attica Raceway Park 2018 Schedule

Friday, March 23 – Construction Equipment & Supply Night – 410 sprints; UMP late models, 305 sprints (Rain Date of Saturday, March 24)

Friday, March 30 – Merrill Lynch Night – 410 sprints; UMP late models; 305 sprints (Rain Date of Saturday, March 31)

Friday, April 6 – Core & Main Spring Nationals – FAST 410 Sprints ($5,000 to win); UMP late models; 305 sprints

Saturday, April 7 – Core & Main Spring Nationals – Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions; UMP late models; 305 sprints

Friday, April 13 – Bazell Race Fuels Night – 410 sprints; UMP late models; 305 sprints

Friday, April 20 – Fisher Performance Night – 410 sprints; UMP late models; 305 sprints (NOTE: rain date for Saturday, April 7 All Star Sprints)

Friday, May 4 – The Adkins Group/AmeriGas Night – FAST 410 sprints; Attica/Oakshade Late Model Series; FAST 305 sprints

Friday, May 11 – UUI Night – American Ethanol Late Model Series ($4,000 to win); 305 sprints; dirt trucks; vintage cars

Friday, May 18 – Eric Phillips 30th Anniversary Classic – American Powersports of Findlay and Sandusky Night – FAST 410 sprints; UMP late models; FAST 305 sprints ($1,000 to win presented by Gressman Powersports)

Friday, May 25 – Foster Auto Body/Steinle Chevrolet Buick in Clyde Night – Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions; UMP late models; 305 sprints

Friday, June 1 – Burns Electric/Sutton Bank Night – FAST 410 sprints; Attica/Wayne County Late Model Series; 305 sprints. Scout Night and $1 hot dog night

Friday, June 8 – Edward Jones of Clyde/Mike Neill Financial Advisor/Gordon Lumber Mid-Season Championship Night – FAST 410 sprints; FAST 305 sprints (double points for both); mini sprints

Friday, June 15 – Kistler Engines/Ohio CAT Night – Ohio Sprint Speedweek with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions; UMP late models (double points)

Friday, June 29 – Baumann Auto Group/Kear’s Speed Shop Fan Appreciation Night – FAST 410 sprints; Attica/Oakshade Late Models; FAST 305 sprints. $10 general admission, open pit area for the fans to meet the race teams, $1 hot dogs and 50 cent popcorn

Friday, July 6 – Croghan Colonial Bank Night – Attica/Wayne County late model series; FAST 305 sprints; dirt trucks

Tuesday, July 10 – Ohio Logistics Brad Doty Classic presented by Racing Optics featuring the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series (rain date of Wednesday, July 11)

Friday, July 20 – Central Ohio Farmers/Smith Family Foods Night – FAST 410 sprints; Attica/Oakshade late model series; 305 sprints ($1,000 to win presented by Griff’s Engines)

Friday, July 27 – Columbus Equipment/Morgan Stanley Night – FAST 410 sprints; Attica/Wayne County late model series; FAST 305 sprints

Fridays, Aug. 3 and 10 – No Racing due to Attica Fair

Friday, Aug. 17 – UBS Financial Services Night – FAST 410 sprints; FAST 305 sprints; UMP late models

Friday, Aug. 24 – Kistler Racing Products/Jon Wright’s Custom Chrome Plating presents the Mark Keegan Classic Season Championship Night – 410 sprints, 305 sprints (double points for each division); mini sprints

Friday, Aug. 31 – Attica Ambush – Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champion sprints ($5,000 to win); UMP late models, season championship, double points ($2,000 to win)

Saturday, Sept. 1 – Attica Ambush – All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads Night – the Dirt Classic Ohio with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champion sprints ($5,000 to win); 305 sprints

Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7:45 p.m. on Friday regular events; Saturday rain date events gates open at 3 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.

Andrews, Shiels, Weaver Crowned 2017 Attica Champions

By Brian Liskai: ATTICA, Ohio – Attica Raceway Park handed out $47,000 in point fund money and contingency awards at the season-ending banquet Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Attica Fairgrounds Reception Hall.

Besides handing out the awards, several announcements were made by track management. Promoter John Bores thanked all the business partners, the race teams and fans for their support and vowed to keep working hard to make improvements. Director of Operations Rex LeJeune noted there will be several events planned in 2018 to commemorate the track’s 30th anniversary season. LeJeune also thanked the track staff, push truck and wrecker operators and everyone who contributes to the success of Attica Raceway Park.

Also, Brad Doty, co-promoter of the Ohio Logistic Brad Doty Classic spoke to the crowd, announcing the event was the single largest car count of 2017 for a one-day World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series race. He also thanked all the businesses that get involved with the race and asked fans to help spread the word for the July 2018 Brad Doty Classic.

During the awards ceremony, the top 10 in points in the Hammer Pallets 410 Sprints shared in point fund monies and contingency awards of $22,000 with champion Chris Andrews taking home $8,000. Devin Shiels earned $5,000 as the champion of the Summit Racing Equipment UMP Late Models with the top 10 in points sharing in $15,000 in point fund and contingency prizes. Fremont Fence 305 Sprints champion Paul Weaver took home $3,000 with the top 10 in points sharing in $10,000.

Following is a brief look at how the season went for the top 10 in points and rookies of the year in each division for 2017:

Hammer Pallets 410 Sprints

CHAMPION – Chris Andrews, Sandusky, Ohio. Andrews scored his second 410 Attica track championship, having earned the title in 2009. A 2006 Attica 305 champion, he competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains, missing only the World of Outlaws event. Andrews scored five top five finishes including a season-best runner-up finish on mid-season championship night, June 9th. He recorded an 11 top 10 finishes. In fact, Andrews never finished worse than ninth through Aug. 25th!

2. DJ Foos, Fremont, Ohio. The 2010 Attica 305 track champion competed in 13 of the 14 A-mains, missing only the World of Outlaws start. Foos, who also won the All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads FAST 410 Championship Series presented by Ohio Logistics, recorded six top five finishes including his first ever 410 sprint victory at Attica on April 14 to go with four third place runs. Foos scored eight top 10 finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of 10th.

3. Stuart Brubaker, Gibsonburg, Ohio. The 2008 Attica 305 track champion competed in 12 of the 14 A-mains in 2017, missing only the World of Outlaws event and an All Star show. He recorded three top five finishes including a season-best third on July 28th. Brubaker also scored five top 10 finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of 13th.

4. Travis Philo, Waterville, Ohio. Philo ran in 11 of the 14 A-mains in 2017, missing the May 26 All Star event, the June 2 FAST race and the World of Outlaw show. He scored three top five finishes including a season-best third on championship night, Aug. 25. Philo recorded seven top 10 finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of ninth.

5. Duane Zablocki, Tiffin, Ohio. Zablocki competed in 11 of the 14 A-mains in 2017, missing two All Star and the World of Outlaw starts. He recorded three top 10 finishes including a season best eighth on June 9. Zablocki’s average A-main finishing position was 14th.

6. Shawn Valenti, Fostoria, Ohio. A former 410 rookie of the year, Valenti competed in 9 of the 14 A-mains in 2017. He recorded a pair of top 10 finishes including a season-best sixth on championship night, Aug. 25. He also earned two dirt truck wins at Attica in 2017. His average A-main finishing position was 14th.

7. Jody Keegan, Fremont, Ohio. Attica’s 1999 305 track champion, Keegan competed in 9 of the 14 A-mains in 2017, recording a season-best sixth on July 28th. He scored a pair of top 10 finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of 15th.

8. Jordan Ryan, Castalia, Ohio. Ryan competed in 10 of the 14 A-mains in 2017. He scored a season-best fifth on Aug. 18 to go with his four top 10 finishes. His average A-main finishing position was 12th.

9. Dan McCarron, Britton, Mich. Attica’s 2017 410 rookie of the year, McCarron competed in 5 of the 14 A-mains in 2017, earning a season-best 10th on season championship night, Aug. 25.

10. Jess Stiger, Nevada, Ohio. Stiger made 4 of the 14 A-mains in 2017 with a season best finish of 12th on July 21st.

Summit Racing Equipment UMP Late Models

CHAMPION – Devin Shiels, Britton, Mich. Shiels was one of two drivers to compete in all 13 A-mains in 2017. He posted eight top five finishes including his third career feature win on July 28th. Shiels posted 12 straight top 10 finishes; his worse finish of the year was a 13th on the final night of racing. In fact going into the season finale Shiels hadn’t finished worse than eighth. His average A-main finishing position was fifth. Shiels also claimed the inaugural Attica Oakshade Raceway Challenge Series title.

2. Doug Drown, Wooster, Ohio. Drown, Attica’s 2015 champion, competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the opening night feature. He recorded nine top five finishes including wins on April 14, April 21 and season championship night, Aug. 25th to run his career total to 23 to sit atop the all-time win list, tied with Rusty Schlenk. Drown recorded 10 top 10 finishes for an average A-main finishing position of sixth. Drown also won the Attica-Wayne County Speedway Challenge Series title.

3. Mike Bores, Bellevue, Ohio. Bores was one of two drivers to compete in all 13 A-mains in 2017, recording seven top five finishes including wins on April 15 and June 2 to run his career total at four at Attica. He scored 11 top 10 finishes for an average A-main finishing position of seventh.

4. Ryan Markham, Ashland, Ohio. Markham competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the season-ending ALMS event. He recorded seven top five finishes including wins on March 24, May 26 and Aug. 18 to run his career total at the track to 13. Markham scored 11 top 10 finishes; in fact he never finished worse than eighth all season other than an 18th place finish after crashing in the June 16 make-up event. His average A-main finishing position was fifth.

5. Cody Scott, Ontario, Ohio. Scott battled in 11 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing the April 21 and season-sending ALMS events. He recorded three to five finishes including a season-best fourth on May 12. He scored six top 10 finishes on route to an average A-main finishing position of 11th.

6. Jeff Warnick, Republic, Ohio. Attica’s 2017 rookie of the year competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the July 22 and season-ending ALMS events. He recorded a season-best ninth place finish on May 26. Warnick’s average A-main finishing position was 13th.

7. Jim Gingery, Bucyrus, Ohio. Gingery competed in 10 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing the April 14, July 22nd and the season-ending ALMS show. He recorded four top 10 finishes including a season-best seventh on May 26th. Gingery’s average A-main finishing position was 12th.

8. Nate Potts, Clyde, Ohio. Potts competed in eight of the 13 A-mains in 2017, recording a pair of top 10 finishes including a season-best eighth on May 26th. His average A-main finishing position was 13th

9. Dave Hornikel, Mansfield, Ohio. Hornikel competed in 10 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing the first three events of the season. He recorded five top 10 finishes including a season-best third on June 2nd. His average A-main finishing position was 11th.

10. Matt Irey, Mansfield, Ohio. Irey, Attica’s 2016 track champion, competed in nine of the 13 A-mains in 2017. He recorded a pair of season-best fourth place finishes among his seven top 10 runs. Irey’s average A-main finishing position was ninth.

Fremont Fence 305 Sprints

CHAMPION – Paul Weaver, Fremont, Ohio. Weaver earned his third 305 track championship and second straight title by competing in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the April 15th event. Weaver recorded an amazing eight feature wins in 2017 to run his career total to 43 for the division where he sits atop the all-time victory list. In fact, take out an 18th place finish on July 21 and a 21st place run on closing night, Weaver finished in the top two in 10 of the 13 A-mains in 2017. His average A-main finishing position was fourth.

2. Kyle Capodice, Sandusky, Ohio. Capodice competed in all 13 A-mains in 2017, never finishing worse than ninth all season. He posted seven top five finishes including his third career track win on the season-ending show. He also recorded a pair of runner-up finishes. His average A-main finishing position was fifth.

3. John Ivy, Fremont, Ohio. Attica’s 1993 305 champion and 2000 410 sprint champion competed in all 13 A-mains in 2017. He posted five top five finishes including his 15th career win in the division on July 21st. In fact, other than a 17th place finish on May 26, Ivy never finished worse than ninth all season. His average A-main finishing position was sixth.

4. Jamie Miller, Fremont, Ohio. Attica’s 2005 305 track champion competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the season finale. Miller posted 9 top five finishes including wins on May 26 and July 28th to run his career total to 17 at the track putting him sixth all time in the division. Miller also scored a pair of runner-up finishes and four third place runs. His average A-main finishing position was sixth.

5. Seth Schneider, Fremont, Ohio. Schneider competed in all 13 A-mains in 2017. He compiled 10 top 10 finishes including a season-best runner-up run on July 21st. His average A-main finishing position was 10th. Schneider incurred the most “hard charger” honors for the season, passing the most cars during the A-main.

6. Steve Rando, Lindsey, Ohio. Rando competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the July 21st event. He posted five top five finishes including a season-best runner-up on the season finale. Rando scored nine top 10 finishes and had an average A-main finishing position of eighth.

7. Bobby Clark, Fremont, Ohio. Clark competed in 11 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the June 9 and July 28 events. Clark posted six top five finishes including a season-best second on April 15th, and 10 top 10 finishes. In fact, if you take out the opening night 18th place run, Clark never finished worse than 9th the rest of the season. His average A-main finishing position was sixth.

8. Ricky Peterson, Rawson, Ohio. Peterson competed in all 13 A-mains in 2017. He posted seven top five finishes including a season-best third on July 28th. He recorded 10 top 10 runs on route to an average A-main finishing position of ninth.

9. Jason Keckler, Fremont, Ohio. Keckler competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains, missing only the April 15th event. He posted seven top 10 finishes including a season-best third on June 3rd. His average A-main finishing position was 10th.

10. Jordan Ryan, Castalia, Ohio. Ryan, who finished eighth in the 410 points, competed in 11 A-mains in 2017, missing the April 14 and season-ending events. The track’s 2014 and 2015 305 champion posted five top 10 finishes including a season-best fifth on championship night, Aug. 25. His average A-main finishing position was 13th.

Rookie of the year – Chase Dunham, Leipsic, Ohio. Dunham, whose father was also a former Attica 305 rookie of the year, finished 13th in points. He competed in 12 of the 13 A-mains in 2017, missing only the May 26 event. Dunham posted three top 10 finishes including a season-best third on the season-ending event. His average A-main finishing position was 15th.

For more information go to www.atticaracewaypark.com or follow the track on Twitter @atticaracewyprk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atticaracewaypark and Instagram at attica_raceway_park.