By: Ron Burt
Race fans that made the trip to the Dome in St Louis to watch the 7th Annual Gateway DIRT Nationals weren’t disappointed with the action during the Super Late Model and Modified events. The 1/5-mile dirt oval inside the former home of the NFL Rams was a challenge for drivers in both classes even though they were some of the biggest names in racing. This year the A Feature for the Modifieds was won by Drake Troutman. Rounding out the Top-5, 2nd Mike Harrison, 3rd Jordan Grabouski, 4th Michael Ledford, and 5th Kyle Steffens. During the Late Model feature many drivers fell victim to the inside wall as faster drivers tried to work their way through the field during heats, semi’s, and the feature. When the dust cleared, and competitive tempers started to settle down Brandon Sheppard held the checkered flag and winners check. Right behind your winner was, 2nd Ricky Thornton (Jr), 3rd Tanner English 4th Devin Moran, and 5th Chris Simpson. This has become such a big event, tickets are now on sale for next year’s race December 5-7, 2024.
Toledo and Flat Rock Speedway made some big announcements this week as the 2024 schedules came out. This is Toledo’s 67th season and the track will host 8 races highlighted by the ARCA/Menards Series, USAC Silver Crown Series, 500 Sprint Car Tour, Midwest Modified Tour, ASA STARS National Tour, and ARCA sanctioned racing for it’s Late Model Sportsman and Factory Stock divisions. The USAC Silver Crown Cars will open the new season with the Rollie Beale Classic 100 along with Late Model Sportsman and Factory Stocks on Saturday, April 20th. The annual Rollie Beale Classic 100 has always been a mid-summer event but USAC made changes to its schedule. The 36th running for the Glass City 200 for the ASA STARS National will be Saturday, September 14th. The last race on Toledo’s calendar will be Saturday, October 5th. It will be the season championship for the ARCA/Menards Series.
Flat Rock Speedway will start the new season on Saturday, May 4th. This will be the first time four divisions will compete on opening day. ARCA sanctioned Outlaw Super Late Models, Street Stocks, Figure 8’s, and the new Factory Stock 500 Series will make its debut. For the second year in a row Flat Rock will host the ARCA/Menards East 150 on May 18th. The Joy Fair Memorial 100 will be May 25th. Adding to a busy spring, the Outlaw 350 Supermodifieds will make their first appearance on the speedway June 1st. Race fans Flat Rock Speedway has one of the most exciting schedules I’ve ever seen for a short track. They host a major event almost every week. You need to check out their Facebook page.
The Ohio Wheelman Modified Series has increased the purse for 2024. Feature winners will be paid $2,000.00, 2nd $1,500.00 and 3rd $1,000.00. This will entice a few drivers to leave their home tracks and go after the possibility of bigger paydays. Will and his staff have worked hard to build this series.
Who’s ready for the Silver Anniversary of The Rumble in Fort Wayne? December 29th and 30th in the Expo Center at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. The Midgets will headline both nights. Joining them both nights will be winged and non-winged 600cc Midgets, Quarter Midgets, and multiple divisions of kart racing. The Left Turn will be on-site both days. The Rumble in Fort Wayne is one of several big indoor events for the Midgets before the grand daddy of them all, the Chili Bowl Nationals, two weeks after Christmas in Tulsa, OK. It will be carried live on FLORACING. Let’s see if the 2023 Champion Logan Seavey can repeat or will 2020 & 2021 back-to-back champion Kyle Larson work through the field for a 3rd win. I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas and great holiday. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out! ohiosportsblitz@yahoo.com
