By: Ron Burt
If you like fast cars on short tracks, you might want to make the trip to Sandusky Speedways half-mile Saturday, April 27th for the Sprint Car races on the very fast paved track. The Must See Sprint Racing Series presented by Perfit-Parts will join the Maxima Racing Oils MSR Midwest Lights Series for a Sprint Car double-header to open the 2024 season.
The Must-See 410 Sprints haven’t raced at Sandusky since August 25th, 2019. Five-time series champion Jimmy McCune won that event. The MSR Lights Series last competed at Sandusky in October 2022.
When you think of Sandusky Speedway, you think of Supermodifieds, but winged-sprint cars have played an important part in the track’s history. In 1989 Jeff Gordon claimed an All-Star Circuit of Champions 410 victory before he really got into NASCAR. The track has hosted many 305 and 602 Winged-Sprint events over the past three decades.
Sandusky started out as a quarter mile dirt track in 1950 and was enlarged after the 1954 season to a half-mile asphalt oval to start 1955. For decades it’s been home for Supermodified racing in the Buckeye State. Almost every top Supermodified driver has competed on this fast semi-banked oval. Older race fans remember Sandusky Speedway was the site of Nolan Johncock’s fatal crash, October 3rd, 1971.
This will be the season opener for the 410 National Series and the Midwest Lights Series. A huge fan turn-out is expected because of the lengthy absence of the series. A large car count from 8 states and Canada is expected for both classes. In addition to MSR regulars a huge contingent of Florida drivers is expected to make the trip to Sandusky. Midwest fan favorite and defending MSR champion Jason Blonde is expected to be in the starting field to defend his championship. For more on this event be sure to check the Must See Racing Facebook page. They will list the drivers as registrations are received. Joining the Sprints for this special night of racing will be two weekly fan favorite divisions, the Pure Stocks, and the All-American Iron Series.
In 2024 the MSR Sprints and the Midwest Lights will be at Berlin Speedway May 18th and Plymouth Speedway June 15th.
Starting Thursday, April 25th I will host a weekly Facebook Live at 6:00PM on the Ohio Sports Blitz. Each week I will go down the racetrack schedules in the Tri-State and mention where nationally known drivers might be racing for big payouts. I will also cover USAC and their events for the week. My show will also feature driver interviews starting in May. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out! ohiosportsblitz@yahoo.com
