Local race enthusiasts have been salivating in anticipation of another local stock car racing season.
The wait will come to an end as it all begins on Friday with the opening night at the Kinross Speedway, 20 minutes south of the Michigan Sault.
In appreciation of the fans, Kinross is offering free admission to all race fans into the main grandstand area for the opening week.
Time trials begin at 6 p.m. with racing to follow at 7:30 p.m.
The following a press release from Gerry Liscumb of the Kinross Speedway previewing the upcoming season:
************************************************************
"FREE NIGHT" of racing starts off 2004 campaign at Kinross Speedway
Nine years after opening the gates for the first time, the Kinross Speedway is ready for another summer of exciting stock car racing, and it all begins this coming Friday night, May 14th.
Time trials are set for 6 p.m. with racing to follow at 7:30 p.m.
As an unofficial start to the 2004 season, the Speedway has deemed this night their Pre-Season Preview Racing Show. A full 4-in-1 show of Late Models, Factory Stocks, Pure Stocks and 4-Cylinders are on tap.
Similar to the opening night from one season ago, track promoters have created an added incentive to get the fans out to the Speedway, except this season they went one better.
This Friday's show will feature FREE admission to the main grandstand for all spectators. Yep, that's right … track promoters Todd and Donna Nyberg invite you to "Bring your family to see our family …. Absolutely FREE!"
This event is intended to give all the racing fans of the area, a FREE taste of what they can see each and every Friday night from May thru September at our ¼ mile facility.
We hope you'll like what you see and become one of our loyal fans.
Entering the 2004 season, the defending Late Model Champion is Rudyard, Michigan's Dave Vansloten (33). The former modified pilot, captured the title in the closing weeks edging Tim Aho for the top spot with only 22 points separating the two fierce competitors.
This summer you can expect a few new faces in this division as Soo, ONTARIO'S Nick Guerriero (#4) looks to make Kinross home while Cedarville, Michigan's Sam Bohling (#45) has a full-time ride for 2004.
After one of their most competitive seasons in a long time, the Factory Stock Division is looking to be fast & furious once again.
Trout Lake, Michigan's Jerry Ball (8) is the defending track champion after an 8-point victory over Soo, ONTARIO'S Jason Praysner.
No less than three drivers have found themselves new rides for the upcoming summer events.
Pee Wee Fountain will sport a new #50 Firebird while 2003 Rookie Paul Fox is rumoured to have a Camaro set to the hit the track this coming Friday night. To round out the newest entries, 3-year race veteran Kevin Johnson will sport a new car picked up in the off-season from Pennsylvania.
The always entertaining Pure Stock division is looking to be even more eventful as defending track champion, Ray Golladay (22, Dafter, MICHIGAN) will have even more competition to battle with in 2004.
Golladay posted the 2nd largest margin of victory for a track championship one year ago, with a 68-point margin over the 2nd place position.
The ¼ mile will see former tech man Rick Osborne (5) take to the track as part of the Daredevil Race team along with Paul Little (24). Little, is returning after a 2-year absence at Kinross.
A brother tandem will be created in the division as well when Chuck Johnson (5) battles along side Terry Johnson (11) for the first-time.
The Four Cylinder title has been left up for grabs after 2003 champion Jared Nightlinger (48) purchased Mark Beaudoin's Factory Stock car during the off-season.
It was one year ago Nightlinger became the youngest track champion in Kinross history when he topped John Mayer (9) for the top spot.
Set to enter it's third season at the Speedway, the four cylinder division has caught on fast and has grown during the off-season once again.
Cary Orsborne (69) will become the division's first female driver while she will be joined by some new drivers including Roger Tarr (5, former pit gate staff), Preston Nightlinger (48, brother of 2003 track champion) and Brian Greengtski (55).
With other drivers expected to join the division as well, we could see in excess of 20 cars on any given Friday night.
So as the days wind down we invite you to join us back on our familiar Friday night for some fun, family entertainment at the Kinross Speedway.
It's all set to start off with our FREE Pre-Season Preview Show this Friday, May 14th.
Take exit 378 off the I-75 and follow the signs.
For more information check us out online at www.kinrossspeedway.com or call 906-647-3405.
************************************************************