Toledo Speedway

(Toledo, OH—July 18, 2014):  The Marco’s Pizza Christmas in July prize giveaway Friday evening at Toledo Speedway was just what Santa promised—prizes and great racing!  Dozens of prizes were awarded to lucky fans of all ages, while the magic of Christmas spilled over to the track as the fans were treated to an action-packed night of racing.  Chef Marco, representing the famed Marco’s Pizza, presented the trophies in the 7-Up Winner’s Circle to the victors.

The Michigan Legends visited the Glass City, with Matt Todd picking up the 30 lap main event win.  Rick Kilbourn and Tony Monge were early leaders as Todd grabbed the lead when Monge dropped out of the contest after hitting a marker tire on the inside of the speedway.  Kilbourn, Josh Indig, Greg Rudzik, Brandon Thirlby and Monge were next in line at the finish.  Fast time went to Todd at 11:611 and he swept the night by winning the heat race also.

A great 4-car battle for much of the distance in the 35 lap ARCA Aramark Sportsman race saw Toledo resident Howard Kelley Jr. score the victory.  While Kelley led every lap, the action for the lead was fantastic and entertaining.  Ron Allen and Jim Froling swapped second and third spots several times, as one would go low, swing out into the outside lane with their momentum and have th other slide to the inside lane!   Both drivers pressured Kelley, while fast qualifier Mike Young (17:089) also mixed it up with the lead trio.  With 2 to go, Froling nosed low out of turn 4 as Kelley went up the track, giving Jim a shot at the number 1 spot.  Howard was able to hold onto the lead and zipped to the win over Froling, Allen, Young and Greg Stilwell, who joined the fast 4 in the closing laps.  Kent McCloskey, Kenny McKay Jr., Andy Harding, David Hinjosa and Adam Plonski rounded out the top ten finishers.  Jeff Myers Jr., Chad Stilwell, Dan Grigsby and Tom O’Leary IV completed the finishing order.  Heat race winners were Kelley Jr. and Kenny McKay Jr.

Robbie Loving took the lead from Scott Apperson and notched the win in the 20 lap ARCA Praxair Figure 8 feature race.  The division continues to put on exciting events week after week, with many close calls at the intersection!  Dennis Whisman chased Robbie across the stripe and took second, Scott Apperson was third, Dan Apperson fourth and Randy Roberts fifth, followed by Jeremy Vanderhoof, John Lambert, David Katafiasz, Race Loving, Ian Jezylo and Greg Studt.  Studt battled early for the lead until mechanical issues ended his night.  Whisman and Vanderhoof captured the heat race wins.

Make it 5 wins in 5 tries for Tom O’Leary IV in the 25 lap ARCA R & M Recycling X Car feature events this season.  Tom sped to victory over Archie Padgett, who ran strong at the front and came up just short in his bid to stop the win streak.  Dennis Whisman, Kyle Worley and Mel Worley completed the top 5.  Craig Osenbaugh, James McClure and Joe Rozek completed the finishing order.  O’Leary IV swept the night by setting fast time at 11:462 and winning the heat event.

Toledo Speedway will be dark next Friday, July 25.  No racing is scheduled.  Fans are invited to Flat Rock Speedway next weekend for the Moran Chevrolet Stan Yee Memorial 150 lap feature for the ARCA Discount Tire Gold Cup Late Model Series Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m.

Toledo returns to action the following Friday, August 1 with Kids Night and Autograph Night, sponsored by Qualite Sports Lighting.