Toledo Speedway

Toledo, OH—July 17, 2017:  It was a tough night for Santa Claus Friday evening at Toledo Speedway.  With very warm temperatures and high humidity, the Jolly Old Elf teamed up with Chef Marco from Marco’s Pizza and the Teamsters Local 20 contingent to beat the heat and rain showers that slowed the action for the annual Christmas in July prize giveaway.  The race program was completed despite a nearly 30 minute rain delay. 

The race teams kept the show moving to ensure that the race card could be completed in a timely manner Friday night.  The ARCA Praxair Figure 8 drivers ran their 20 lap feature on a very slick track, but true to their heritage, the group raced hard and entertained the fans, slipping and sliding around the Figure 8 course.  Jeremy Vanderhoof sailed to the victory over Robbie Loving, Dennis Whisman Jr. (his career-best finish), Dennis Whisman Sr., Scott Apperson, Randy Roberts, AJ Padgett and Race Loving. Race was the heat race winner for the class.

Dennis Whisman Sr. took the low groove to grab the lead, then held back a great charge by Greg Studt and Tommy O’Leary IV to win the 25 lap ARCA R & M Recycling X Car main event.  O’Leary pushed his car up to the top groove and got to Whisman’s door, while Studt tucked in under Tommy and glued to Whisman’s rear bumper.  The trio had a great battle for the lead and Whisman held on for the “W”.  Studt was second, O’Leary IV third, Craig Osenbaugh fourth and Matt Ringger fifth, followed by Kyle Worley and Mike Miller.  Fast time was posted by O’Leary IV at 11:509.  Studt captured the heat race win.

Current point leader Mike Young zipped to the win in the 35 lap ARCA Aramark Late Model Sportsman feature on the fast ½ mile paved oval.  Ron Allen challenged early, but a busted radiator ended his night.  Jim Froling came home second at the checkered flag, Greg Stilwell was third, Kenny McKay Jr. fourth and Chad Stilwell fifth.  Andy Harding, David Hinjosa, Craig Osenbaugh and Allen were next in line at the stripe.  Norm Lewallen’s night ended on the hook after a heat race incident and was not able to start the feature race.  Froling was the fast timer of the night at 17:423.  Allen and McKay Jr. notched the heat race wins.

The Michigan Legends Cars were short on number but strong on competition in their 25 lap contest.  Greg Rudzik nosed out Tony Monge for the victory on the final 20 feet of the event.  Rick Ludwig and Mitchell Huber were also in the thick of things throughout the contest and finished behind the lead pair.

There will be no racing at Toledo on Friday, July 24.  The next racing event is set for Friday, July 31.  Qualite Sports Lighting will host Autograph Night and Kid’s Night.  Fans can walk on the track and meet the drivers at 7 p.m.  All kids to age 12 will be admitted FREE and receive a FREE hot dog for this event.  The gates will open at 5:30, the on-track autograph session is at 7 and racing begins at 7:30 p.m.  The ARCA Aramark Late Model Sportsman, Praxair Figure 8’s and R & M Recycling X Cars will provide the fast action and entertainment.