TOLEDO SPEEDWAY RACER’S REUNION FEATURES INDY 500 CONNECTION

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY RACER’S REUNION FEATURES INDY 500 CONNECTION

Toledo, Ohio—March 20, 2017: The 14th annual Racer’s Reunion at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grill on Saturday March 25 will feature Toledo’s connection to the Indianapolis 500—often referred to as the Greatest Spectacle In Racing—with several unique highlights.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway official historian Donald Davidson will host a roundtable discussion at 3pm featuring three racing personalities who directly connect Toledo and Toledo Speedway to the Indy 500. Toledo businessman Ron Hemelgarn, who sponsors Toledo Speedway’s annual schedule of open wheel races, won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 as the owner of the car driven by Buddy Lazier. Tom Bigelow is a 9-time Indy 500 starter who drove in USAC Sprint Car races at Toledo Speedway in the 1960s and 1970s and is a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Andy Hillenburg raced at Toledo Speedway, is the 1995 ARCA Racing Series driving champion and is one of a select group to drive in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. The 101st edition Indianapolis 500 official vehicle will also be on display.

Davidson is the co-author of the Autocourse Official History of the Indianapolis 500. His expertise has lent a helping hand to multiple national outlets covering the Indianapolis 500 over the years and his persona has become synonymous with radio coverage of the race. In 2010, he was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame, and last year, the Indianapolis Star declared Davidson one of the 100 most influential people in the history of the Indianapolis 500.

Toledo Speedway’s annual Racer’s Reunion features thousands of photos on display documenting a wide variety of race tracks, divisions and touring series from across the country. A special emphasis on Toledo Speedway’s open wheel history and its connection to the Indianapolis 500 will be featured. ARCA, Flat Rock Speedway and Toledo Speedway and all the divisions which raced at both tracks will also be represented with photo displays from 1953-current. Photos of Midwest open wheel and stock cars, midgets, USAC Sprints and others classes of race cars will also be featured. In addition, vintage video from yesteryear will be available for viewing.

The day begins with Racer Reunion display setup from 11am to 12 noon. The Racer Reunion takes place from 12 noon-5pm, highlighted by the Indy 500 Roundtable at 3pm. Weather permitting, historic restored vintage race cars will be on display and make parade laps on the Toledo Speedway ½ mile track from 4:30-5pm and the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club (MARFC) will hold its monthly meeting starting at 6pm.

Everyone—current and former racers, mechanics, officials and fans, as well as the general public—is invited to the event. There is no admission charge the entire day and the Toledo Speedway Bar & Grill will be in full operation.

The Bar & Grill is located on the Toledo Speedway grounds at 5639 Benore Road, just off I-75 at the Alexis Road exit on the Michigan-Ohio state line. For information prior to March 25 call Toledo Speedway (419) 727-1100 and for information on March 25 call the Bar & Grill (419) 729-9182 or visit www.toledospeedway.com.

Comments
In an attempt to reduce spam, comments on content older than one year cannot be posted.