Toledo Speedway

TOLEDO OH (3-10-09) - Brad Keselowski returned to his roots Tuesday with a guest appearance at Toledo Speedway during the 2009 Toledo/Flat Rock Speedways annual press conference.

The third-generation driver, who finished third in NASCAR Nationwide Series points in 2008 driving for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., shared memories of watching his father Bob Keselowski ('89 ARCA RE/MAX Series champion/2003 Toledo Late Model champion) race across the Midwest, setting the stage for his own racing career.

In addition, Toledo/Flat Rock GM Scott Schultz made several announcements including an expansion of activities at the half-mile Toledo oval. Since 1960, the track has offered competitive short track racing for all types of race cars. Racing will always be at the forefront at the Glass City oval, but the Benore Road facility is quickly becoming the location for a variety of events throughout the season.

As the track prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary season in 2009, Toledo Speedway's 40-plus acre complex will become the home for a weekly classic car show, the new location for the Toledo BMX Bicycle track and the site for the annual Speedway Jam Music Concert. That activity combines with nearly 25 racing events, private testing by race teams, the recent construction of the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott just a short walk across the parking lot, the 2008 opening of the Speedway Tire and Auto repair facility on the east end of the property, and the adjacent Speedway Bar and Grille complete with a banquet facility, to comprise a multi-purpose venue providing much more than racing.

"Our goal has always been to maximize the use of the grounds at Toledo Speedway," stated Ron Drager, President of ARCA and co-owner and promoter of Toledo with his business partner, Roy Mott.  "We are very pleased to announce the return of the Speedway Jam, the weekly classic car show and the relocation and construction of a BMX bicycle race course. This activity is coinciding with our 50th anniversary season, making 2009 very special for our company. Racing will always be our core business, but we will continue to seek out constructive options to utilize the Toledo Speedway grounds."

CLASSIC CAR SHOWS BEGIN MAY 7

The Placer's Car Club, among the longest running classic car organizations in Toledo, has agreed to stage their weekly Thursday Night "Cruisin" in the track parking lot. The club averages nearly 100 cars each week, with the number reaching close to 200 on the second Thursday of each month when live music is featured. The events run from 6-8 p.m. weekly, beginning May 7 and running through October 15. A key element for the group, which provides funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through their events, is that in the event of rain after a show has started, the event and their activities will move inside to the Speedway Bar and Grille banquet room. Food and drink specials will be available at each "Cruisin". The paved portion of the parking lot and the adjoining lawn in the track's spectator concourse area will be utilized for participants. The Placers will also display cars at each Friday night racing card.

BMX BICYCLE TRACK RELOCATING

The Speedway of Toledo BMX bicycle race track is relocating to the west end of the grounds at Toledo Speedway in time for its 2009 racing season opener. Brad Moore, Toledo BMX owner and promoter, has reached an agreement with the track to relocate his BMX track, which was previously located behind a nearby Toledo industrial site. Affiliated with the American Bicycle Association (ABA), Moore's track has been recognized as one of the top BMX facilities in the country. Practices are planned for Monday nights from 5-8 p.m. Race days are slated for Wednesdays and Saturdays, with special regional and state races in the works. Weather permitting, Moore and his crew hope to have the track ready for an early May opening. Spectator admission is free, while racers are required to be an ABA member. A new website will debut soon at http://www.toledobmx.com/.

SPEEDWAY JAM RETURNS IN 2009; ADVANCE TICKETS JUST $9 EACH!

In the 1980s, Toledo Speedway was host to the famous "Speedway Jam" concerts that packed in over 30,000 rock and roll fans. The event went on hiatus in the 1990s, but was brought back in 2003 in a country format. The next Speedway Jam took place in 2007, featuring Peter Frampton and Edgar Winter. The event took on a 2-day format in 2008 with alternative rock from Seether and Finger Eleven and country with Heidi Newfield and James Otto. The 2009 version of the Speedway Jam will see the event return to its roots, with a Saturday night July 18 classic rock format. While the bands remain to-be-announced, one thing is for sure; ticket prices will be just $9 in advance. "We're reacting to the economic challenges of 2009 by going back to the basics-no frills, good solid rock & roll by tried and proven acts at an affordable price. Music and a great experience is what sells the show, and at $9 per ticket, it may be the best concert deal in Toledo in 2009."

Racing, always the mainstay of Toledo Speedway, begins with the ASA Late Models and USA Modifieds on a special Saturday afternoon show April 25. Race time is 2:30 p.m. Weekly Friday night ARCA sanctioned racing begins May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

MILLER LITE SUMMER RACING SERIES DEBUTS AT TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Toledo Speedway will be the site of the Miller Lite Summer Racing Series this season, featuring special incentives for race fans attending each of 10 dates on the 2009 calendar of events.

Beginning with the weekly Friday night opener May 1, the first of the 10 dates, track management will offer incentives for race fans including discount admission tickets, giveaways, food, beverages and more.  The offer will change with each Miller Lite Summer Series race date, and will be announced at least 1 week prior to the event.  Buckeye Cable Sports Network (BCSN) and Tim Hortons will sponsor the May 1 race.

Each of the remaining Miller Lite Summer Racing Series dates are Friday night races: May 8, May 29, June 5, June 26, July 10, July 31, August 14, August 21 and August 28.

For each Friday night race program during the racing season, the track's Speedway Saloon, located in the spectator concourse, will offer special "Happy Hour" pricing on Miller draft beer products from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"The Miller Lite Summer Racing Series will benefit our most loyal customers, our dedicated race fans," said Ron Drager, owner and co-promoter of Toledo Speedway with his business partner, Roy Mott.  "We are developing a variety of incentives, giveaways and discounted race admissions for each of the 10 dates for the Summer Racing Series. The support of Metropolitan Distributing and Miller Brewing has made this concept a reality for us in 2009."

Check out the track's website, http://www.toledospeedway.com/ for the Miller Lite Summer Racing Series information and all season for updates.

CONTACT: Scott Schultz (419) 727-1100