Toledo Speedway

TOLEDO, OH: (8-3-09): Toledo Speedway's signature event, the famed Glass City 200 Late Model invitational, set for Saturday night October 3, will return to 200 laps for this season. The race was reduced to 150 laps in 2008. The 21st running of the prestigious race is expected to draw the top outlaw Late Model drivers from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Canada.

The race will pay $5500 to the winner and $1000 to start the contest on the lightning-fast ½ mile paved oval.  The complete payoff and any special awards that are secured will be announced by mid-August.  Harold Fair Jr. is the defending champion of the classic.

"We are observing our 50^th anniversary season at Toledo Speedway this year," stated Ron Drager, co-owner of the track along with business partner Roy Mott.  "The Glass City is a great part of our history dating back to the very first event in 1968.  We are pleased to announce that the race will return to a 200 lap distance," noted Drager.  "We are seeking sponsorship at this time for the race, which carries a purse just shy of $50,000 for just the Late Model portion of the event."

Total awards for the night will be near $60,000 in purse and awards for the 3 divisions.

The track's ARCA Sportsman class and the Michigan Legends Cars will also be a part of the Saturday night, October 3 date.  A rain date of Sunday, October 4 has been established.

Drager's grandfather, the late John Marcum, created the event in 1968. The track was sold in 1978 and the event discontinued until Drager and Mott purchased the track in 1999 and immediately revived the event.

The legendary Joy Fair won the inaugural event in 1968.  Other winners include Joe Ruttman (1969, 1973), Bob Senneker (1970, 1971 and 1977), Danny Byrd (1972), , John Anderson (1974), Jim Bickerstaff (1975), Ed Cooper (1976), Tim Felver (1999), Tim Ice (2000), Jr. Hanley (2001), Steve Sauve (2002, 2003, 2004), John Doering Jr. (2005), Jack Landis (2006), Brian Campbell (2007) and Fair Jr. (2008). 

An optional Friday practice session has been scheduled as well.  The October 2 slate will include rig parking, pit pass and tire sales, limited tech inspection and a 2 hour practice for all 3 classes.  The times will be announced soon.  A pre-race party is also being planned for after Friday night's practice at the Speedway Bar and Grille banquet room, located on the grounds of the track.

Saturday's schedule will also be announced in the coming days.  The entry blanks and much more information will also be released soon.  Questions may be directed to 419-727-1100.