Toledo Speedway

(TOLEDO, Ohio - April 9, 2013) - While his official entry has not yet been received, it's hard to ignore the Tweet sent out today from current ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards point leader Mason Mingus, who says he's joining the long and very impressive list of entrants for the April 20 season-opener at Toledo Speedway - the "Border Wars" 7-Up 150.

The event marks the first time in history the ARCA CRA Super Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour will compete together in the same race at the same track.

With 48 entries already officially signed up, it's likely the list will grow to more than 50 as racers from all over the country steer for Toledo for the big show.

Mingus is not the only driver from the ARCA Racing Series ranks entered either. You can also add NASCAR/ARCA veteran Rich Bickle, as well as a great mix of ARCA veterans and rookies, including Jeep Pflum, Brian Campbell, Bubba Pollard, Anderson Bowen, Chad Finley, and Kyle Benjamin.

Benjamin, just 15, finished second in his ARCA Racing Series debut at Mobile in early March, just after he had won four straight in the 47th annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Benjamin, the 2012 ARCA CRA Super Series Southern champion, is already the youngest winner in ARCA CRA Super Series history with his victory at Lucas Oil Raceway in 2012. Benjamin, more recently, won the Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway.

The first official entry came from three-time ARCA CRA Super Series champion Scott Hantz, and from there, it snowballed into as big as it gets at this level of competition. Hantz is the all-time ARCA CRA Super Series winner with 30 career victories. His accomplishments at Toledo are impressive as well where the Angola, Indiana veteran has nine career wins in ARCA CRA and Outlaw Late Model competition.

Pollard won the Rattler 250 last year, in addition to winning track championships at Five Flags Speedway and Mobile all in the same 2012 season. Pollard is also a three-time Miller Lite Late Model champion.

Defending ARCA CRA Super Series champion Johnny VanDoorn, of Coopersville, Michigan, has also entered. VanDoorn is also a winner at Toledo in the Outlaw Late Model division.

Past champions from the ARCA Midwest Tour competing include defending Midwest Tour champion Jonathan Eilen, 2011 champion Andrew Morrissey, 2008 champion Dan Fredrickson, and 2007 champion Nathan Haseleu.

Other drivers on the entry list include late model veterans Kenny Tweedy, Brent Jack, JR Roahrig, Nick Gullatta, Chris Wimmer and James Swan. Swan is the 2012 Midwest Tour Truck champion.

The 7-Up 150 will also air on the Buckeye Cable Sports Network (BCSN) on "Sunday Night at the Races" at 9 p.m. on the local Toledo cable access channel Sunday, April 21. The race can also be purchased through BCSN's video-on-demand programming at bcsn.tv/vod.html.

An optional open practice session is set for Friday, April 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All Friday pit pass purchasers will be treated to a bbq chicken dinner following the practice at the Speedway Bar and Grille, located adjacent to the track.

Race day, Saturday, April 20 will see practice begin at 11 a.m. with qualifying set for 3, followed by racing beginning at 5 p.m. The schedule includes a last-chance race (if necessary), an on-track autograph session and the 7-Up 150-lap feature, which will be all green flag laps of racing. A 10 minute break is planned at lap 76. A rain date of Sunday, April 21 at 1 p.m. has been established if necessary.

Race fans can save $5 per ticket if purchased prior to race day by calling the Toledo track office at 419-727-1100 or downloading the 2013 ticket order form at. www.toledospeedway.com. It is located under forms. The order can be electronically mailed to the track.

Toledo Speedway is located at the I-75/Alexis Road exit on Benore Road at the Michigan-Ohio border.