Toledo Speedway

In 1968, ARCA founder and Toledo Speedway promoter John Marcum decided to add a race to the end of the Toledo Speedway season-the Glass City 200. Marcum was promoting races all over the Midwest with success. Toledo was the prime track to stage one of these races. The race would gain immediate prestige and recognition as one of the top season-ending classics.

Today we look back at the 1970, 1971 and 1972 events….here we go..

1970

A total of 50 cars made the trip to Toledo for the 1970 edition of the 200. The format was changed-a pair of 100 lap events, with an overall champion crowned, based on best finishes of both contests. Bob Senneker became a frequent visitor to Toledo during the summer, and showed his domination by winning both 100 lap segments and the obvious overall title. Senneker topped Joe Ruttman, Joy Fair, Harold Cook and Buzzy Kormos in the first segment. The 2^nd 100 lap event Bob beat Fran Harden, Ruttman, Danny Byrd and Saginaw, MI driver Cy Fairchild.

In the overall standings, it was Senneker, Ruttman, Byrd, Fairchild and Pennsylvania driver Augie Sandman. Fair set fast time at 17:84.  Iggy Toth in the TV4 car and local driver Jerry Cousino took the consi races.

1971

The format remained intact in 1971, with 55 cars at the track. Senneker again showed his strength as the “Bluebird” #84 sailed to a second place run in the first 100, the win in leg 2 and the overall crown. Fran Harden edged out Senneker, Byrd, Fair and Ruttman in the first segment, while Senneker topped Fair, legendary car builder Ed Howe, Pennsylvania ace Bill Konszos and Jerry Makara.

Senneker, Fair, Howe, Ohioan Larry Moore and Makara were the top 5 in the overall standings. Byrd set fast time at 17:81.  Tommy Maier won the consolation race in the #9 Chevelle.

1972

Danny Byrd pushed the #08 Chevelle and set fast time for the 56 entries at 17:67 and scored both wins and the title for the 1972 Glass City 200. Byrd, Ruttman, Moore, John Anderson and Bud Pingston were the top 5 in race 1, while Byrd led Ruttman, Pingston, Bruce Worrell and Moore in race 2.

Byrd, Ruttman, Moore, Ray Barnard and Pingston were the top 5 in the overall finish.  Artie Sommers, driving the David King #9 Camaro, and Saginaw, MI driver Jimmy Roberts in his #2 Chevelle won the consolation events.

Saturday, September 21, the 31^st Running of the Central Transport Glass City 200 presented by Hampton Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott race day begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the pit gates opening at 10 a.m. Practice will go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with qualifying at 4:30 p.m. The ARCA Gold Cup Late Models will be shooting for the $500 LV Alliance Fast Qualifier bonus. An on-track autograph session will take place at 5:30 for all divisions. Pre-race driver introductions and ceremonies will begin at 6:30, followed by the race card

The outlaw-bodied ARCA Gold Cup Series and the ARCA/CRA Super Series powered by Jeg’s stock-bodied Late Models will each battle in 100 lap main events on the fast ½ mile paved oval. The ARCA/CRA race is part of the 2019 “Chase” for the Championship, while the Gold Cup contest is the final point race for that title.

New to the Glass City event this year is the debut of the CRA Jr. Late Models, a class set up for ages 10-15. That division will run a 30 lap feature on the ¼ mile September 21.

1999 race winner Tim Felver will serve as Grand Marshal for the event.

A rain date of Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m. has been established.

Tickets are now on sale, both general admission and reserved. Call 419-727-1100 to purchase tickets.