Toledo Speedway

This is our 2ND bulletin of the off-season.  We’ll do one each month through March of 2014. The winter office for both tracks is at Toledo; 419-727-1100.  The bulletins will be posted on the website and sent to our email list; if you are not on the email list, call us at 419-727-1100 or email cwagner@arcaracing.com and we will add your name!   The schedules will be posted Monday, December 23.

John Whisman, 64, passed away Sunday, December 15 after a long illness.  John is the brother of ARCA Flat Rock-Toledo Speedway Figure 8 driver Dennis Whisman and car owner/mechanic Joe Whisman.

John was a fixture at both tracks for much of his life, driving and working on race cars alongside his brothers David, Joe and Dennis.  He was preceded in death by his brother, David. 

Survivors include his brothers Joe and Dennis, and sisters Betty and Teresa; children Dawn, Michelle, Johnny, Amy, Jill and Scott.

Visitation and services will be held at the Voran Funeral Home, 23701 Ford Road (west of Telegraph Road) in Dearborn, MI. Wednesday, December 18 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.  A service will take place at 7 p.m.

Flat Rock, MI and Toledo, OH—December 10, 2013:  Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway officials are proud to announce the return of Parts Galore as the title sponsor of the ARCA Figure 8 division at both tracks for the 2014 season.

Parts Galore, with 2 locations in the Detroit area and its facility just north of Flat Rock Speedway, will enter into its 4th year as the title sponsor of the “Motor City Madmen”, the ARCA Figure 8 division.  The business, which features the u-pull-it auto and truck parts concept, will also sponsor the track’s School Bus Figure 8 race June 14, as well as sponsoring school buses at both of those events this year.  Bill Wild of Parts Galore began his relationship with Flat Rock over 30 years ago, tying in several of his previous business ventures with the speedway. 

“We are very pleased to announce the return of Parts Galore to our family of sponsors to kick off the 2014 season,” noted Scott Schultz, General Manager of the 2 tracks.  “We are very fortunate to have a business relationship with Bill Wild and Jim McClellan of Parts Galore and their staffs.”

Several other announcements, in addition to the 2014 race schedules, are expected to follow in the coming weeks.  Log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com or www.toledospeedway.com for updated information and news on both tracks during the winter months.

Roger Vroman, age 86, of Monroe, MI, passed away December 6.  Roger was the 1957 Flat Rock Speedway "Hard Top" champion at the 1/4 mile paved oval.

Vroman also competed at Toledo Speedway, and was also a champion in motorcycle racing in the area.  He was a member of the VFW Post 3943, American Legion, Carleton Gun club and the NRA.  Roger was a tool and diemaker for over 30 years before retiring.

Roger is survived by his wife of 27 years, June; 2 daughters-Pamela Cork and Tina Vroman, both of Indiana; 2 step-children, Cheryl McKay of Monroe and John Carter of Tennessee; 2 brothers, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby, and 2 brothers.

Services are today, Tuesday, December 10 at the Merkle Funeral Home in Monroe.

This is our first bulletin of the off-season.  We’ll do one each month through March of 2014.  We are working on the schedules and should be ready to release them by the first of January.  The winter office for both tracks is at Toledo; 419-727-1100.  The bulletins will be posted on the website and sent to our email list; if you are not on the email list, call us at 419-727-1100 or email cwagner@arcaracing.com and we will add your name!

DATES:  May 17, July 5, August 2, September 13 (Saturdays)

**ALL DRIVERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE ARCA MEMBERS FOR THE 2014 SEASON.  THE FEE IS $100 FOR THE YEAR; LICENSE MAY BE PAID IN FULL OR $25 PER EVENT.  THIS IS ONLY FOR THE LICENSE.  PIT PASSES WILL REMAIN AT $20 PER RACE. THE MEMBERSHIP FORM MUST BE FILLED OUT PRIOR TO THE FIRST RACE YOU COMPETE IN.

CLARIFICATION and UPDATE:  4 Cylinder cars are permitted; NO dual over-head cams or turbo engines.  4 Cylinder cars may follow Enduro rules package.  All safety rules strictly enforced.

CLARIFICATION:   All suspension parts are to be stock with no modifications.  The only exception is that racing springs are permitted.

TIRES:  8 inch Hoosier 880 and 8 inch Hoosier Sportsman tires 8.0-15, 26.5 and 27.5 sizes, will both be permitted.  May mix compounds.  All tires must be purchased from ARCA and be in ARCA barcode inventory system.  No soaking, defacing, shaving or altering of tires in any manner.  Treaded street tires also permitted.

The complete Enduro rules/entry form will be mailed the first week of January, 2014.

Thank you,

Bill Leach

Ron Drager

Page 68, 8.  Body:  Front over-hang on nosepiece is maximum 46 inches, from center of hub (was incorrectly listed at 45 inches).

Thank you,

Jack Franzil

Chief Inspector

Toledo, Ohio—November 20, 2013:  As the 2014 racing schedule for Toledo Speedway is being finalized, track officials have announced that the season-ending Glass City 200 Super Late Model Invitational will move up 1 week from the prior date for the upcoming season.  The date for 2014 is now set for Saturday, September 20.

“For several years, we have looked at moving the 200 date up a bit to avoid conflicts with other races in the area,” stated Ron Drager, owner and promoter of both Toledo and Flat Rock, MI Speedway.  “As things began to unfold for next year, and based on a number of scheduling issues on our part, the opportunity to move the race up 1 week made sense,” noted Drager.   “We believe moving the date will give more fans and maybe some race teams the chance to put the Glass City 200 on their schedules.”

The 2013 Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 was won by Carleton, MI driver Dennis Strickland, Dennis also captured the Flat Rock Late Model crown this past season.

The entire 2014 schedule for both tracks will be released as the holiday season nears.  Log onto www.toledospeedway.com or www.flatrockspeedway.com for information during the off-season.

Santa Claus is loading is sleigh early!  The cold air is a sure sign of Winter in our area and the holidays are just around the corner!

And in Santa’s bag are gifts for the race fan in your life—Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway season tickets, $25 gift cards, racing DVD’s, the ARCA 50^th Anniversary yearbook and the leather/wool jacket are all ready for purchase!

You can order your gifts today by simply downloading the order form located under forms on the track webpages and mailing to:  ARCA, P.O. Box 380, Temperance, MI  48182.

Phone orders are also being accepted by calling Sherry Miller at the ARCA office at 734-847-6726, extension 201, or the track’s winter office at 419-727-1100 today!

On behalf of the tracks, here’s to a joyous and safe holiday season!

(TOLEDO, Ohio - November 14, 2013) - Toledo Speedway will swing open its gates for the 2014 racing season with the 7-Up 150 for the stock-bodied ARCA/CRA Super Series Late Models and the ARCA Midwest Tour Late Models.  The 2 groups will once again combine forces to compete in this 150 lap contest on the ½ mile paved oval Saturday afternoon, April 12. 

Page 50, 9.  Weight (point of emphasis, adding):  All car measurements, minus weight, will be done in a single, consistent manner, according to driver preference—either driver in the car or out of the car.  There will be no combination used in determining measurements.

(In 11-6-13 rules update, this was written as driver out of car for all measurements, minus weight). 

**The change will also be noted on the complete list of updates on the webpage.

**The following includes 11-12-13 LM update and 11-20-13 SP update--as noted below)

Point of emphasis, all divisions:  Over-flow hose must exit lower right corner of front windshield and go straight up (don’t put a 90 degree fitting on the end!)

Page 48, 2.  Bodies:  (adding):  No vents, louvers or holes in any body part.

Page 49, H.  Front nose piece:  (adding):  Maximum 4 inch lip on splitter; maximum 4 inch inside bracing.

Page 49, Engines:  (adding):  Engine and components may not be remotely adjustable.

Page 50, 9.  Weight:  (point of emphasis, adding-revised 11-12-13):  All car measurements, minus weight, will be done in a single, consistent manner, according to driver preference---either driver in the car or out of the car.  There will be no combination used in determining measurements.

Page 50, 11.  Fuel cell:  (from 1-15-13 bulletin):  If fuel cell is made of aluminum, steel plates of similar gauge are to be installed at the front and rear of cell, to inspector’s approval.

FIGURE 8’S

Page 55, 2.  Engines:  (add):  Non-magnetic connecting rods not permitted.

Page 55, 2.  Engines:  (from 7-18-13 bulletin):  (adding):  GM crate engine part # 19258602 is approved with an ARCA approved 2 barrel carburetor for use in competition.  Stroke must remain stock on GM V6 and Ford V6 engines.  Chrysler V6 will be allowed maximum 3.50.  Only stock hydraulic lifters can be used if engine is equipped with a roller cam.  No additional parts.  (also adding crate part number #19258602 to chart; 4.000 bore, 350 cubic inches).

Delete:  Roller cams are not permitted.

Page 57, 11.  Wheel/Tires:  Hoosier 880 26.5/8.0-15 and Hoosier 880 27.5/8.0-15 tires only, maximum 8 inch tread width.

Page 58, 15.  Roll bars:  (re-wording, deleting last 6 sentences, starting with ALUMINUM in caps):  Steel is only acceptable material for floor pan and firewalls.  No box type decking in driver’s compartment, may angle from right side door to base of driver’s seat.  Interior must be completely enclosed; no holes.

STREET STOCKS

Page 60, 2.  Engines:  (add):  Non-magnetic connecting rods not permitted.

Page 62, 14.  Interior: (delete paragraph, replace with this complete re-wording) Steel is only acceptable material for floor pan and firewalls.  No box type decking in driver’s compartment, may angle from right side door to base of driver’s seat.  Interior must be completely enclosed; no holes.

Page 63, 17, Tires:  Hoosier 880 26.5/8.0-15 and Hoosier 880 27.5/8.0-15 tires only, maximum 8 inch tread width.

Page 63, 18. Wheels:  (Change):  Wheel spacers permitted. 

Page 63, 20.  Weight:  (Change):   Engines of 358 cubic inches or less-minimum 2900 lbs. (was 3000); maximum 56% left side weight.  Engines over 358 cubic inches-minimum 3050(was 3150) lbs., maximum 56% left side weight.  56-44 % ratio. (was 45-55).

Page 65, 25.  (Adding):  No mirrors.

SPORTSMAN

Page 67, 2. A.  Engine:  Change:  Non-magnetic connecting rods are not permitted.

Page 68, 8.  Body:  (add, 11-20-13 update):  Front over-hang maximum 46 (was incorrect at 45) inches from center of hub.

Correction: Rear quarter panel height 34 ½” maximum (34 inches is incorrect)

Page 69, 9.  Interior:  (Changing must to may as follows):  Steel is only acceptable material for floor pan and firewalls.  No box type decking in driver’s compartment, may angle from right side door to base of driver’s seat.  Interior must be completely enclosed; no holes.

Page 69, 12.  Tires: Hoosier 880 26.5/8.0-15 and Hoosier 880 27.5/8.0-15 tires only, maximum 8 inch tread width.

X CARS

Tires:  8 inch Hoosier 880 and 8 inch Hoosier Sportsman tires, 8.0-15, 26.5 and 27.5 sizes, will both be permitted for 2014.  May mix compounds.  All tires must be purchased from ARCA and be in ARCA barcode inventory system.  No soaking or altering of tires in any manner.

Add:  Front bumper can be no wider than center of tread width.

2014 ARCA FLAT ROCK-TOLEDO RULE BOOK WILL TAKE PRECEDENT OVER THIS PAGE.

October 31, 2013:  An early reminder to our Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway race teams!  All winnings are assigned to the drivers.  To have your winnings assigned to another party, please fill out the W-9 form that is located under forms on the track's webpage.

Please mail to:  Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Road, Toledo, OH  43612 no later than December 31, 2013.

The 2014 rules updates will be mailed and posted no later than next Friday, November 8.

(TOLEDO, Ohio - October 31, 2013) - Toledo/Flat Rock Speedways Race Director Jason Sanderson was honored recently by his alma mater, Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan.

Sanderson, who is also the Art Department Director at Bedford High School in Temperance, Michigan, and a 1992 graduate of Siena Heights, was presented the Outstanding Alumni Award.

(TOLEDO, Ohio - October 12, 2013) - Race teams, officials, family and friends gathered Saturday evening at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille Banquet Room for the annual Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways Awards Night.  Each of the champions received their championship jackets from ARCA President and Flat Rock/Toledo owner and promoter Ron Drager.

Congratulations to all of the Flat Rock and Toledo Champions! The Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway awards banquet in Saturday, October 12 at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille banquet room at 6 p.m. http://www.arcaracing.com/news_flatrock.php?contentid=16612

Both tracks have now completed their 2013 seasons!

*2013 AWARDS NIGHT—SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013*

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY BAR/GRILLE BANQUET ROOM

Awards ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

No admission fee-everyone is welcome!

Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; $2 Miller Lite or PBR Draft Special!

Full bar and kitchen will be open

NASCAR race from Charlotte to be shown after awards ceremonies on TV’s

Flat Rock, Michigan—October 5, 2013:  Rick McColl used the strategy of going for broke and did not pit for fuel, which became the right call as he scored the victory in the 300 lap Enduro Championship race Saturday night at Flat Rock Speedway.  Jeff Metdepenningen’s second place run netted him the 2013 track Enduro title, his second at “The Rock.”

The 26 car field used a practice session to serve as their qualifying session also.  Jeff Braun set fast time and rolled a 7 for the inversion.   Bobby Hugo and Dave Stadniczuk were early leaders until Jeff Metdepenningen took control of the race.  Jeff stayed in front until he pitted at lap 186 for fuel, giving the lead to his son, Rayce.  Several laps later, Rayce darted into the pits for his fuel stop, handing the lead to McColl.  Both Jeff and Rayce, running for the Enduro championship, played it safe by stopping for fuel, while McColl, who was not in the mix for the title, rolled the dice and stayed out on the track.

When Jeff Metdepennigen returned to the race, McColl had built up over a 1 lap lead on his challenger.  McColl held on for the victory over Jeff, Dave Bennett, Troy Brehmer and Stadniczuk.  The winner checked his fuel at the end of the race and had very, very little left as he claimed the win.  McColl said “I shut the engine off during the red flag.  Had I not, we probably would not have made it.”  The only red flag came out when Tony Rumble snapped an axle.

Jeff Metdepenningen’s run secured his 2^nd title at the track.  Jeff’s first one was in 2011.

Derrick Sheppard was sixth, cementing his 2^nd place finish in the final point tally.  Rick Bennett, Braun, Bob Swanson and Hugo completed the top ten, followed by Ed Case, Rayce Metdepenningen, Brock Kamlay, Danny Bennett, Shawn Bershback, Tom Sprotberry, Jacob Thomas, Mike Luebke, Lou Caposey, John Devor, Tony Rumble, Eric Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Gullett, Derek Denton, Paul Martell and Herbie King.

The Flat Rock and Toledo Speedway awards banquet in Saturday, October 12 at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille banquet room at 6 p.m.

Flat Rock, Michigan—October 3, 2013:  The final race on the 2013 Flat Rock Speedway calendar hits the track Saturday, October 5 with the Enduro Series title to be decided at the ¼ mile asphalt oval.  3 drivers are separated by a mere 5 points, but with 300 laps for the finale, anything can happen!  Race time is 6 p.m.

Former Enduro champ Jeff Metdepenningen leads his son, Rayce, and Derrick Sheppard (tied for second) by just 5 markers each heading into Saturday night’s contest.  The race, which is 50 laps longer that the usual 250 lap events, puts a little race strategy into play as fuel stops are the norm for many of the competitors in the race.

The group will practice/qualify from 5 p.m. to 5:30 and the race gets the green flag at 6 p.m.  The best lap in practice for each car will be used as their qualifying time.  The Enduro races feature no yellow flags, and the race is only stopped for safety concerns. 

The October 5 date was not on the original schedule.  The June 29 race was rained out, and with only 4 Enduros, that race was contested September 7 and the 300 lap Championship was scheduled for this Saturday night.  There is no rain date for this event.

The pits open at 3:30, front gates open at 5, practice/qualifying at 5 and start time is 6 p.m.  The track is on Telegraph Road, 5 minutes from I-75 or I-275.  The phone number is 734-782-2480.  Log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com for additional information and updates.

Sunday, October 6, the track will host the Flat Rock Historical Society Flea Market on the grounds from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the grounds is free.  For space rental information, call 734-782-5220.

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

*2013 Season Complete 

*CONGRATULATIONS TO DENNIS STRICKLAND-WINNER, GLASS CITY 200!

*Flat Rock/Toledo Awards Night is Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m.—No admission fee

Location:  Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille banquet room

Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; full bar and kitchen will be open

NASCAR race from Charlotte to be shown after awards ceremonies on TV’s

Call 419-727-1100 for information

Sat. Oct. 5:  300 lap Enduro championship race!

Pits:  3:30

Front gates:  5 p.m.

Practice:  5 (Enduro cars will practice/qualify at same time—LeMans style)

Race:  6 p.m.

Pits

ARCA members $20

All Non-members:  $30

Minimum age for pits is 12, with minor’s release signed by parent(s) at registration (must be with minor).

Admission:  $12 adults, children 6-12 are $3, under 6 is free.

 Sun. Oct. 6:  Flat Rock Historical Society Flea Market

7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Free admission to grounds; no pets

For space rental information, please call 734-782-5220

 Both Tracks:  FREE parking on track grounds; all concession items are priced from .50 to $3.50.  Beer is available ($4-4.50);

 Flat Rock Speedway is located on Telegraph Road, just 5 minutes from I-75 or I-275.  The track phone number is 734-782-2480.  Log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @flatrockspeed.

(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 28, 2013) - Carleton, MI driver Dennis Strickland pulled off a stunning victory in the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 Saturday night at Toledo Speedway, in front of a large crowd on a beautiful September evening.  The race, presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, was wild and full of action and excitement, despite a long, long 101 lap segment due to numerous yellow flags and a pair of red flags.  The Great Lakes Helicopter “Kids” presented Dennis with a huge Silver Cup for his victory.

1969 and 1973 Glass City 200 winner Joe Ruttman served as Grand Marshal of the event and received an ARCA lifetime membership Gold Card in pre-race ceremonies from ARCA President and Toledo promoter Ron Drager.

Strickland, Flat Rock Speedway’s 2013 champion,  the 7^th different leader of the 200 lap event, was met by a huge ovation in an emotional and celebratory Sun Drop Winner’s Circle.  Dennis becomes the first “local” driver to capture this prestigious event since Ed Cooper’s win in 1976.

Perfect weather conditions greeted race teams for a quick 2-hour practice session leading up to tomorrow’s Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 outlaw Late Model race.  Johnny VanDoorn led the 33 cars at the track, clicking off a lap of 14:973. 

The top ten cars in the practice session are VanDoorn, Jeff Ganus, Brian Ross, Johnny Belott, Harold Fair Jr., Jake Francis, Terry Senneker Jr., Brent Jack, Dennis Strickland and Scott Hantz.  All practice times can be viewed by logging onto www.toledospeedway.com.

One of the pre-race favorites, Ross, driving Bob Blount’s #16 has scratched due to engine trouble.

The car #41 entry from Wisconsin has not arrived at the track, while Jimmy Thiel, at the wheel of the late Bob Ward’s #6 encountered engine trouble and has scratched for the weekend.  Steve Cronenwett Jr.’s #88 also had mechanical issues, and the team is going home and loading up another car to compete in the 200. 

The race day schedule has the pit area opening at 9:30 a.m., practice begins at Noon, time trials are set for 3 and racing begins at 5 p.m. The front gates will be open to watch practice during the afternoon; at 2:30, the grandstands will be cleared and tickets will go on sale.

Any remaining reserved seat tickets and all general admission and kids tickets will go on sale when the ticket office opens at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. 

Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for the Friday night practice times, entry lists, lap money sponsor list and all the history and background on the one and only Glass City 200!

Toledo, Ohio—September 27, 2013:  The race car rigs are pulling in and the gates are open at Toledo Speedway for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200!  And guess who’s in line? 

It’s 2011 race winner and short track star Augie Grill, a late entry for the Silver Anniversary of this classic event.  The Hayden, Alabama driver will once again be at the wheel of Canadian Jerry Artuso’s car, numbered this year as #112, the number that adorns most of Grill’s race cars.  The duo teamed up and put Grill in the Winner’s Circle in his very first race at Toledo and, his first race in an outlaw-bodied Super Late Model for the Glass City 200.

That puts the entry list at 34 cars—27 cars are already on the grounds as of 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.  Tonight’s schedule has a short practice session from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Fans can watch the practice free of charge.

The advance ticket sale will end tonight at 5 p.m. Some reserved seating remains for Saturday’s prestigious event and may be obtained by stopping at the track office or calling 419-727-1100.  Most major credit cards are accepted.

The race day schedule has the pit area opening at 9:30 a.m., practice begins at Noon, time trials are set for 3 and racing begins at 5 p.m. The front gates will be open to watch practice during the afternoon; at 2:30, the grandstands will be cleared and tickets will go on sale.

Any remaining reserved seat tickets and all general admission and kids tickets will go on sale when the ticket office opens at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. 

Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for the entry list, lap money sponsor list and all the history and background on the one and only Glass City 200!