For the second straight year, cold temperatures greeted fans for the 2012 running of the Glass City 200.  One driver’s misfortune turned into a winning drive for another, but Terry Senneker Jr.’s unbelievable save with less than 30 laps to go put him in position for the “biggest win of my career”…….

No one expected to see a driver from Alabama show up to run the Glass City 200.  The southern states pretty much don’t run outlaw-bodied Late Models, but 2-time Snowball Derby winner Augie Grill became an instant success at Toledo Speedway in 2011.  Grill, teaming with Canadian Jerry Artuso, was a surprise entrant and promptly showed his skills by sailing to the victory on an extremely bitter cold Saturday night.

Late Models:  Unload, place car on jackstands; TECH GARAGE:  3 CREWMEN PER CAR, PLUS DRIVER.  NO ONE ELSE IN TECH BARN DURING INSPECTION!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

2 p.m.             Pit registration opens; rig parking; tire sales/LM over-under tech

5 p.m.             Optional practice session for all classes

7 p.m.             Practice ends; All marked impound tires must be returned to impound area

GARAGE CLOSES AT 8 P.M.  LOCK UP YOUR EQUIPMENT AND TRAILERS!

7:30-9 p.m     Dinner for all pit pass buyers at Bar/Grille, courtesy of Francis Engineering; additional dinners available at $10 per plate.  Live band after dinner!  Distant Cousinz

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

9:30 a.m.        Pit registration opens 

Late Model tech open…only Late Models to tech barn--Must go thru tech line before you go on-track; you will draw for qualifying at tech.

11 a.m.           Tires released from impound—no more than 4 tires at a time.

11:15 a.m.     Late Model Driver and Spotter meeting-tech barn

11:45              Sportsman w/ spotter and X Car Driver’s meeting- pit grandstand       

Noon-12:45  Late Model practice

Noon:              Sportsman and X cars through tech barn—do not block aisle

12:45-1:10     Sportsman practice

1:10-1:20       X Car practice

1:20-1:55      Final Late Model practice/scuff session before qualifying

1:55-2:15       Final Sportsman practice

2:15-2:30       Final X Car practice

2:30                Break; clear grandstands; ticket sales begin

2:30                Tech line opens for LM qualifying---first 15 cars and so on.

2:55                X Cars on ½ mile to qualify—IF 20 cars or more

3 p.m.             X Cars qualifying—See above.

3:10 p.m.        Qualifying:  Sportsman-must be on 1/4 mile at end of X Car qualifying. 

                        LM’s will follow (in groups of 15) Top 20 locked in.

                        LM B Main tires to be released after qualifying is completed.

                        **LM B crews, SP crews can set up on pit road after qualifying is concluded.

4:45 p.m.        Woodville Auto Finance LM pole award presentation.

4:50                Pre-race ceremonies:  Invocation-Jerry Stewart

                        Canadian Anthem and National Anthem—Distant Cousinz

5 p.m.             LM B Main race—25 laps (top 6 advance to 200) (if necessary)

                        (LM Feature cars-remaining impound tires released during LM last-chance race; if

                        there Is no B Main, tires will be released after time trials.

                        LM scuff session-10 minutes max.

Sportsman feature—40 laps

                        X Car feature—30 laps

LM Crews can go to pit road anytime during X Car feature

LM’s to turn 4 to line up for 200 at lap 15 mark of X Car race.

Introduction of Grand Marshall-Joe Ruttman

                        Introductions of past champions and Glass City 200 winners, sponsors,

                        Driver Introductions

                        200 lap Glass City 200--**Driver introductions TBA depending on weather,

                        time.

SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 29—1 p.m. race time (or as soon as possible)

September 25, 2013:  It’s almost here!  And the weather forecast is….well, we’ll wait to see what Saturday brings to the Toledo Speedway!  Just more notes, news and more photos for you as the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 arrives Saturday, September 28.

When you look at the list of winners of the Glass City 200, it’s very, very impressive.  When you think about the drivers that have not won the race and have tried for many years, well, that’s why this race holds the prestige and history in short track Late Model racing.  It’s a quest for many drivers, and, for most of the winners, it was “my biggest win”.  That’s been said over and over. 

His first win at Toledo Speedway was a big one, as Brian Campbell put his name in the books as a Glass City 200 winner.  Driving the #47, the same number his father, Fred, drove for many, many years, Brian set fast time at 15:157 for the 39 car field and sailed to victory in the 2007 edition of the event.  Mike Luberda Jr. and Rick Sheppard took the heat races.  Rookie A.J. Lane captured the B Main event.  Lane moved into the 200 field by virtue of his win also.

Toledo, Ohio—September 24, 2013:  With the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 just days away, race teams are busy testing and making final preparations for the Silver Anniversary of the prestigious event.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model race is being co-sponsored by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  2-time Glass City winner Joe Ruttman (1969, 1973) will be the Grand Marshal for the event.

2012 Glass City winner Terry Senneker put his #37 through its final laps before the weekend.  Terry and several other teams tested at Toledo Monday.  Senneker led just 4 laps, but they were the final 4 as Steve Needles had an engine let go, putting Terry in the Sun Drop Winner’s Circle at the Glass City oval.

2-time Glass City winner Harold Fair Jr. also tested Monday, as did Brian Ross, at the wheel of Bob Blount’s #16.  Ross will be making his first start at Toledo since 1999.  Jeff Ganus, at the wheel of the Great Lakes Helicopter #5, also tested, along with Scott Pemberton in his #51 and Brian Clay in the #30 machine.

This past weekend, Dennis Strickland, Scott McKenzie, Mike Young, Steve Cronenwett Jr., Chris Benson and Jimmy Thiel all shook down their cars for the 200 lap classic.

In addition to the 200 lap feature, the 40 lap Woodville Auto Finance Sportsman invitational and the 30 lap X Car invitational will also be a part of the huge weekend.

Both the 2005 and 2006 Glass City 200 races will go down in history, but for different reasons. John Doering Jr. captured the rain-shortened race in 2005, the first Glass City race to ever be cut back by the elements.  And, 2006, well, who could forget?  Michael Simko took off running and put a flying drop-kick on the windshield of Don St. Denis during a red flag, St. Denis scrambled from his car and the duo squared off in the infield!  The incident drew world-wide attention and made news for several weeks.  To their credit, both drivers have moved on and have raced against each other.   In fact, both drivers are expected to be at this year’s race this Saturday.

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Final car show of the season!

Tuesday, Sept. 24:  Placer’s Car Club Classic Car Cruisin’

*Cash prizes, 50/50 drawing, food and beverages available!

*Note:  Time change!  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  FREE admission!

GREAT LAKES HELICOPTER GLASS CITY 200

Presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express

200 LAPS—LATE MODELS

Plus Sportsman and X Car Invitationals—5 p.m. is race time!

Tickets now on sale!!!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27—OPTIONAL PRACTICE SESSION, RIG PARKING, TIRE SALES, LIMITED TECH

Pits:  2 p.m.  Practice:  5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

*Complimentary dinner to all Friday pit pass purchasers at Bar/Grille after practice, courtesy of Francis Engineering

LIVE BAND!  Distant Cousinz plays at 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28:  Pits:  9:30 a.m.  Drivers meeting:  11:30 a.m.  Practice:  12:15 p.m.

Time trials:  3 p.m.  Racing:  5 p.m.

Pits:  $50 for 2-day pit pass, $40 Saturday only; $20 Friday only

Grandstands: Reserved-$25 advance, $27 day of race

General admission:  $25, children 6-12 are $3, under 6-Free

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 Speedway is located on Benore Road at the I-75/Alexis Road exit (behind Meijer store).  The track phone number is 419-727-1100.  Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @toledospeedway.

While the Glass City 200 has been filled with prestige and notoriety over its 24 events, there is 1 accomplishment that ranks up near the top of all short track racing.  In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, Saginaw, MI driver Steve Sauve became the second driver to win three Glass City 200 races.  What’s even more incredible is that the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame member did it 3 years in a row! 

As a kid growing up around the sport of auto racing, Joe Ruttman was prepared to become a race car driver from the start.  His older brother, Troy, was the 1952 Indianapolis 500 winner, and his father Ralph and brother Jim were also racers.  Joe actually ran a pair of NASCAR races at the Riverside, CA road course as a teenager in 1963. 

After ending last year’s race on a sour note, Canadian superstar Jr. Hanley returned to Toledo Speedway in 2001 with his sights on only 1 goal—the win in the Glass City 200. Hanley tangled with teammate Tim Felver with 8 laps to go in the 2000 event, but he was not to be denied on this day…..

(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 19, 2013) - Preparations continue as the Saturday, September 28 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express nears.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

After a second place finish and losing the lead with just 10 laps to go in the 1999 revival of the Glass City 200, Tim Ice was determined to get to the Winner’s Circle.  Ice made a name for himself in the early 1990’s at the track in the “Iceman” Series, named after Tim by virtue of his 10 wins at the track and 2 championships.  As the laps wound down, Ice was sitting in third place.  But, it’s not over until the checkered flag flies….

(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 17, 2013) - Butler, IN driver and most recent Toledo Late Model winner Brent Jack has filed his entry for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

In January of 1999, ARCA President Ron Drager and his business partner, Roy Mott, purchased Toledo Speedway from Sonny Adams.  And with the new season looming, it was time to revive a race that became known for its competition and excitement…the Glass City 200.

Toledo, Ohio—September 17, 2013:  Preparations continue as the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 nears!   Lap money sponsorship at just $10 per lap will go to the leader of each lap in the 200 lap race.  And, some reserved seat tickets still remain for the season-ending event, set for Saturday, September 28.  The race is being co-sponsored by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

The lap money sponsorship list will be posted on the track’s webpage.  Sponsors will also get public address mentions during the event and a listing will appear in the track’s special souvenir program for this race.

Reserved seat tickets feature seating in the center grandstand, directly behind the start-finish line.  The seats have backrests attached with additional leg room in the section.

To purchase lap money or tickets, call the track office today at 419-727-1100. 

As the Glass City 200 quickly approaches, testing time is filling up at Toledo Speedway.

The following 4 hour blocks are available for track rental as of Monday, September 16:

Sunday, September 22:  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (room for 2 cars)

Tuesday, September 24:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m; (room for 4 cars)

Tuesday, September 24:  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (room for 2 cars)

Up to 4 cars per block, 1 car at a time on the track.

Please call Scott or Casey at 419-727-1100 to arrange the rental. 

TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Tuesday, Sept. 17:  Placer’s Car Club Classic Car Cruisin’

SUPER CRUISE NIGHT!

FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT BY BOB WURST AND JERRY CONNELLY!

*Cash prizes, 50/50 drawing, food and beverages available!

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  FREE admission!

(Last show of season will be Tuesday, September 24)

**FINAL RACE IS SAT. SEPT. 28 AT TOLEDO!

GREAT LAKES HELICOPTER GLASS CITY 200 LAPS—LATE MODELS

Tickets now on sale!!!

Plus Sportsman and X Car Invitationals—5 p.m. is race time!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27—OPTIONAL PRACTICE SESSION, RIG PARKING, TIRE SALES, LIMITED TECH

Pits:  2 p.m.  Practice:  5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28:  Pits:  9:30 a.m.  Drivers meeting:  11:30 a.m.  Practice:  12:15 p.m.

Time trials:  3 p.m.  Racing:  5 p.m.

Pits:  $50 for 2-day pit pass, $40 Saturday only; $20 Friday only

Grandstands: Reserved-$25 advance, $27 day of race

General admission:  $25, children 6-12 are $3, under 6-Free

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 Speedway is located on Benore Road at the I-75/Alexis Road exit (behind Meijer store).  The track phone number is 419-727-1100.  Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @toledospeedway.

The 1997 edition of the Glass City 200 saw several circumstances surrounding the season-ending classic.  For the first time in its 10-year history, the race was moved to a Saturday night in August.  Promoter John Marcum had created another marquee’ style event with the Howard Williams Memorial, in honor of the late Public Relations Director of ARCA and the track announcer at Toledo.  That race became the last event of the season at the Glass City oval, and Marcum’s final promotion at Toledo.

Few knew that 1977 would be the last season for the Glass City race for a period of 21 years.  Track owner Herb Koester sold the speedway to Thomas (Sonny) Adams.  Adams ran the facility from 1978 to 1998, until he sold the track to Marcum’s grandson, ARCA President Ron Drager, and his business partner, Roy Mott.  While Adams ran several big-time races during his stay at Toledo, the Glass City 200 was shelved.  

With the move to a Saturday night in August, the number of entries fell back to 31 cars.  The strength of the field, which became a trademark of each Glass City race, was still present despite the car count.  The legendary Bob Senneker would etch his name in the books as the first 3-time winner of the 200 lap event….and the 21 year hiatus of the Glass City 200 began…

(FLAT ROCK, Michigan - September 14, 2013) - The largest crowd in several years jammed Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night for the Griller’s Select BBQ Sauce School Bus Figure 8 race.  Perfect weather greeted the sold-out crowd to witness not only the bus race, but a Boat Figure 8 and the track’s Figure 8 and Street Stock classes.

Rookie Corey Duane capped off a solid first year with a win in the 25 lap ARCA DTS Drive Train Specialists Street Stock feature.  The “progressive” show, which had no qualifying, is set up by a blind draw for heat races and finishes in those events sets the field for the feature race.  Duane, who had recorded several second runs this year, got to the Sun Drop Winner’s Circle in his #12, topping Tim Moore, Nick Shanks, Scott Selmi, Rob Moore, Guy Fire, Craig Lange, Jeff Luttermoser, Chris Diovardi and Pete Shrake.  Marvin Krause, Kyle Worley, Tadek Stadniczuk, Gary Haener, Justin Rodriguez, Larry Smouthers, Clyde McKee and Tom Murphy completed the finishing order.  Steve Chartrand and Dan Doyle were scratches for the main event.  Rob Moore, Selmi and Fire won the heat races.

In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a driver driving for a car owner instead of his own machine was commonplace on the short tracks.  The #24, owned by Adrian, MI businessman John Ramus, put Ed Cooper in the seat of his Camaro and the Jackson, MI native made sure Ramus got a big victory with the win in the 1976 version of the Glass City 200.  Ramus, Cooper and Marcum (left to right) pose for a photo in the Winner’s Circle.

(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 12, 2013) - Defending race winner Terry Senneker Jr. of Wayland, MI has filed his entry for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

The second-generation star will be looking to duplicate his win from last year’s classic.  Terry grabbed the lead with just 4 laps to go in the 2012 edition of the event when leader Steve Needles had an engine let go, ending his bid for victory.

Angola, IN native Scott Hantz, the 2013 ARCA Glass City Gold Cup Late Model champion, has also inked his entry, along with his teammate, Jeff Ganus.  Both drivers will pilot cars from the Great Lakes Helicopter stable.  Veteran Dave Stehouwer and Scott Pemberton have also sent in their entries for the 200 lap contest.