Free admission for season opener at Kinross Speedway

It has been 10 years since the gates opened for the first time at the Kinross Speedway.

Since that day back in 1995, this Northern Michigan facility has seen divisions and drivers come-and-go alike.

One of Kinross' constants continues to be it's reputation for providing some of the most entertaining short-track racing around. It's that side-by-side racing that everyone has become accustomed to, making Friday Nights at the track one of their weekly rituals.

Cue up now the 2005 season and the Kinross Speedway's 10th Anniversary.

All of the festivities begin this coming Friday, May 20th when track promoters Todd and Donna Nyberg open the gates to the ¼ mile facility for the Season Opener.

This night has also been deemed Fan Appreciation Night.

As just one of the many promotions on this year's schedule, this night will see general admission to the main grandstand as absolutely free. The Speedway invites you to bring your family to come see our family.

On tap will be a full 4-in-1 show of Late Models, Factory Stocks, Pure Stocks and 4-Cylinders. There will also be best-looking car awards along with two draws for ½ a pig courtesy of Fletcher Creek Farms and Pigs R Us.

Time trials are at 6 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.

Entering the 2005 season Nick Guerriero (#4, Sault Ste. Marie, ONT) is the defending Late Model Champion. The fastest cars at Kinross are expecting a few new faces to join the regulars this season.

Youngster Matt Rader (#57) grabbed a proven car in the off-season by purchasing Pat Stumps former ride. Add to the mix David Hartung from Indian River, Michigan and the field of Late Models has some tough competitors lined up. After a few tough seasons in the late 90's and early 2000's, the Factory Stock division is looking even stronger then one season ago.

Defending track champion Kevin Johnson (#37, Strongs, MI) will bring the division into the 2005 season with an expected 11 regulars ready to go each Friday night. With no-less than 3 drivers finding new rides for this season, the anticipation is setting to see this class break into the 14-second bracket before long.

There comes no surprise when you move into the Pure Stock division as far as car counts are concerned.

Newberry, Michigan native Chuck Johnson (#5) will be back to defend his track championship in a division that has seen around 6 new cars join the mix of regulars while out-of-towners are expected to make appearances sporadically through the summer.

Long gone are the 19-second qualifying times as the current track record in this division sits at 16.580.

Rounding out the weekly race program is the always-entertaining Four Cylinder cars.

With the defending track champion John Clawson (#35, Pickford, MI) moving up to the Pure Stock ranks the track title is open game to all remaining drivers. With an average car count of 22 cars in 2004, you can expect as many or more here in the 2005 campaign.

The opening night events are just the beginning of what is sure to be a historic season at the Kinross Speedway … "Where action is the attraction!"

Take exit 378 off the I-75 and follow the signs to the Speedway in Kinross, Michigan.

For more information, visit www.kinrossspeedway.com

(Gerry Liscumb Jr. is the public relations director and webmaster for the Kinross Speedway.)