Tuesday, April 1 2008
Winston Speedway Ready to Roll in 2008
Winston Speedway will open their season on Friday, April 11th. Five divisions of racing along with “Glamour Car” awards will highlight the night’s events. Owners Tom and Lois Sprague have area drivers, crews and fans anticipating a great 2008 season. The Sprague’s have been working day and night to prepare for the 2008 season. Their goal is to continue to make Winston Speedway one of the best racing venues in the state of Michigan and Midwest.
Winston Speedway has gone through some physical changes in the off-season. A new catch fence along the front stretch, remodeled bathroom facilities, new clay for the racing surface and a new Pit Area entrance are just a few of the noticeable changes fans, drivers and crews will witness when they enter for the first time in 2008. Also new in 2008 will be the “Raceiver.” This tiny communication device worn by drivers will allow Track Officials to communicate with drivers when a caution takes place on the track and assist them with line-ups to keep the race program moving along after cautions.
Winston Speedway will again be racing under the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) banner. UMP will be awarding state and national points for four out of the five divisions at Winston. Mini Stocks, Bombers/Factory Stock, Sportsman and Modified will all race under the UMP banner. Late Models will race under UMP rules with one exception. MSPA American Racer MD 56 or Hoosier LM 40 tires are the two types of tires that will be used for the Late Models.
In the Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Late Model division Tom Sprague Jr of Muskegon will return to defend his 2007 Track Championship title. Look for Sprague to battle 2006 Champion Kevin Nelson of Twin Lake as well as many other veteran drivers. Rich Neiser, Eddie Reyes, Rob Taylor, and Tom Dusen all out of Muskegon look to be the heavy hitters along with Twin Lake racing veterans Matt Pickard and Kevin Nelson Jr. Grand Rapids Dean Huizinga and Fruitport’s Scott Wenell also are expected to battle for the title.
The Integra Racing Shocks and Springs Modifieds will see some great talent return along with a crop of youngsters who should make for an interesting season. The 2007 Track and State UMP Modified Champion Andy Sprague of Muskegon moves to the Late Model divsion, so look for 2006 Track Champion Mike Wilbern of Cloverville along with two- time Track Champion John McCaul of Hesperia and Greg Smith of Twin Lake to apply the pressure for the title. Racing Veterans Dan Dykman, Derek Poland and Randy Whitten also look to make their presence known throughout the season.
Port City Racing will again sponsor the Sportsman and Factory Stock Divisions. 2007 Sportsman Champion Ralph Sternberg returns to battle 2007 UMP State Point Champion Kyle Borgman, Chad Weinrick , and Mike Anderson for the 2008 title. Ralph Sternberg’s younger brother Rob also hopes to switch places with his brother at the Awards table for 2008. Returning 2007 Bomber Champion Tim Epplett along with Jamie Lorenz, Tony Weinrick and Robert Erickson look to make the Factory Stock classes one of the best to watch at Winston Speedway.
Sprague’s Auto Parts returns to be the primary sponsor for the Mini Stock 4 cylinder divisions. The former Young Gun class has been combined with the Mini Stock division in 2008. Look for this division to provide some great racing. Combine some new talent with the likes of Former Champions Don Keech, Luke Near, and Carl McCann and this division looks to be very entertaining.
Sponsor Integra Shocks and Springs will provide early season schedule highlights. The $2500 to win “Player Hater 50” Late Model Invitational on May 2nd looks to have some of the best Late Model Drivers in the State make their way to Winston Speedway. Another early season highlight will be a Sportsman Memorial race for former driver and car owner Kenny Blondeel who passed away in January. The race will take place on May 9th. Sportsman will race 55 laps in honor of Blondeel’s familiar #55 race -cars. Numerous invitationals will take place throughout the season for all divisions.
Winston Speedway Demolition Derby and Off Road Scrambles on Saturday nights also will provide some of the best entertainment on the schedule throughout the summer.
For the best in family entertainment along the Lakeshore make your way to Winston Speedway.
