We needed the rain, but too bad it couldn’t have held off until after the racing program last Saturday. But a rain shower late in the afternoon forced Shawano Speedway to cancel its racing program.
With the cancelation, it’s a good time to take a look ahead at the Shawano Speedway schedule for some of the bigger events that are coming up.
Of course the biggest event on the schedule is the return of the World of Outlaws Dirt Late Model Series on Wednesday, Aug. 1. This will be the third straight year the series returns to Shawano Speedway. This year, the IMCA Northern SportMods will be the support class.
Once again, Josh Effenenberger has organized the Shawano Fans Fund in an effort to attract new drivers to the World of Outlaws show at Shawano Speedway. Enough money was collected last year to bring four drivers to the race.
There is still more than a month of voting to take place, but through mid-June, a total of $540 has been collected, meaning one driver can be invited via the fund. Dillan White of Crofton, Ky. leads the way with 82 votes. He is followed by Morgan Bagley of Longview, Texas with 74 votes. Ryan Unzicker of El Paso, Ill. and Jared Miley of South Park, Pa. round out the top three tied with 66 votes. The remaining drivers, in order of votes includes: Tanner English, Jason Rauen, Mike Spatola and Chris Simpson.
The Wisconsin driver write-in leader is A.J. Diemel with seven votes.
On June 30 Seubert Calf Ranches, Inc. will present Shawano Speedway Race Fan Appreciation Night. Adult admission that night will be $5.
Also that night, the WISSOTA Late Model division will not be sanctioned and it will be an Open Late Model Show, with $1,000 going to the feature winner. Hopefully some new Late Models will make their way to Shawano Speedway that night.
To add even more interest and excitement, Opperman Development has made a challenge to racers in the Open Late Model Show to run “topless.” The top three “topless” finishers will receive a bonus payout. Topless means taking the roof off the Late Model and racing it that way.
The regular IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, FASTRAK Late Models and IMCA Northern SportMods will also be on hand that night.
Just recently announced, Racing for a Reason Night at Shawano Speedway for Childhood Cancer Awareness is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18. Details are still being worked out for this night, but bringing a dunk tank and having drivers participate in that is being worked on. There will also be plenty of items available for auction. All proceeds raised will go to H.E.A.L. of Red River and Child Life Services of St. Vincents.
And don’t forget about Hall of Fame Night scheduled for Saturday, July 28.