Sprint Car Speedweek Finale to be Held at Tri-City Raceway Park
(Franklin, PA June 2, 2021): One of the most anticipated events of the season will take place this Sunday at Tri-City Raceway Park: the return of Western Pennsylvania Speedweek. More than twenty years ago, Western PA Speedweek was a highlight of the 410 Sprint Car racing season, but times changed the racing calendars and the series slipped away. Resuming the tradition was the brainchild of a former Tri-City official, Tyler Beichner. Unfortunately, the opening round was rained out, so there will now be three consecutive races on different tracks before the finale at Tri-City.
Western PA Speedweek will bring all of the region’s top 410 Sprint Car talent together with anybody and everybody who wants to throw down against the best we have to offer. We know that one visitor will be Josh Baughman, who came in from Odessa, TX, to challenge the Shawgo Real Estate LLC 410 Sprint Car racers in preparation for this event. Central PA racers Ryan Smith and Bradley Howard are confirmed entries as well. With no 410 Sprint Car racing to the west, will any Ohio drivers cross the border in search of a good payday? You have to be there to see for yourself who else will invade Tri-City!
The local contingent will be well represented, of course. Jack Sodeman, Jr. already has two wins at Tri-City this season. Bob Felmlee just registered his best finish in his return to the 410 Sprints, as did Brandon Matus. His father, Brent Matus, has been a model of consistency. Kyle Colwell will bring his 360 Sprint Car to challenge the more powerful 410s and he will hold his own for sure.
A banner field of 410 Sprints will be on hand for this special event that will pay $3,000 to the winner!
Joining the 410 Sprint Cars will be the RUSH Sprints. These cars are powered by GM 602 Crate Engines and they race without wings. Other measures, like spec shocks and uniform fuel help to keep the costs in check. But there is no skimping on the excitement! Chad Ruhlman drove the car owned by Franklin’s own Tim Engles to victory when the division made its season debut under the twin banners of Gary Glass Automotive and Washington House. He will be back to get another win against the likes of former track champion Rod George, Gale Ruth, Jr., Arnie Kent, and many more.
The Krill Recycling LLC 358 Modifieds will also race this Sunday. Jimmy Holden, a top competitor in the division, just grabbed his first win of the season. Jeremiah Shingledecker and Kevin Hoffman have also scored wins at Tri-City. Will Kyle Fink break through? The defending track champion is winless so far in 2021. So is Lonny Riggs, who just had an outstanding run. Sid Unverzagt, Jr. also had a fine outing last week and he is looking to build upon that recent success. More than a dozen other racers are expected. Come on out to see who else can hold the checkered flag!
The 4 Your Car Connection Mini Stocks will complete the card this Sunday. Dalton Speer and Justin Bailey will go head to head once again, but there will be nearly two dozen others who will try to keep them at bay.
Despite the notoriety of Speedweek, regular event ticket pricing will apply. So, adults will be admitted to Tri-City Raceway Park for $15. Seniors (ages 62 and above) will be admitted for $13. Students (ages 11 through 16) will be admitted for $10. Children (ages 10 and under) will be free. The economical Family Pass will be available for this show, too. That will be $45 and it will benefit two adults of any age and two students. Pit Passes will be $30.
The pit gates will open at 2 p.m. and the spectator gates will open at 4 p.m. Racing will begin at 6 p.m. Come out early to get your favorite seats.
Additional information about Tri-City Raceway Park can be obtained by calling the track office at 724-967-4601, or by e-mail to tricityracewaypark2020@gmail.com. You can also check the website at Tri-CityRacewayPark.com, or Facebook at Tri City Raceway Park. Tri-City Raceway Park is located at 3430 State Route 417, in Oakland Township. That is just a few miles outside the city of Franklin.