Toledo Speedway

(TOLEDO, Ohio – Sept. 16, 2014) – J.R. Roahrig has been at Toledo Speedway for the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 in years past with cars he felt were good enough to win. But, the checkered flag has so far eluded him. He’s hoping this is his year.

“It’s a race I really want to win,” Roahrig said Monday afternoon while testing at high-banked half-mile. “I thought I could have won here a couple of times, but I haven’t. This is a big race.”

Roahrig holds the record for a super late model at the track, turning a lap in 14:628 seconds during the 2012 Glass City 200 weekend. He’s brought his own car to Monday’s test, hoping to get it prepared for Friday’s practice at the track.

“This is the first time I’ve had my car here,” he said. “I’m usually in someone else’s car. We’re fine tuning it. A lot of the guys that will race in the Glass City run three or more races a year here. I just wanted to come here to get things like the right height on the car so it is not bottoming out. If I can do that, come Friday, we won’t have to worry about the little stuff – we can just practice.”

Roahrig, who finished third at the prestigious Kalamazoo Klash earlier this season, said he has had a decent season so far.

“It’s been okay,” he said. “We put a new engine in the car for this race. I’m looking forward to it.”

An Indiana native, Roahrig was one of two drivers testing at Toledo Monday. Johnny Belott, from Mount Morris, Michigan, was the other. Both had their days cut short because of a slight rain, but both also said they learned enough to make the test worthwhile.

“This is the Glass City 200,” Belott said. “This race means a lot. It’s the biggest race of the year that I go to.”

Belott said he’s looking forward to coming back later this week and competing with the strong field that will be in Toledo that day – and in front what he expects to be a big crowd.

“It’s always great to race at Toledo,” he said. “I’m just excited and can’t wait until this weekend.”

The 200 lap classic for the outlaw-bodied Late Models is the longest race of the year and the track's signature event. The race will award $6,500 to the winner, with $1,100 posted to start the race. With bonus money and special awards, a driver could walk away with over $9,000 in cash and prizes.

Friday’s practice session from 5 to 7 p.m. is optional. The grandstands will be open for spectators at no charge for the practice.

Saturday, September 20 is race day. The pit gates open at 9:30 a.m., practice begins at noon, qualifying is at 3 p.m. and racing begins at 5.