Toledo Speedway

(September 4, 2013):  An upstart driver with a strong racing heritage provided the story line for the 1969 Glass City 200, the second year for the race.  Joe Ruttman, whose brother, Troy, captured the Indy 500, posted the “upset” win in the 200 lap contest.  Driving a car with the number 14 on the doors, Joe took the lead from Kalamazoo, MI driver Jerry Spear on lap 171 when Spear ran out of fuel, giving Ruttman the lead and the eventual win.

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And today, the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  Let’s take a look back at the 1970 edition of the race……………

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Flat Rock, Michigan—September 5, 2013:  For the first time in the nearly 30 years of Enduro racing at Flat Rock Speedway, the division will practice and take 2 qualifying laps this Saturday night, September 7.  In addition to the 250 lap Enduro race, the MCR Dwarf Cars will make the trip to “The Rock”, the ARCA 4 Cylinder championship race will be contested and a Figure 8 Train race will also be a part of the Saturday race card, which has a 6 p.m. start time.  Saturday’s 250 lap event is race number 3 of 4 for the Enduro Series at Flat Rock.  History dictates that the Enduro cars simply line up 3 wide and the green flag is dropped on the field.  But this Saturday, the 25-30 car field that is expected will get the opportunity to run a 10 lap practice session and then take part in a qualifying, with each car getting 2 laps in a row on the clocks.

The winner of the Enduro gets a cool $1000 for the victory.  The race features no yellow flags and is only stopped for safety measures.  The Enduro-style race dates back to the mid-1980’s at the track and has been a mainstay of Flat Rock’s schedule since.

The touring MCR Dwarf Cars will make their second appearance of 2013 at Flat Rock, while the ARCA 4 Cylinder title is on the line in their 20 lap main event.  The wild Figure 8 Train race, which has 2 cars chained together—front car with the engine, back car with the brakes, is also on tap for fans Saturday night. The pit area opens at 3, the front gates open at 4, practice begins at 4, time trials are at 5 and racing starts at 6 p.m.  Please note the 6 p.m.start time for this event and the remaining events on the Flat Rock schedule.

And at Toledo Speedway this weekend, a Racer's Flea Market and Public Flea Market will take place in the track parking lot from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8.

The Rusty Wallace Racing Experience is also at the track for rides and drives in a stock car!  Reservations are required.  Go to www.racewithrusty.com for more information.

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

Today, we look at 1971…a great field of cars and a big controversy highlighted the event, but did not keep Bob Senneker from making it 2 wins in a row at the 200…….as he posed with the trophy.

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The updated lap sponsor list has been posted. Laps are only $10 per lap. Lap sponsorship includes your name in the souvenir program, PA announcements and your name on the Toledo Speedway website. To become a lap sponsor, call 419-727-1100. To view the current lap sponsors, click read more.   ...

(Toledo, Ohio - September 6, 2013) - Recently-crowned Flat Rock Speedway champ Dennis Strickland and Coopersville, MI hotshoe Johnny VanDoorn are the first 2 entries for 25^th Anniversary  of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway. 

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(Flat Rock, Michigan - September 7, 2013) -   A great battle for the win in Saturday night’s Flat Rock Speedway 250 lap Enduro race went to the wire, with Rick McColl edging Rayce Metdpenningen for the victory and the $1000 first place prize.  David Katafiasz took the ARCA 4 Cylinder championship, with the feature win going to Arnold Kirsch.  Eric Hoffman notched the MCR Dwarf Car win and the duo of Howard Kelley Jr./Tom O’Leary III grabbed the Figure 8 train race.  A steady rain backed up the start of the race card by nearly 1 hour.

For the first time in the history of the Enduro Series, the drivers took practice laps and qualified.  Rick McColl set fast time and rolled an 8 for the inversion.  Early leader Jeff Metdepenningen gave way to McColl in the early stages, while Rayce Metdepenningen, Jeff’s son, took up the battle for the lead with McColl.  The duo would swap the lead back and forth several times after the half-way point, setting up the finish.  Rick was able to stay out front to take the win, with Rayce second, Bobby Hugo third, Jeff Metdepenningen fourth and Troy Brehmer fifth, followed by Dave Bennett, Derrick Sheppard, Danny Bennett, Jeff Braun and Arnold Kirsch.

30 cars started the contest.  A lap 56 red flag stopped action when Glenn Cunningham apparently had the throttle stick in his car, sending him head-on into the turn 1 wall. 

Toledo resident David Katafiasz had a tough night, but had enough of a cushion to still win his first-ever ARCA 4 Cylinder title, which combined the points for the class between both Flat Rock and Toledo Speedways.  In the 20 lap championship race, Arnold Kirsch nosed by David Price with 5 laps to go to take the win.  Price was second, Brad Turner third, Joe Appel fourth and Eric Fitzpatrick fifth, followed by Katafiasz and Mike Berschback.  Katafiasz had a right front wheel lock up on his machine early in the event. 

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TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Tuesday, Sept. 10:  Placer’s Car Club Classic Car Cruisin’

1st, 2^nd and 3^rd Tuesdays of each month!

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  FREE admission!

**FINAL RACE IS SAT. SEPT. 28 AT TOLEDO!

GREAT LAKES HELICOPTER GLASS CITY 200

LATE MODELS—200 LAPS!  Tickets now on sale!!!

Plus Sportsman and X Car Invitationals—5 p.m. is race time!

**6 p.m. start for remainder of 2013 schedule!!!!!!

GRILLERS SELECT BBQ SAUCE SCHOOL BUS FIGURE 8!

Plus Boat Figure 8, Street Stocks, Figure 8’s!

Pits

ARCA members $20

All Non-members:  $30

Minimum age for pits is 12, with minor’s release signed by parent(s) at registration (must be with minor).

Grandstands

*TICKETS NOW ON SALE (Reserved only)  Call 734-782-2480 or stop at track!  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

ALL General admission tickets and kids tickets go on sale at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (and any remaining reserved seats)

ALL RESERVED SEATS:  $16 (regardless of age)

General Admission:  Adults:  $15

Children 6-12 are $3, under 6-free

Pit gate: 3:30 p.m.

Front gates:  3:30 p.m.

Practice:  4:30 p.m.

Racing:  6 p.m.

Both Tracks:  FREE parking on track grounds; all concession items are priced from .50 to $3.50.  Beer is available ($4-4.50); Happy hour-$3-16 ounce drafts, 5:30 to 6:30 at Flat Rock.

Flat Rock Speedway is located on Telegraph Road, just 5 minutes from I-75 or I-275.  The track phone number is 734-782-2480.  Log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @flatrockspeed.

Toledo Speedway is located on Benore Road at the I-75/Alexis Road exit (behind Meijer store).  The track phone number is 419-727-1100.  Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @toledospeedway.

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

In 1972, things finally came together for Danny Byrd at the Glass City 200…..

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

The 1973 edition of the 200 saw a formidable duo team up for this race.  With Joy Fair on the sidelines due to a serious crash at Toledo in July, Joe Ruttman was tabbed by car owner William Gillelan and Fair to drive the now-famous #1 Ford Maverick.

Ruttman wheeled the Maverick for the final 2 months of the season, and get this—the combo won 13 of 14 races, taking wins throughout the Midwest not only at weekly shows, but also several big races, including Toledo’s Glass City 200….

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

The year is 1974….an amazing record 76 cars travel to Toledo Speedway for the Glass City 200!  All the top Late Model drivers in the Midwest are here, including a surprise visit by Wisconsin legend Dick Trickle.  Another strong combination of driver and car owner rose up for this race, as John Anderson piloted the famous #33 of Stan Yee to victory…..

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(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 11, 2013) - The early entry list for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express is very strong.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

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Former Flat Rock Speedway Street Stock driver and car owner Bill Dickey, age 60, passed away Sunday, September 8 after a courageous battle against cancer.

Bill owned and drove the car number 30 in the 1990’s and his son, Carl, drove the car in the early 2000’s.

He is survived by his son Carl and step-son Chris Kehn.

Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. 

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

For the first time in several years, the Glass City 200 overall champion did not win one of the 100 lap segments.  But 1975 champ Jim Bickerstaff (#24) displayed great strength as he battled 2 of Michigan’s legendary short track kings, Joy Fair and Bob Senneker.  Jim became the first Ohio driver to win the Glass City 200….

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(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 12, 2013) - Defending race winner Terry Senneker Jr. of Wayland, MI has filed his entry for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

The second-generation star will be looking to duplicate his win from last year’s classic.  Terry grabbed the lead with just 4 laps to go in the 2012 edition of the event when leader Steve Needles had an engine let go, ending his bid for victory.

Angola, IN native Scott Hantz, the 2013 ARCA Glass City Gold Cup Late Model champion, has also inked his entry, along with his teammate, Jeff Ganus.  Both drivers will pilot cars from the Great Lakes Helicopter stable.  Veteran Dave Stehouwer and Scott Pemberton have also sent in their entries for the 200 lap contest.

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In 1968, Toledo Speedway promoter and ARCA founder John Marcum came up with the idea of running a 200 lap Late Model invitational—the Glass City 200.  Despite a 20-year hiatus of the race from 1978-1998 (when the Toledo track was sold), the race was revived in 1999 when Marcum’s grandson, Ron Drager, purchased the track with business partner Roy Mott.

And the race still carries the prestige and notoriety that it once did back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, a driver driving for a car owner instead of his own machine was commonplace on the short tracks.  The #24, owned by Adrian, MI businessman John Ramus, put Ed Cooper in the seat of his Camaro and the Jackson, MI native made sure Ramus got a big victory with the win in the 1976 version of the Glass City 200.  Ramus, Cooper and Marcum (left to right) pose for a photo in the Winner’s Circle.

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(FLAT ROCK, Michigan - September 14, 2013) - The largest crowd in several years jammed Flat Rock Speedway Saturday night for the Griller’s Select BBQ Sauce School Bus Figure 8 race.  Perfect weather greeted the sold-out crowd to witness not only the bus race, but a Boat Figure 8 and the track’s Figure 8 and Street Stock classes.

Rookie Corey Duane capped off a solid first year with a win in the 25 lap ARCA DTS Drive Train Specialists Street Stock feature.  The “progressive” show, which had no qualifying, is set up by a blind draw for heat races and finishes in those events sets the field for the feature race.  Duane, who had recorded several second runs this year, got to the Sun Drop Winner’s Circle in his #12, topping Tim Moore, Nick Shanks, Scott Selmi, Rob Moore, Guy Fire, Craig Lange, Jeff Luttermoser, Chris Diovardi and Pete Shrake.  Marvin Krause, Kyle Worley, Tadek Stadniczuk, Gary Haener, Justin Rodriguez, Larry Smouthers, Clyde McKee and Tom Murphy completed the finishing order.  Steve Chartrand and Dan Doyle were scratches for the main event.  Rob Moore, Selmi and Fire won the heat races.

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The 1997 edition of the Glass City 200 saw several circumstances surrounding the season-ending classic.  For the first time in its 10-year history, the race was moved to a Saturday night in August.  Promoter John Marcum had created another marquee’ style event with the Howard Williams Memorial, in honor of the late Public Relations Director of ARCA and the track announcer at Toledo.  That race became the last event of the season at the Glass City oval, and Marcum’s final promotion at Toledo.

Few knew that 1977 would be the last season for the Glass City race for a period of 21 years.  Track owner Herb Koester sold the speedway to Thomas (Sonny) Adams.  Adams ran the facility from 1978 to 1998, until he sold the track to Marcum’s grandson, ARCA President Ron Drager, and his business partner, Roy Mott.  While Adams ran several big-time races during his stay at Toledo, the Glass City 200 was shelved.  

With the move to a Saturday night in August, the number of entries fell back to 31 cars.  The strength of the field, which became a trademark of each Glass City race, was still present despite the car count.  The legendary Bob Senneker would etch his name in the books as the first 3-time winner of the 200 lap event….and the 21 year hiatus of the Glass City 200 began…

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TOLEDO SPEEDWAY

Tuesday, Sept. 17:  Placer’s Car Club Classic Car Cruisin’

SUPER CRUISE NIGHT!

FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT BY BOB WURST AND JERRY CONNELLY!

*Cash prizes, 50/50 drawing, food and beverages available!

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  FREE admission!

(Last show of season will be Tuesday, September 24)

**FINAL RACE IS SAT. SEPT. 28 AT TOLEDO!

GREAT LAKES HELICOPTER GLASS CITY 200 LAPS—LATE MODELS

Tickets now on sale!!!

Plus Sportsman and X Car Invitationals—5 p.m. is race time!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27—OPTIONAL PRACTICE SESSION, RIG PARKING, TIRE SALES, LIMITED TECH

Pits:  2 p.m.  Practice:  5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28:  Pits:  9:30 a.m.  Drivers meeting:  11:30 a.m.  Practice:  12:15 p.m.

Time trials:  3 p.m.  Racing:  5 p.m.

Pits:  $50 for 2-day pit pass, $40 Saturday only; $20 Friday only

Grandstands: Reserved-$25 advance, $27 day of race

General admission:  $25, children 6-12 are $3, under 6-Free

 

Sat. Oct. 5:  300 lap Enduro championship race!

Pits:  3:30

Front gates:  5 p.m.

Practice:  5 (Enduro cars will practice/qualify at same time—LeMans style)

Race:  6 p.m.

Pits

ARCA members $20

All Non-members:  $30

Minimum age for pits is 12, with minor’s release signed by parent(s) at registration (must be with minor).

Admission:  $12 adults, children 6-12 are $3, under 6 is free.

Sun. Oct. 6:  Flat Rock Historical Society Flea Market

7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Free admission to grounds; no pets

For space rental information, please call 734-782-5220

Both Tracks:  FREE parking on track grounds; all concession items are priced from .50 to $3.50.  Beer is available ($4-4.50);

Flat Rock Speedway is located on Telegraph Road, just 5 minutes from I-75 or I-275.  The track phone number is 734-782-2480.  Log onto www.flatrockspeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @flatrockspeed.

Toledo Speedway is located on Benore Road at the I-75/Alexis Road exit (behind Meijer store).  The track phone number is 419-727-1100.  Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for further information, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @toledospeedway.

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As the Glass City 200 quickly approaches, testing time is filling up at Toledo Speedway.

The following 4 hour blocks are available for track rental as of Monday, September 16:

Sunday, September 22:  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (room for 2 cars)

Tuesday, September 24:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m; (room for 4 cars)

Tuesday, September 24:  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (room for 2 cars)

Up to 4 cars per block, 1 car at a time on the track.

Please call Scott or Casey at 419-727-1100 to arrange the rental. 

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Toledo, Ohio—September 17, 2013:  Preparations continue as the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 nears!   Lap money sponsorship at just $10 per lap will go to the leader of each lap in the 200 lap race.  And, some reserved seat tickets still remain for the season-ending event, set for Saturday, September 28.  The race is being co-sponsored by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

The lap money sponsorship list will be posted on the track’s webpage.  Sponsors will also get public address mentions during the event and a listing will appear in the track’s special souvenir program for this race.

Reserved seat tickets feature seating in the center grandstand, directly behind the start-finish line.  The seats have backrests attached with additional leg room in the section.

To purchase lap money or tickets, call the track office today at 419-727-1100. 

 

 

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In January of 1999, ARCA President Ron Drager and his business partner, Roy Mott, purchased Toledo Speedway from Sonny Adams.  And with the new season looming, it was time to revive a race that became known for its competition and excitement…the Glass City 200.

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(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 17, 2013) - Butler, IN driver and most recent Toledo Late Model winner Brent Jack has filed his entry for the 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

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After a second place finish and losing the lead with just 10 laps to go in the 1999 revival of the Glass City 200, Tim Ice was determined to get to the Winner’s Circle.  Ice made a name for himself in the early 1990’s at the track in the “Iceman” Series, named after Tim by virtue of his 10 wins at the track and 2 championships.  As the laps wound down, Ice was sitting in third place.  But, it’s not over until the checkered flag flies….

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(TOLEDO, Ohio - September 19, 2013) - Preparations continue as the Saturday, September 28 25^th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 presented by Francis Engineering, Woodville Auto Finance, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express nears.  The 200 lap outlaw-bodied Late Model invitational is set for Saturday, September 28 at Toledo Speedway.

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The current entry list and lap sponsor list for the Glass City 200 is posted. There are only a handful of laps left to sponsor, please call Scott Schultz at 419-727-1100 to become a sponsor. To view the current entry list and lap sponsors, click read more. ...

After ending last year’s race on a sour note, Canadian superstar Jr. Hanley returned to Toledo Speedway in 2001 with his sights on only 1 goal—the win in the Glass City 200. Hanley tangled with teammate Tim Felver with 8 laps to go in the 2000 event, but he was not to be denied on this day…..

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As a kid growing up around the sport of auto racing, Joe Ruttman was prepared to become a race car driver from the start.  His older brother, Troy, was the 1952 Indianapolis 500 winner, and his father Ralph and brother Jim were also racers.  Joe actually ran a pair of NASCAR races at the Riverside, CA road course as a teenager in 1963. 

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While the Glass City 200 has been filled with prestige and notoriety over its 24 events, there is 1 accomplishment that ranks up near the top of all short track racing.  In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, Saginaw, MI driver Steve Sauve became the second driver to win three Glass City 200 races.  What’s even more incredible is that the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame member did it 3 years in a row! 

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