Mechanicsburg - The 2014 season opener at Williams Grove Speedway is set for Friday night, March 28 at 7:30 pm when the Lawrence Chevrolet Sprint Cars and the Tool Shed of America 358 sprints take to the track for the season opener.
The event will open the 75th anniversary season of auto racing at Williams Grove Speedway and fireworks will help celebrate the milestone.
The Cedar Cliff High School Color Guard will be on hand for opening ceremonies with the Williams Grove portion of the 50/50 proceeds being donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
A full program of heat races and features for each division is on the agenda with the 410 sprints racing for $3,600 to win.
Last year, the March 29 sprint car opener went to Fred Rahmer, who went on to claim the track title before retiring from the sport. The victory was Rahmer's unprecedented sixth in the event.
Since 1939 when Tommy Hinnershitz won the inaugural race at the famed facility, so many highly recognized names and even some not so much have scored the prestigious first Williams Grove race of the year.
Well-knowns or on their way up the ladder at the time of their victories were the likes of Jan Opperman, AJ Foyt, Ted Horn and Hinnershitz.
Kasey Kahne, destined for bigger and better things in today's NASCAR arena, took the opener back in 2000.
But perhaps lesser-known at the time or even unique names like Kevin Collins, Brian Paulus, Marlett Naill and Gig Stephens have also taken that famous first checkered flag of the year at Williams Grove.
Those looking to repeat in this year's opener include 2002 and 2004 winner Greg Hodnett, who will be making his Williams Grove debut in the Mike Heffner-owned No. 27; 2012's Danny Dietrich; 1995 and 2006 winner Lance Dewease; and 1992, 1994 and 2001 champion Don Kreitz Jr.
Other possibilities to compete for another opening day win include Stevie Smith and Mike Erdley.
The only appearance of the season by the super late models comes up at Williams Grove during the second 2014 Friday racing program on April 4 along with the 410 sprints.
The Williams Grove Speedway Saturday Series races begin on April 26 with the Super Sportsman, 358 late models and street stocks on the program at 6:30 pm.
Make plans now to attend the 2014 season lidlifter at Williams Grove Speedway on March 28 where kids ages 12 and under are always admitted for free.
Keep up to date on all the latest speedway news and information by visiting the oval's official website at www.williamsgrove.com or by visiting the oval on Facebook or via Twitter.
- Williams Grove Speedway on Nov 15, 2024
- Article Date: 3/23/2014