The management and staff of Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH would like to take a moment to thank a multitude of people who helped make last Monday’s re-opening of the track such a success. The track suffered a major fire on April 21 that destroyed the office and concession stand and caused extensive damage to the electrical system but within two months the track was in operation for the 12th Annual Pete Jacobs Memorial presented by Federated Auto Parts.
“First of all, on behalf of my family and the staff, we want to thank the many, many race fans who came out on Monday night and supported the track, ” stated Ernie Coffman, owner & promoter of Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway. “As is always the case in any type of racing, it’s the fans who keep this thing going and we are very grateful for their support, interest and enthusiasm. None of this would be possible with out them. ”
“I would like to thank the race teams who came out and supported the show and put on such a great night of entertainment for so many people. The same goes with our track sponsors and in particular Federated Auto Parts who have stood by us since the fire and have been a big supporter of the track, the teams and the fans. ”
“And last, but certainly not least, our terrific staff. They went above and beyond the call of duty and, as usual, did a great job for all of us. We are fortunate to have such a quality and dedicated team here at Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway. ”
“I would also like to extend a hearty thank you of appreciation to the local and racing media for their support as well. We are very grateful for the generosity they extended us. ”
Track management would like to particularly recognize mainstream radio entities like WNCO, Clear Channel and WQKT and racing radio programs Dirt Nation™ Live and Doug’s Dirt Diary Radio. Management would also like to acknowledge mainstream newspapers like the Daily Record, News Journal, Bargain Hunter, Independent, Repository, Trading Post, Times Reporter and so many others in addition to the racing media publications like Area Auto Racing News, RPM Racing News, Dirt Late Model magazine, Mid American Auto Racing News, National Dirt Digest and others.
“When I saw that fire back on April 21 my heart sank into my shoes, ” commented Chuck Griffith, General Manager of the track. “It just broke my heart and I thought that tragedy would probably keep us from racing until the 2008 season. But within about a 24 period after those embers had died the phone started ringing from as far away as South Carolina, Michigan and all over the country really from promoters saying whatever we can do to help, we will help Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway. ”
“Our fans, our sponsors, our racers, everyone involved in the community last Monday really made it happen one day before our 42nd anniversary. What a way to have a grand re-opening with the 12th Annual Pete Jacobs Memorial presented by federated Auto Parts as part of Ohio Sprint Speedweek. ”
“Looking to the media side, sometimes, even NASCAR, the media is a little bit tough on drivers and facilities and that didn’t happen to us. There was some negativity on a couple of the internet message boards where a couple said we were done, we wouldn’t open back up this year, or ever let alone Speedweek. But Ernie Coffman took it by the horns and assured everyone that we would be ready, and we were. ”
“We had people like WNCO, Clear Channel WQKT, the local papers like the Daily Record who let fans know what was going on. The local and racing media really came on board and really got the word out. We are very grateful to everyone for the support we have received. ”
Management would also like to single out a number of staff members and others who spent several weeks nearly daily at the track getting the facility back in operation for the re-opening.
“Without their help the gates might still be locked, so we thank you again, ” said Coffman referring to Randy Goff, Al Hutchison, Larry Caskey, Russ Geiser, Rick Corns, Tim Myers, Junior Domer, Ed Dyer & Chase Coffman.
Up next for Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway is the upcoming inaugural Ohio Super Late Model Speedweek Firecracker 4 presented by Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic will run on consecutive nights July 4-7 and will carry a total payoff of nearly $100,000 at both Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, OH and Lakeville Speedway in Lakeville, OH.
Each Super Late Model feature event will be 40-laps paying $4,000 to win and $420 to take the green flag and race time will commence at 8:00 PM each night. On Wednesday July 4 the inaugural Ohio Super Late Model Speedweek Firecracker 4 presented by Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic will kick-off at Lakeville Speedway then continue at Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway on Thursday July 5 before returning to Lakeville on Friday July 6 and then wrap up on Saturday July 7 at Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway.
More potential race dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Due to upcoming construction of a new 192 foot, two and a half story concession stand/office/scoring tower/restrooms that will be constructed during the off-season and regulations that require the facility be brought up to code and current specs, the track is limited in the number of race dates by local and state entities until all construction is completed and approved.
“The government offices we are required to work with and get approval from, both on the county and state level, have been exceptional to work with, ” stated Coffman. “We are grateful for their support and understanding they have extended to us and we are more than happy to work with them and comply with their regulations. And we’re looking forward to bringing back a full schedule and our weekly shows next year. ”
For the inaugural Ohio Super Late Model Speedweek Firecracker 4 presented by Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic at Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway gates will open both nights at 3:30, qualifying at 6:30 with racing at 8:00 PM. Admission will be $20 (Adults); $15 (Seniors); Ages 15 & Under: Free! And Pits: $35.
At Lakeville Speedway both nights the gates will open for Super Late Models only at 2:00; grandstands & pits at 4:30; qualifying at 5:00 with racing at 8:00 PM. Admission will be: $20 (Adults); $15 (Seniors); $10 (Ages 15-16); 14 & Under: Free and Pits: $35.
Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway races every Saturday night with gates opening at 3:00 PM, qualifying at 5:30 and racing at 7:00 PM. FAP/WCS is located nine miles east of Wooster, OH on US Route 30 or 15 miles west of Massillon, OH on US Route 30 then one mile north on Carr Road.
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