SYRACUSE, NY – It’s the biggest 360 sprint car extravaganza in two Nations this side of the Mississippi. Brought to you by Arrow Express, it’s the sixth annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at the Ohsweken Speedway. The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) is proud to be a part of all six events with the stars and cars ready to do battle this weekend.
Back in 2005, Glenn Styres decided to start a marquee event for his track that he literally built in his own back yard…The Canadian Sprint Car Nationals were born. Driving a car owned by eight-time ESS champion Mike Woodring, Ohio’s Kenny Jacobs used late race passes of ESS regulars Jeff VanDusen and Lance Yonge to claim the first ever event.
From there on, ESS has had tremendous success in the event with Steve Poirier and Jason Barney finishing first and second the very next two years. In 2008 Chuck Hebing, Poirier, Mike Stelter and Doug Emery claiming top ten finishes with Hebing taking home a runner-up finish last year behind touring professional Shane Stewart.
No less than drivers from seven states and four Canadian provinces have pre-entered for the $10,000 to win event. ESS will have one of the largest contingents of any sanction that will be on hand. Heading the list is current Lucas Oil point leader and two-time Nationals champ Steve Poirier. Also to be in the field will be defending ESS champ Justin Barger along with another two-time champ Lance Yonge, both will be looking for their first ever Nationals title.
The list doesn’t stop there for ESS regulars to be on hand…Chuck Hebing, Jeff Cook, rookie sensation Kevin Ward Jr., Michael Parent, Mike Stelter, Brian McDonald, Chris Jones, Jason Barney, Daniel Lampron, Jim Porter and others
Just like 2009 when ESS kicked off a special three-race weekend, the action starts on Thursday with the Corr/Pak sprint cars playing host on fan appreciation night. Look for many stars from all different sprint car groups to be on hand to shake down their mounts.
Friday will be the special “Night before the Nationals”. Twin 15 lap A-Mains where the winner gets a guaranteed starting spot for the Nationals will cap off the evening. Two special events which has become tradition will also highlight the evening, The Village Pizza Shootout where ESS held its qualifying event on Memorial Day weekend at Utica-Rome Speedway. Jessica Zemken and Chuck Hebing are scheduled to be representing ESS with Dan Kaszubinski and Steve Poirier (who is defending champion of the event) set as alternates if needed.
The Dave MacLeod Memorial one on one Mr. Sprint Car Challenge will see the top two drivers in the Lucas Oil points representing the 28 year old organization with reigning Mr. Sprint Car Challenge champ Steve Poirier and Justin Barger being part of the this unique event which is becoming a fan favorite.
On Saturday it all climaxes with the 35 lap, $10,000 to win, $700 to start Nationals A-Main. Time trials, Heats, B-Mains and the “Little Feature” used to fill out the starting field.
The Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals, the Ohsweken Speedway and the Invasion of the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints…It will be excitement guaranteed!
For more information: www.ohswekenspeedway.com // www.empiresupersprints.com
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints are brought to you by: Lucas Oil, Northwood 2 Construction/LaSalle Motorsports, SUNY Canton, 730 Truck Stop, Hoosier Racing Tires, Les Constructions Ultra, Cooks Contracting Services, Fondations 4 Saisons, Car Mate Trailers, The National Parts Peddler Newspaper, WestFront Construction, Cobra Coaches, The Ohsweken Speedway, Mohawk Racing Parts, Engine Research, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Total Race Supply, Riverside Bar and Grill, Coffrage Daniel Lampron, Mohawk Valley Community College, FX Chevy and many, many associate sponsors.
From Dean Reynolds / ESS
