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DELAWARE SPEEDWAY GOES NASCAR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The surprise announcement comes as the track announces that Arlen Scherba has bought out the other three partners in the speedway to become sole owner of the business and president of Delaware Speedway. With Scherba’s renewed commitment, the track has been begun moving towards long-awaited facility improvements. Delaware Speedway was the first track in Canada to host NASCAR Weekly Events in the summer of 2004 but ended it’s program at the conclusion of the 2005 racing season. Since that time NASCAR’s presence in Canada has grown and the programs offered to Canadian speedways and competitors has greatly improved. The result of these improvements has been Delaware Speedway and NASCAR officials coming together on an agreement that would sees the track rejoin the NASCAR program - - for the long term. The speedway will join the ranks of over fifty of North America’s top speedways in the prestigious “NASCAR Whelen All-American Series”. The series is North America’s premier weekly short track racing program, sanctioning events at grassroots-level speedways. “We’re looking at it as a long term program,” said race director Jeff Wilcox. “There are benefits to the drivers in terms of points funds, marketing assistance, the use of the NASCAR name for sponsorship. As well, the drivers will fall under the $1,050,000 insurance policy, the same as the cup drivers, which will offer them substantial additional protection.” The program alters, and in some cases eliminates Delaware Speedway registration fees in favour of the NASCAR membership program, the details of which will be announced at the upcoming driver’s meeting on February 9. Other tracks participating in Canada include Edmonton International Raceway in Alberta, Sun Valley Motor Speedway in British Columbia, Autodrome St. Eustache in Quebec, and Barrie Speedway in Ontario. Involvement in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series also opens up a wealth of opportunities to competitors in terms of championship points funds, the details of which will also be announced in the coming weeks. With two NASCAR sanctioned tracks now operating in Ontario, APC Late Model at Delaware Speedway and Barrie Speedway will also be the first in Canada to compete head to head for NASCAR Provincial championships as well as for the National Championship that gives drivers the opportunity to rank against drivers from across the continent. “This move brings Delaware Speedway and its drivers back into the extended NASCAR family,” said John Houghton, Public Relations Director. “The competitors and the speedway will greatly benefit from the additional coverage and reach NASCAR offers through it’s television audience, magazine coverage and website exposure.” NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, and one local grassroots series (NASCAR Whelen All-American Series), as well as two international series (including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series). NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races at 100 tracks in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico. Based in Daytona Beach (Fla.), NASCAR has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Charlotte (N.C.), Concord (N.C.), Conover (N.C.), Bentonville (Ark.), Mexico City, and Toronto. Strong Ownership, Bold Direction
Paul Houghton the new track Operations Manager was also on hand meeting with the business partners. Houghton is already on countdown for the season. “Our focus right now is getting ready for the 2009 racing season, that starts in a little less then two months,” said Houghton “We’re currently prioritizing our projects around the facility to improve the fan and racer experience. Delaware Speedway is already a great facility that puts on some of the best racing anywhere. We are going to make it even greater - - we are going to be your NASCAR hometown half-mile.” The string of announcements comes with the approach of the CPT Racing Experience, a racing show that will be held this weekend at the Western Fair Agriplex January 24 through 25. Delaware Speedway officials will be on hand at the event meeting with the public and promoting the track’s new programs. About Delaware Speedway: Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track, located just west of London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the finest stock car racing in Canada. Its unique natural amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable entertainment. Relevant Links: Attention Teams: Basic Membership Information Now Available
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The evening also provided an opportunity for speedway partners to meet with Arlen Scherba who recently became the sole owner of the speedway business. Scherba had been involved in the speedway ownership group since 2001 and is a long-time Delaware Speedway racing fan.