ROUTE 93 SET FOR RETRO RACING ‘DOUBLEHEADER’ DEC. 14

By Larry Mattingly

AKRON, OH … Slot car racers from as many as nine different states will be converging on Route 93 Raceway (2211 Manchester Rd.) in Akron to participate in a unique retro racing doubleheader event on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The race meet, which is expected to attract a record number of entrants for a regional retro race, will be highlighted by race number five of the new Buckeye Retro Series (BRS), as well as the second leg of the exciting new American Raceway Series.

The first four BRS events conducted thus far have produced four different winners, as no driver has been able to score a repeat victory on the competitive tour. All four previous winners – Ron Hershman (The SUMMIT at Rt. 93), Willy Custer (REM Raceway), Cap Henry (HMS) and Dave Gardiner (MMW) - are expected to be on hand looking for their second checkered flag. That won’t be an easy task, however, as aside from the normal cast of BRS participants, a strong contingent of drivers from other regions are expected to throw their hats into the ring.

The American Raceway Series, consisting of contests on three original American Raceway’s tracks built in the mid-1960s, has also added interest to the aura surrounding the race. Rick Stagen and Willy Custer were in the winners circle on Nov. 23 at Thazer Raceway (South Bend, IN) on its challenging Hill Climb. Both drivers will be looking to duplicate their success on the 155’ Blue King at Rt. 93. The finale will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19 at Fastraxxx Raceway in Fremont on its newly renovated 95’ Black Royal track.

The Dec. 14 race has added significance, as it will also be used as a ‘warm-up’ for those who plan to take part in the First Retro All Star/Invitational Classic to be held at Rt. 93 on March 1-2.

Competition at Rt. 93 will be contested in the BRS Formula One/Indy, Can-Am and Retro-Flexi (time permitting) car classes. Classes will follow IRRA LLC specifications. Additionally, IRRA LLC rules, guidelines, procedures and by-laws will be followed in conducting the race format. (retroslotracing.com)

Doors will open at 8:00 AM on race day. Pre-race practice will be conducted from 8:00-9:30. Track power will be turned off promptly at 9:30. Tech for both Formula One/Indy and Can-Am will be conducted from 9:30-10:15. Qualifying for Formula One/Indy and Can-Am will commence at 10:30. There will be no practice sessions between races. No break will be taken for lunch. Racers will eat when not racing and/or marshaling.

Entry fees are as follows: $15.00 for the first class entered (includes race day practice and track-provided lunch). $10.00 for second and third classes entered.

Route 93 will be open for practice on Friday, Dec, 13 from Noon until 10:00 PM. A flat $10.00 fee will be charged for the all-day practice.

There will be concours judging for Formula One/Indy and Can-Am sponsored by Outisight Design Bodies.

Track owner Debbie Baldwin-Elavsky has vowed that her famed ‘Route 93 hospitality’ will be in place for this retro spectacular. “We will have a variety of donuts and pastries on hand for breakfast. Our traditional lunch, and a full course ‘hot’ dinner will also be provided for the racers. Plus, there will be snacks and plenty of desserts available all day long. No one leaves Rt. 93 hungry,” said Elavsky.

For more information:

Route 93 Raceway… Steve Reed (track manager): (330) 861-5000
BRS/American Raceway Series … Ron Hershman: fast1ron@yahoo.com