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Tri-City Raceway Park to host "Lou Blaney Memorial" Sprint Car & Big-Block Mod Qualifiers for Sharon in 2015; Steve Kinser to compete in July 11 All S

By Mike Leone

May 6, 2015

(Hartford, OH)…Over the past six years, the “Lou Blaney Memorial� has become one of the region’s most prestigious events held annually at Sharon Speedway. During the offseason, the announcement was made that not only would the event carry the All Star Circuit of Champions sanction, but would also pay a record $10,000 to-win for the “410� Sprint Cars on Saturday, July 11! The event also annually includes a $2,000 to-win event for the Big-Block Modifieds under the BRP Tour banner.

Meanwhile across the border in Franklin, Pennsylvania, fans and racers have been anxiously awaiting the reopening of the former Tri-City Speedway. After sitting dark for three and a half years, the Venango County half-mile will come to life this spring under the name of Tri-City Raceway Park thanks to new owner Mark Tatalovic.

While Sharon of course was Blaney’s home track and later where he’d enjoy spending his retirement after his son Dave took over part ownership of the Hartford, Ohio showplace in 2002, Tri-City was a longtime stomping grounds for the legendary driver. Blaney won 29 Sprint Car features and another 24 in the Modifieds during his career at Tri-City.

Today the Blaney name still continues to excel. Dale has been a dominant force with the All Star Circuit of Champions winning 116 features and five championships, and brother Dave is coming off a long tenure in NASCAR as he returns to his roots running more Sprint Car races nowadays. Meanwhile, Lou’s grandson Ryan is well on his way to becoming the next Blaney star as he makes his way up the NASCAR ladder.

The Blaneys annually come together to celebrate the life of their patriarch at the “Lou Blaney Memorial�. This year, a qualifying event will be held for each division at Tri-City giving the respective winner a guaranteed starting spot (provisional). The Big-Block Modified qualifier will be held at the opener on Sunday, May 17 in the $5,000 to-win BRP event. The Sprint Cars then will take center stage on June 21 in a $2,000 to-win “Lou Blaney Memorial� qualifier.

Not only will the Sprint Car portion be the richest in the history of the “Lou Blaney Memorial� and sanctioned by the All Stars for the first time, but also will be run under the new ownership of Tony Stewart. In addition, Stewart’s #11 Sprint Car driven by 20-time World of Outlaws Champion, Steve Kinser, will be making its inaugural appearance at the event!

The 2015 season at Sharon Speedway got underway on May 2 featuring the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds, Weller Hughes Contracting & Developing RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, Gibson Insurance Agency Stock Cars, HTMA/Precise Racing Products Econo Mods, and the Deforest Used Parts Mini Stocks. The 86th anniversary season will feature just $10 general admission for non-special events!

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located on Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Become a fan of Sharon Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sharonspdwy.

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