Kyle’s 6 Most Anticipated Races Of 2015

BARNESVILLE, OH ::

The 2015 racing season is quickly approaching and with most of the 2015 track schedules released, I thought I would let everyone know what 6 races (or race weekends) I’m currently looking forward to the most in the region we cover. Remember this is based off of my own opinion so don’t take it personal. These are all races I plan to cover and I do have a day job which limits me to where I can go. With that being said, here’s my top 6 in order by date.

*May 1-2 -Topless Late Model Weekend (Legendary Hilltop & Tyler County)

The Tyler County Speedway Topless 50 always delivers as a top 5 race of the year and this year’s topless weekend will be even bigger and better with the addition of a topless AMRA Late Model special at the Legendary Hilltop Speedway on Friday night May 1st. The winners share has not yet been announced for Legendary Hilltop but Tyler County will be paying $4,000 to win the 21st annual Topless 50. Maybe someone will step up and put some extra cash or incentives on the line to get drivers to run both topless shows. This will be a great weekend at the bullrings…..topless!

*June 13 – Ohio Valley Speedway (Lubeck, WV) – Late Model Special

Perhaps my favorite show of the year, the $2,000 to win AMRA Late Model special at Ohio Valley. No it doesn’t pay a lot to win but that doesn’t keep the cars from showing up. There will be a stout field on hand doing battle on the Ohio Valley paperclip. 3 & 4 wide is the norm at Ohio Valley and this race should be on everyone’s list to attend in 2015.

*June 19-20 – BOSS Non Wing Sprints (Legendary Hilltop & Tyler County)

I don’t think I’m the only one excited for this one as this may be the most anticipated race weekend by everyone in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The return of Sprint Cars to Legendary Hilltop and Tyler County and Non Wing at that. Aaron Fry’s very successful Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series will be in town on June 19th and 20th. Sprint Cars have not tackled Legendary Hilltop since the late 70’s/early 80’s and the last Non Wing Sprint show in West Virginia was held way back in 1969 at the Ona Speedway. The BOSS tour averaged 37 cars per show last season and 18 drivers have already committed to chasing 2015 BOSS points. This will be one historical weekend!

*June 26 – Legendary Hilltop Speedway (Marietta, OH) – Greg Schilling Memorial

The Greg Schilling Memorial has been moved from the Skyline Speedway to the Legendary Hilltop Speedway. Although it hasn’t been announced, this race will probably pay $1,699 to win and $199 to start for the AMRA Modifieds. This race has had a whopping $17,000 purse in the past and will be sure to draw in Modifieds from all over Ohio, West Virginia and surrounding states. Skyline drew over 50 cars for this race and Legendary Hilltop should do the same. I hate to miss the first Summer Spectacular at 250 which is also scheduled for June 26th but Legendary Hilltop will be the place to be.

*July 10-11 – Tyler County Speedway (Middlebourne, WV) – Modified MEGA 100

The brand new Renegades of Dirt “Modified MEGA 100” is the largest Modified show in this region paying a huge $12,000 to the winner and an unheard of $1,200 to start. 30 entries have already been filed from 12 different states. To make this show even better, the UFo Late Models will be in the house for a pair of $5,000 to win shows! The UFo Late Models at “The Bullring” will be incredible with the pill draw and redraw format that is used. The Renegades UFo duo will make for a great 2 days at Tyler County.

*August 14 – 250 Speedway (Cadiz, OH) – Summer Spectacular #2

I consider the 250 Speedway my new home track since moving to Barnesville 3 years ago as it’s just 45 minutes from home. With them not running Late Models (Modifieds are the headliner), a lot of fans overlook 250 which makes it a hidden gem in my book. The Modified field is stacked from top to bottom and is led by Late Model veterans DJ Cline, Scott Peltz & Bob Moskey. The Summer Spectaculars at 250 have an increased purse for all classes and this usually brings in a few outsiders. I’m ready to sit on the hillside, eat some great 250 Speedway food, listen to some Phil Collins & see those double checkered flags. That’s what makes the 250 atmosphere different than anywhere else I’ve been.