Quincy, MI - The 2024 schedule of events has been released for Butler Motor Speedway in south-central Michigan. The Speedway once known as the fasted 3/8ths high-banked oval continues to show a fan-oriented schedule in the third year under new owner/promoter, Tim Wilber. The racers are remembered during the scheduling process as well, with multiple "off-nights" for each division, and high paying races for all four of the regular season divisions throughout the season.
The nearly two-dozen race calendar begins with an 'open to all classes' Test & Tune on Saturday, April 27th. The following week, the season officially begins with a standard 4-in-1 program featuring house divisions of 410 Sprint Cars, DirtCar UMP Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Four-Cylinders on May 4th. The first special shows up on week two with the Great Lakes Traditional Sprints (non-wing 410s) racing alongside the house Winged 410s; Street Stocks and Four-Cylinders take the night off. On May 25th the Speedway pays tribute to longtime Technical Inspector, James Perkins, who lost his battle with cancer just a few seasons ago.
June kicks off with one of the most anticipated shows in the entire State of Michigan on Saturday, June 1st. Brad Sweet and Kyle Larson's High Limit Racing Series make their inaugural trip to Butler in the Series' first year as a national touring Sprint Car Series. Build on big money, big chances, and the "high limit room" style of thrills, fans will be on the edge of their seat for the $12,085 to win MAce Thomas Classic.
On June 8th, fans get their chance to shine during Autograph Night; a night where fans get to interact one-on-one with their favorite driver, see the cars up close, and more. June 15th the popular regional touring sprint car series, the Great Lakes Super Sprints bring their Winged 360s to race alongside the Winged 410s, Street Stocks, and Four-Cylinders. The night is the first of two scheduled Winged Sprints double-feature shows. June 22nd, Street Stocks get their first special event of the season racing for an increased purse of $750 to win. June closes out on the 29th with a standard 4-in-1 show.
July is no slouch in the schedule, with another blockbuster show on Thursday, July 11th with the DIRTcar UMP Summer Nationals Hell Tour featuring DIRTcar UMP Late Models and Modifieds. The national tour will race for $5,000 to win on Thursday, before the Speedway returns for Fireworks Night and $1,776 to win for DIRTcar UMP Modifieds that Saturday, July 13th. July 20th fans and drivers learn where they stack up so far in the year with Midseason Championship Night. The Wilson Memorial, featuring $3,100 to win for Winged 410 Sprint Cars is Saturday, July 27th. The final night of July also serves as "Old Timers Night" featuring vintage race cars and drivers from days gone bye.
August is arguably the "calmest" month of the schedule but still features 'bang-for-your-buck' shows. On August 3rd, Butler helps parents get ready for the new school year with Kids Night/Backpack Night featuring a 4-in-1 program. August 10th the regular program returns for the final time as a standard show. August 17th, the Great Lakes Super Sprints are back for the final time alongside 410 Winged Sprint Cars, Street Stocks, and Four-Cylinders. DIRTcar UMP Late Models return on August 24th with the Valvoline American Late Model Ironman Series, UMP Modifieds, and Four-Cylinders. August closes up with the 4th Annual Terry Wilber Memorial.
The 7th Annual John Reeve Memorial is September 7th, which typically features increased purses for all four divisions and is the penultimate race of the 2024 season. Champions will be honored and/or decided on Saturday, September 14th during Season Championship Night, the final scheduled race of the season.
Division sponsors appear to be returning again for 2024 with the Pell's Tire Service Sprint Cars, MAGALift Pit Lifts Modifieds, Elite Contracting Street Stocks, and RPM Trucking Four-Cylinders. For more information on Butler Motor Speedway, visit www.ButlerSpeedway.com.
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Over the Limit Images