Crystal, MI (Wednesday, February 15, 2023) - With new management and new owners at the helm, Crystal Motor Speedway is looking ahead to a brand new season for 2023. The team has released their 2023 schedule of events and there are some notable changes already in store for the historic mid-Michigan dirt track. One of the most glaring changes is the attempt to run the Speedway late into October.
Released via a Facebook post, the 2023 schedule begins with a Test & Tune weekend Saturday and Sunday, April 8th and 9th. The first official night of racing is set for Saturday, April 15th with a regular show. The 2023 'Regular Show' line-up consists of Late Models (American Racers), Pros Stocks, Pro Trucks, IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, Flint Stocks, and Mini Wedges. On April 22nd, the Great Lakes Super Sprints Presented by Engine Pro and ARP (GLSS) roll to the Speedway as part their season-opening double-header weekend. April ends with another Full Show on Saturday, April 29th.
Saturday, May 6th will be a Full Show with a Yes 2 Kids ride sponsored by Big Brothers Birg Sisters Gratiot/Montcalm Counties. Saturday, May 13th is another Full Show paired with a Relay for Life Fundraiser night. A huge show scheduled for May 20th, with the Ron Flinn 52, paying homage to the namesake who promoted the Speedway for so many years. Late Models will race for 52 laps, and the leader will get $52 per lap led. If one driver leads the entire race, they would collect over $2,700. The GLSS return to Crystal on May 27th, part of a double-header weekend for Crystal. The Speedway will return to action on Sunday, May 28th with another Full Show plus Fireworks.
In June, Crystal has their first IMCA Modifieds Fast Shaft Qualifier. Modifieds will race for $1,500 to win. June 10th features the Speedway's Mid-Season Championship Night, followed just four days later by the first Wednesday show of the season. The Speedway will open for their first IMCA Modified Midweek Special. The day will also serve as an open practice for any car that would like to participate. June 17th and 24th wrap up the month with Full Shows.
A busy kick-off to the month of July, with a Full Show on Saturday, July 1st, followed by another Full Show plus Fireworks on Monday, July 3rd. 'Yes 2 Kids' returns on July 8th for Christmas in July; also an autograph session will be held before the races. A Full Show on July 15th, followed by another Wednesday Midweek Special on July 19th. Street Stocks get a chance at some extra cash on July 22nd during the Lebo's Birthday Bash. The division will run 50 laps for a shot at $722. The Great Lakes Lightning Sprints are on the card for July 29th alongside a Full Show.
August 5th is Police Appreciation Night, not only do Officers with an ID get free admittance, but their families do too. August 9th the facility opens for another Wednesday Midweek Special followed by another Fast Shafts Qualifier on Saturday, August 12th. The final regular Full Show of the season is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th with Season Championship night the following week, August 26th.
Labor Day Weekend will see a Full Show alongside GLSS with Fireworks on Saturday, September 2nd, then on Sunday Outlaw Late Models race for $750 to start, plus Open Modifieds and Great Lakes Lightning Sprints. The Great Lakes Nationals are September 15th & 16th. The staple event for Crystal Motor Speedway features nine divisions of racing, including the first and only stop for the Great Lakes Traditional Sprints in 2023. The Speedway rests for a few weeks before a unique outlook on October.
For the final month of the season, Crystal Motor Speedway will run Pro Stocks, Pro Trucks, and Street Stocks on any 8" tire. Late Models will also run an open tire rule for the final four scheduled weeks of the season. The four divisions will make up the October slate of Full Shows.
Start times vary at the Speedway dependent on the time of year. For the most up to date information, follow Crystal Motor Speedway on Facebook, and check out their website, www.CrystalMotorSpeedway.com
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Jim DenHamer File Photo