Kalamazoo, MI (Sunday, January 29, 2023) - Officials with Kalamazoo Speedway have released their 2023 schedule and there is one thing obviously missing from the “Weekly Divisions” portion of the graphic - Outlaw Super Late Models. While Template Late Models, Street Stocks, Outlaw Front-Wheel-Drives (FWD), and Zoo Stocks still remain on the weekly calendar, Outlaw Super Late Models will race just four times this season. Between the four races, however, Outlaw Super Late Models will battle for a total $30k to win.
The track opens for the first time on Saturday, April 8th for pre-season testing. All types of vehicles are welcome to the West Michigan bullring for the early spring shakedown. The following week, Enduro fans get a treat with the Tax Day Krash & Bash Gut & Go 100 lap Enduro. Another test night on Wednesday, April 19th prior to the Saturday season opener April 22nd. Big payouts will be on the line with Template Late Models racing for $ 1,200 to win, Street Stocks will see an impressive $2,000 prize, Outlaw FWDs feature $500 to win, and Zoo Stocks battle for a $400 payday.
Friday, April 28th is the first appearance of the season of Outlaw Super Late Models. The traditional Outlaw kickoff event is the Intimidator 100. Last season, Tyler Roahrig came from the ninth starting spot and carved his way to another Intimidator 100 win. The triumph marked Roahrig’s second Intimidator 100 win in a row. He finished second to Adam Terry in the 2019 event.
May features mostly weekly division racing at the 3/8ths mile oval with one special on Friday, May 19th. Modifieds will take center stage when they battle for $2,500 to win. In 2022, the Modified event was sanctioned by the Midwest Modifieds Tour. Jeff Ganus took his no. 5 machine to victory lane last season.
The June Kalamazoo schedule features something special nearly every time the gates open. On Friday, June 2nd, the Michiana Vintage Racers join the weekly racing program. Then on June 9th, it’s the second event for the Outlaw Super Late Models featuring another $5,000 to win show. On Friday, June 16, the Modifieds are back with another $2,500 to win contest. Saturday, June 24 the first Night of Destruction show unloads at the race track. The following week on Friday, June 30, the National Compact Touring Series will battle for $3,000 to win. Plus, Zoo Stocks race for $1,000.
In July, things kick off with ‘Merica Night at the Zoo featuring Enduro type cars. Arguably one of the biggest nights of the year at “The Zoo” comes on Saturday, July 8 with what officials are calling the “Trifecta”. Outlaw Super Late Models are back for Kalamazoo Klash XXI paying $15,000 to win. Plus, Template Late Models race for $5,000, the Raber’s Rumble Street Stock special pays $5,000 to win. This year’s Kalamazoo Klash has a scheduled rain date of Sunday, July 9th. Modifieds return on Friday, July 14th, and the month finishes with weekly racing July 21 & July 28. The Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club will be on hand on July 28.
In August, racing begins on Saturday, August 5th with Big Rig Races. Template Late Models, Outlaw FWDs, and Zoo Stocks race for increased pay on Friday, August 11. Outlaw Super Late Models return for their final (regular) race of the season on August 18 for $5,000 to win alongside Street Stocks for $1,000 to win. August 25 Modifieds are back for the fourth and final time for $2,500 to win, plus another $1,000 to win Street Stock race.
Season Championships kick off September on Friday, September 1 with increased pay for all four divisions. The second Night of Destruction is Saturday, September 16, and the iconic Super Shoe is Friday, September 29 - Sunday, October 1. The 2023 season officially ends for Kalamazoo Speedway on Saturday, November 25 with the 4th Annual Bad Santa 100 lap enduro.
The full 2023 Kalamazoo Speedway schedule can be found here. Follow Kalamazoo Speedway on Facebook for more updates throughout the season. Schedule releases are always tentative.
Story - Zach Hiser
Photo - Koty Geyer