Kalamazoo, MI (Friday, October 23, 2020) - With the race season now complete in the State of Michigan, it’s time for promoters to take a short breath and begin preparations for the 2021 season. Kalamazoo Speedway was among a group of tracks unable to host an event in 2020, and are getting ahead of the game. Last week the West Michigan speedway released version 1.0 of its 2021 schedule.
The unofficial start of the 2021 season will take place on April 17, with the COVID Crusher. This will be an open, non-points event featuring Street Stocks ( $1,500 to win) and Zoo Stocks ( $750 to win). The official start of the season kicks off with the traditional Intimidator 100 for the Outlaw Super Late Models on April 30, paying $5,000 to win. Several other “must-see” events dot the 2021 schedule.
A couple of firsts for the facility include a springtime Night of Destruction on May 8th, and a second Klash event for the Outlaws on June 11th. Joining the Outlaws for the June Klash event will be the Street Stocks, with their $2,500 to win Raber’s Rumble. The Midwest Modified Tour will invade Kzoo for their 100 lap Modified Nationals, paying $5,000 to win, on May 15th, and Kalamazoo Klash XXIX goes off on August 18th.
For open-wheel fans, a doubleheader is on tap on June 18th and 19th, hosting a Winged Madness weekend, that will feature Winged Super Modifieds and Winged Super Sprints. Jim Hanks will promote the June weekend. The season will end with its traditional Super Shoe XXXIV, although the event will take place one week earlier in 2021 due to past weather concerns.
Owner/Promoter Gary Howe appeared on Horsepower Happenings this week to discuss the schedule and his potential concerns. “We still aren’t done with this virus, and I think the next couple of months might be pretty tough,” commented Howe. “We’ll have to see where things are at in the spring, and adjust from there.”
Regardless, Howe is packing the 2021 schedule with events for everyone. Additional details including more races will be rolled out as more of the schedule comes together. For more information on Kalamazoo Speedway, log onto www.kalamazoospeedway.com.
For more stories from around the region, be sure to log onto www.horsepowerhappenings.com. Listen to the Horsepower Happenings Podcast, with new episodes every Monday night at 9:00 pm.
Story - Rich Frantz, Horsepower Happenings
Photo - Michael Wood