Lake City, MI (Friday, April 30, 2021) - The opening weekend for the Allstar Performance Late Model Challenge Series Supported by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort has been postponed due to weather. Michael Blackmer, Promoter of both Tri City and Merritt Speedways explained that the event’s at Tri City for Friday, April 30th had been cancelled, however, Merritt would still race on Saturday, simply not as a Challenge Series event. The Challenge Series double-header weekend has been rescheduled.
During a Facebook Live presentation on Friday morning, Blackmer explained that chilly Spring temperatures mixed with excessive winds led to the cancellation. Blackmer explained he didn’t wish to see his employees or fans forced to deal with the uncomfortable conditions.
“I don’t want the fans to get there and get that wind and get cold,” Blackmer said. “It’s too cold for my employees to be out there working with the winds like it is,” concluded Blackmer.
With that in mind, Blackmer did clarify that Merritt Speedway will race on Saturday, May 1 with a full program including DIRTcar UMP Late Models. The show will not count as a Late Model Challenge Series event, however, with the loss of Friday’s race at Tri City.
“We are gonna race at Merritt Speedway,” said Blackmer. “Tomorrow’s Late Model race still will pay $3,000 to win, $300 to start,” Blackmer explained.
As for the Allstar Performance Late Model Challenge Series openers, the double-header weekend moves to Friday and Saturday, May 14th and 15th. Tri City will host the Friday night show, with Merritt handling Saturday’s program.
Gates at Merritt Speedway for Saturday will open at 3:00 PM. A full 7-in-1 show will feature UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, B-Mods, Pro Stocks, Factory Stocks, 4-6 Cylinders, and Mini-Wedges. For more information log onto www.MerrittSpeedwayMI.com and find Merritt Speedway on Facebook.
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Story - Zach Hiser, Horsepower Happenings