The third time’s potentially the charm as the Attica Raceway Park opens the 2024 season on Friday night, March 29. The championship chase begins for all three weekly divisions – 410 Sprints, Late Models and 305 Sprints.
Many drivers have announced their intentions to compete at the 1/3-mile, mainly in the 410 Sprint Car division. Names like Sean Rayhall, Tylar Rankin, Chris Andrews, Tyler Gunn, Keith Sheffer Jr., Max Stambaugh and Darin Naida will be on hand to compete against reigning Attica and AFCS champion Cap Henry, Craig Mintz, Nate Dussel, Mitch Harble, Kasey Jedrzejek, Mike Moore, and many more.
While the announcements haven’t come in the waves that the 410’s have, a handful of big Late Model names are expected. Travis Stemler, Mike VanderMark Jr. and Eric Spangler are set to compete against the local contingent that includes Rusty Shiels, who will start his quest for a fifth-straight track championship.
New to 2024 will be increased weekly purses and points funds. The total point fund for all three divisions will be at $50,000. All non-sanctioned 410 events will pay $4,000 to win and feature a total purse of over $15,000, while the purse for Late Models will total $6,800 and the 305 Sprints purse will be at $5,800.
Attica will race weekly from Friday night until Friday, September 6, when season champions will be crowned. Special races will be scattered throughout the year, including the return of the World of Outlaws-sanctioned Brad Doty Classic on Tuesday July 16, Ohio Sprint Speedweek on June 7, a second World of Outlaws show on May 17 and an appearance by the American Iron Man Late Model Series on May 24.
Also returning in 2024 is the Attica-Fremont Championship Series (AFCS) for 410 and 305 Sprints, and the Attica-Oakshade Late Model Series. The AFCS opener will April 19, while the first Attica-Oakshade Late Model sanctioned event will be on May 10.
Coming off a clean sweep of the Attica and Fremont track titles along with the AFCS title, Cap Henry will be back with Jeff Ward Motorsports in 2024. Henry beat out the newly-retired Byron Reed for the Attica track championship last season.
Devin Shiels will be looking for a fifth-straight Late Model title this season and sixth overall, which would put him ahead of last year’s runner-up Ryan Missler for most all-time. Shiels also took the Attica-Oakshade Late Model championship.
Jamie Miller is the defending Attica 305 Sprint Car champion, winning four races on his way to his fourth title. However, he just missed the AFCS 305 title by just six points to Paul Weaver, who clinched his fourth championship in a row.
Gates will open at 5:00pm, with racing at 7:45.
For more information on Attica Raceway Park, go to their website at https://atticaracewaypark.com/.
Story - Koty Geyer
Photo - INSZN Media