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Lakeville Speedway announced earlier this week that Randy Young, along with wife Sue and Agnes Spencer, has purchased the Ohio dirt track effective August 1. The track has been a staple of North Central Ohio for over 50 years.
The speedway opened in 1952 and helped launch the careers of NASCAR stars Tim Richmond and Jeff Gordon, and World of Outlaws winners Brad Doty, Kenny and Dean Jacobs, and Jac and Ed Haudenschild. Dirt Late Model superstars Racin’ John Mason, Donnie “Million Dollar” Morin, Butch “Bartman” Hartman, and the legendary Jim Dunn also cut their racing teeth here.
The track has had its share of hard times over the years. Under the direction (often misdirection) of several owners, its name changed several times, the track was closed and left for dead until 1995 when Bob Schippers came along and rescued it and began rebuilding the track, fan base, and field of cars. Last year the track found itself in competition for fans and cars when the nearby Hilltop Speedway re-opened after being dormant for 30 years. Like Lakeville Speedway, Hilltop also races on Friday nights. Bob did everything at the track, no job was too small. It was not an easy decision to sell.
Saturday night was Randy’s first event as track owner, and the show went as scheduled. It was night three of the American Payroll Advance Big 4 Series, with $2000 up for grabs to the winner and guaranteeing $200 to start in the 40 lap main. It was also Kid’s Night, with children getting to ride the race cars during intermission. With events like this for the kids, and “family sections” where drinking, smoking, and profanity are forbidden, Lakeville is keeping this a family sport.
Jeremy Gerhart won the feature in the Hamlin Racing Engines and Parts Pure Stock division. Jim Nicely and Tony Cline rounded out the top three.
In the American Cash Advance Super Late Models, the track provided a great three way battle for the lead, with lots of two and sometimes three wide racing through the field. Wayne Maffett Jr. and Mike Lonas started on the front row, but at the end of the first lap it was Dave Hornikel on the point.
Doug Drown moved past the front row starters and put on a terrific battle trying to get the lead from Hornikel. Doug was able to pull ahead of the leader in the turns, but Dave was able to hook up more power and maintain more momentum coming off the corners.
Doug took the lead on two occasions, but both times, Mark was able to retake the point later in the lap. Maffett Jr. and Lonas put on another epic battle for third, as the action continued throughout the field. Doug suffered a flat tire during a caution and went pit side to change it giving second place to Wayne, but with five laps left the lightening and rain put an end to the racing.
The Ray’s Garage Mini Stock feature and the Classic Cruisers feature will be run this Friday night, fans will see double features in those classes.
There are no changes planned for this season, which includes a full schedule of events and close points races. The ASA sanctioned track features Super Late Models, Outlaw Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Cruisers, Mini Stocks, and Mini Trucks. The track began rotating the late models and sprints this season, giving fans a variety of top level cars throughout the season. Big races are also scheduled for the other classes.
And while it’s too early for the brand new management team to have specific plans for the 2008 season, watch for the energetic staff to make improvements and breathe new life into the historic track. In fact when called for an interview Saturday morning, the new owner was already on a tractor working on the racing surface.
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