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SALUTE TO THE KINGS TO FEATURE ‘PAST AND PRESENT’
ROSSBURG, OH (June 23) – Sitting high atop the fabled throne at Eldora Speedway at the completion of the Kings Royal is revered amongst the Sprint Car fraternity as one the highest honors within the industry. Only 13 drivers have walked the hallowed Eldora Stage to sit in that position.
In recognition of this year’s silver anniversary of the Kings Royal, each of those 13 drivers have been invited to participate in a special ‘Salute to the Kings’, and the majority of them have acknowledged their intention to attend..
To be held Saturday afternoon, July 12, in the Eldora Ballroom, and open to the public, the gathering will take on the appearance of a ‘who’s who’ in Sprint Car racing. Already submitting their intentions to participate are current drivers Steve Kinser (1984, 1988, 1991, 1997, 2003, 2005), Jac Haudenschild (1987, 1994, 1998), Joey Saldana (2002, 2006), Dale Blaney (2000), Jason Sides (2004) and Donny Schatz (2007).
Additionally, Doug Wolfgang (1985, 1990), Don Krietz, Jr. (1986), Sammy Swindell (1992, 1999) and Bobby Davis, Jr. (1989) will be returning to Eldora for this special occasion. Dave Blaney will be in Chicago for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race, while Johnny Herrera and Mark Kinser are uncertain on their plans.
For that group, it will be the first time in many years that they have returned to Eldora, and they look forward to the opportunity to reunite with their fans and reminisce Kings Royal tales.
Wolfgang has not seen Eldora since the early 90’s and is eagerly awaiting the return visit, while defending champion Schatz is looking forward to being on the same stage with Wolfgang. “Doug Wolfgang was one of my heroes growing up, so to be part of this reunion of Kings Royal winners is a really big deal. It’s a huge honor to have my name amongst some of the best that have ever driven a Sprint Car”, commented Schatz.
Davis echoes “It’s been so long since I’ve been back to Eldora, I’m really looking forward to this trip. I don’t even care if gas if $5.00 a gallon by July – that’s not going to stop me from coming up. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
Haudenschild is another driver looking forward to the reunion. “I just love the Kings Royal – those three trophies are the centerpiece of my trophy room at home. It’s going to be fun to see some of the guys like Wolfie and Bobby, Jr., who don’t race with us anymore.”
With the doors opening at 11:00, the ceremony will include a luncheon at 12:00 and promises to be concluded in quick fashion to allow the teams to prep for the evening’s 25th annual running of the $50,000 to win Kings Royal, and for the fans to attend the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame auction at 3:00.
Tickets for the affair are priced at $15 and may be purchased by calling the track office at (937) 338-3815.
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