STRATFORD, ONTARIO (July 21, 2011) - The tradition continues.
For the past 16 years, the weekend of drag racing fondly known as "The Stratford Days" will continue with the August 4-7 running of the Stratford Spectacular Hot August Nationals presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts Grand Bend Motorplex.This popular event started at St. Thomas Dragway in 1996 with a group of local Southwestern Ontario racers joining up with local businesses to promote a day at the track. The event has blossomed over the years, with solid support from the business community and more than 500 cars taking part in the quarter-mile racing.
The Stratford Days event has been held at Grand Bend for more than a dozen years.Offering free tickets through local merchants in the Stratford area, the Stratford Days race has brought a lot of fans into the stands, and this year's program offers a huge variety of drag racing action.
There will be full, points-meet events in the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series. The weekend will also feature Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Ike Maier in the Paton Racing Top Fueler, wheelstander and jetcar action, and two top Alcohol Funny Cars, the Larry Dobb's car and Cassandra Simonton driving the Kon Rodz Racing entry of Spiro Kontos.
"There's going to be something for everyone this year," noted Scott Wildgust, who is one of the show's organizers in 2011 and a competitor in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series. "This is not only a great weekend of racing, it is a time when racers and fans not only have a great variety of track action, but with the live concerts, fireworks display, vendor midway, and organized events after the racing, it is a must for everyone's calendar."
Wildgust added that the support from the business community grows each year for the event."We must thank the local businesses and sponsors for their time and support. They have made this event a big success. With their help we will continue to grow."
Thursday, August 4 the weekend gets underway with a Fan Fest Party hosted by Boston Pizza in Stratford. On Friday August 5 there will be a Test and Tune session beginning at 11 am, and the first qualifying round in the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS takes place at 7 pm, followed by entertainment presented by Ideal Supply in the NAPA tent.
The Vendor Midway opens at 9 am Saturday August 6 to start the day. After Time Trial sessions for Bracket racers in the afternoon, qualifying continues at 5 pm for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS, as well as round one for the Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Alcohol Funny Cars, Ike Maier Top Fuel Dragster, Wheelstander and Jet Dragster. At 7 pm qualifying and the show cars return, and the evening closes with fireworks and entertainment.
At 11:15 am Sunday August 7 eliminations begin along with a return of the Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars, Alcohol Funny Cars, Ike Maier Top Fuel Dragster, Wheelstander and Jet Dragster. Eliminations for the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS will continue through the day, with the final rounds scheduled for 5 pm.
Complimentary spectator event tickets will still be available at Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts locations across Ontario, at businesses in Stratford, by contacting the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Pro Bike & Sled Series or download a printable E-Ticket at www.stratfordspectacular.com
General parking is $20 per car load and weekend camping is available. For information about the Stratford Spectacular Hot August National presented by Ideal Supply & NAPA Auto Parts at the Grand Bend Motorplex, call (519) 238-7223, visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com or www.stratfordspectacular.com
