With spring well underway, the opening of the racing season is hot on its heels. Ohsweken Speedway excels at setting the stage for “Friday Night Excitement,” where local fans and visiting race enthusiasts are treated with the same great hospitality. Their 3/8 mile clay oval welcomes everyone annually for Friday night dirt track racing thrills from May to September, and the 2023 season is no exception.
Originally scheduled for May 5th, the practice session for all cars competing at the track was recently postponed due to ground conditions. Now set for May 12th, drivers from the four weekly divisions will test and fine-tune, including Thunder Stocks, 360 Sprints, Crate Sprints and Mini Stocks. The season opener is scheduled for May 19th where all divisions will make their official debut. The full 2023 race schedule is packed with events you won’t want to miss, leading up to the 2nd running of the Canadian Crate Sprint Nationals and the 19th running of the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.
Now entering its 26th season, the track has transformed from its beginnings, becoming a unique driver and fan destination alike. From the original vision of owner and local race car driver, Glenn Styres, it has grown to capacities greater than 8K, hosting a variety of series and events, incorporating a mix of spectator seating, race packages, camping, pit admission, and driver meet-and-greets. It also has a newly transformed concession and souvenir space.
The allure is that because racing looks and feels a lot like “family,” out there just doing what they love, as a fan you get to feel that same way too. From the free parking with your own crew, to the ticket booth and gate where the local staff make you feel welcome. In the stands seeing friendly faces and first timers sharing a laugh over tasty concession combos in seats lightly covered in track dust. (PS, glasses and good hearing protection are good calls – especially for the little ones.) Watching the amazing summer sunsets off Turn 3 together with the racing action, not to mention the fireworks that follow… it couldn’t be better. From the moment you arrive until saying the final goodnight to fellow fans, it’s an experience unlike any other.
The sport itself has a way of making everyone feel welcome, and speedway hosts, teams, and drivers never fail to extend the same kindness into the Six Nations community as they do at the track. Bicycle night, Halloween and Christmas in July, and Back to School Backpack night are just a few examples of their efforts in partnership with sponsors. The Ohsweken Speedway Kids Club also offers young fans (12 years of age and under) free grandstand admission for this year’s regular Friday night events as well as free pre-race activities. Pit tours and driver meet-and-greets are also part of the action!
The Ohsweken Speedway brings family and friends together to watch “Friday Night Excitement” as fans of sport and dirt track racing in particular. But the experience they take away from it keeps them coming back for more! It’s a win-win.
Admission rates for 2023 regular weekly events are $20 for Adult Grandstand, $15 for Senior (65+) and Youth (13-17) tickets, and kids 12 and under are free. For race stats, schedule updates and season details, stay connected and follow track socials at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and catch all the racing action on YouTube.
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