The 19th annual Northern Sprint Car Nationals weekend is fast approaching and with that, Ohsweken Speedway is making preparations, setting the stage for the last two weeks of “Friday Night Excitement” in the 2023 season. The track welcomes local and visiting race fans alike for Championship Night on September 8, followed by the 2nd running of the Northern Crate Nationals September 15, and closing out the season with the much-anticipated Northern Sprint Car Nationals September 16.
Speedway officials announced that the points chase for the Crate Sprints, 360 Sprints, Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks divisions remain close as they near the championship on September 8, with a race time set for 7:30 p.m. In addition, stocks are joining the racing card September 15, bringing the four divisions back for a final Friday night of action this season. The excitement continues September 16, with the 360s vying for a $10K purse in a 35-lap feature, drawing team entries throughout Ontario, Quebec, and into New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
A test and tune session open to all divisions from the 2023 season is also scheduled for September 14, in advance of the Nationals. Pit admission is $20 and hot laps are set for 6:30 p.m. Drivers will get a better understand and feel for the track and adjust their cars accordingly. For a chance to see your favourite driver practice in a class of racing that draws the best in their respective divisions, this is a no-brainer!
Historically, the Nationals weekend has been the season closer for the speedway since 2005. Over the years, it’s become a destination in and of itself, drawing a fan base in support of dirt track racing teams as far away as New Zealand and Australia. Likewise, the calibre of driver, car, and team combinations that have made the trek to Six Nations to compete on the 3/8-mile clay oval track continues to improve the sport. Without exception, Ohsweken Speedway has opened the doors for newcomers, local enthusiasts, and long-time afficionados to the racing scene, and continues to improve that experience for driver and fan alike.
For the fans, the track has become the place to converge for exceptional racing, driver meet-and-greets, and packages that include a selection of seating, camping, and race day extras. Their newly transformed souvenir and concession areas complete the deal. Its an elevated experience, continuing to draw drivers and race enthusiasts to the tune of attendance upwards of 8.5K for a single event and 50K annually from across Canada and the U.S. as a result.
To enhance that, they’ve made efforts to open their fan base, broadcasting live racing on G-Force TV (a YouTube platform) and via links on their Facebook and website. The speedway is also a setting for the Friday Night Thunder series on APTN, scheduled to premiere its third season on Sept. 8th. The show follows five local Six Nations families as they meet each week to compete in this adrenaline-charged grassroots form of racing, showcasing the Indigenous perspective, not to mention the thrills and hard-earned wins.
Ticket information for the Championship event September 8 and upcoming Northern Sprint Car Nationals weekend September 15 and 16 is available online at ohswekenspeedway.ca or via phone at (519) 717-0023. If you’re venturing into the pits, save time at the gate by completing the online pit waiver in advance of the race, available at the link provided here. For stats, updates, and racing details, stay connected and follow track socials at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Plan ahead and see you at the races!
Uncommonly Grand 