LONDON, ON – Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip, Sprint Cup Sonoma race winner Clint Bowyer, and eleven-time X-games gold medalist Travis Pastrana are set to hit the London-area track of Delaware Speedway this Wednesday for the APC Summer Showdown held in support of the London Health Sciences Foundation. The event is made up of autograph sessions, time trials, qualifying races, and a 60-lap main event. Preparations are ramping up at the speedway heading into the big event this Wednesday, July 18th at 8:00 pm.
“The preparation is well worth it to make sure the fans and drivers get a great experience,” explained track PR director John Houghton. “There are lots of details to get right from travel arrangements, autograph sessions, to the race itself. This is one of the biggest events of the year in the region and always one of the most highly anticipated by fans and drivers alike.”
After this last week’s races, the stage has been set for an intense competition Wednesday night under the lights. Last race, weekly drivers Kirk Hooker (#38H) of Chatham and defending champion Andrew Gresel (#81) of Hepworth were tied in the championship points standings. Entering the APC Summer Showdown, even after trying to get the best of each other, the pair continues to tied for the top spot. Expect this race to be a key battleground in the chase for the Delaware Speedway track championship.
Tickets for the event continue to be available through the track’s website with no service fees. Tickets will also be available at the door, but with a risk of sellout present the only way to guarantee entry is to have an advanced ticket. 6,000 tickets are available for the event. Camping is free of charge behind the track’s back stretch. Some campers have already begun arriving in anticipation of the big race.
Fans hoping to meet the drivers have a number of different options to choose from. Three hundred autograph bands for each driver will provide the opportunity to meet Michael Waltrip, Travis Pastrana, or Clint Bowyer. These bands will be made available prior to the spectator gate opening at 2:00 pm. Only one band will be allowed per spectator for that autograph session which will occur at 6:30 pm. Other options include the VIP Meet and Greet Lunch at 1:00 pm or the paid sessions at 3:00 pm. Paid session registration is available at the track website.
Race officials are keeping close watch on the weather heading into the big day. While forecasts are calling for rain on Wednesday, hourly forecasts suggest that the weather will have moved off before the afternoon and well before race time. Spectators can make use of the track webcam throughout the day to check on conditions to help plan their arrival.
A portion of the proceeds from the event are being donated to the London Health Sciences Foundation as well as the track’s 50/50 charity draw for the event. Any winnings earned by Waltrip, Bowyer, or Pastrana during the event will also go to the foundation. A handful of local drivers have also volunteered their winnings including Jamie Cox (#22) of Dorchester, Matt Pritiko (#21) of London, and Jonathan Urlin (#4) of London.
Important times for the day are as follows:
1:00 pm – VIP Meet and Greet (APC Tent)
2:00 pm – Spectator Gates Open. Public autograph bands distributed before 2:00 pm or when line reaches maximum length.
2:15 pm – Bowyer, Pastrana, Waltrip practice on track
3:00 pm – Paid autograph session (registration online)
4:30 pm – Open practice on track
6:00 pm – Time Trial Qualifying on track
5:45 pm – Interviews and Grandstand Q&A with Waltrip, Bowyer, Pastrana on front stretch
6:30 pm – Public Autograph session. Local drivers on front stretch for fans to see the cars and meet the drivers
8:00 pm – Racing Begins
Delaware Speedway is a half-mile paved oval stock-car track located minutes from London, Ontario, Canada. Since 1952, Delaware Speedway has been the home to some of the best stock car racing in Canada. Its unique, natural, amphitheatre-like setting allows a family or group of friends to enjoy exciting, comfortable and affordable evening or afternoon of action at the track. For more information visit www.delawarespeedway.com.
–Previous APC Summer Showdown Winners– July 7, 2010 – Kyle Busch (#51) of Las Vegas, NV July 13, 2011 – Jesse Kennedy (#10) of Southwold, ON
–FT Garage Late Model Event Winners 2012–
#81 Andrew Gresel of Hepworth (June 8, 2012)
#3 Mark Watson of St. Thomas (June 22, 2012)
#10 Jesse Kennedy of Southwold (June 29, 2012 Sifton 100)
#8 Marc Jacobs of London (July 13, 2012)
From Delaware Speedway
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