For the 34th time in history Ohio’s Attica Raceway Park fired off sprint cars in the cool March air.
For the 34th time in history Ohio‘s Attica Raceway Park fired off sprint cars in the cool March air.
It seems difficult to imagine that much time has passed since Attica first opened its gates in 1988. Compared to several of the tracks that feature sprint car racing on a regular basis, Attica is relatively new. During the previous 33 seasons Attica has been one of the most influential race tracks in sprint car racing.
Originally the brainchild of Eric Phillips, John Martin and Larry Keegan wanting a Friday night facility nearby at which to race, Attica has become a popular destination for sprint car racing fans. The facility known for hosting karting and harness racing quickly became the Friday night home for sprint car racing in Northern Ohio.
This group of gentlemen not only carved out a race track but changed how many of us view how a race program is supposed to take place. Something I refer to as, “Attica efficiency” was evident in my earliest visits to the track. The first weekly program I attended at Attica started promptly at 8 p.m. and was over before 10 p.m., with three full fields of race cars, two of which needed push starts.
That level of operation continues with the current promotional group as weekly programs are regularly completed with plenty of time to grab a meal or enjoy a beverage before heading home after the races.
While Attica is young compared to its Ohio counterparts, it played a significant role in keeping sprint car racing healthy in Northwest Ohio.
During the mid to late 1990s, nearby Fremont Speedway was going through a transition of sorts. 360 sprint cars were highlighted on a weekly basis for three seasons, then after a partial season in 1997 Fremont sat idle for two years. During that time, Attica provided a place for teams to compete. Without that Friday night venue to fall back on, it is difficult to grasp what sprint car racing in the state of Ohio would look like.
Attica‘s other major contribution to the area was the first 305 sprint car division in Ohio. Originally dubbed Econo Sprints, Attica‘s leadership group determined they needed a feeder class for the sprint car division to help produce new talent into the sport.
Four Econo Sprints checked into the pit area for that initial 305 sprint car event, but the small car counts did not last as the division flourished as other tracks jumped on board. At one point, there was even a touring series for 305 sprint cars in the Buckeye State.
That 305 division has produced many of the drivers who compete in the 410 sprint car division on a weekly basis at Attica, Fremont and even in some of the regional and national touring series. The division has also provided a place where veteran drivers can compete and provide the competition for those young stars, making it a great training ground for drivers to advance in the sport.
One thing Attica did successfully was build up some trademark events that we still look forward to attending. The Spring Nationals, Brad Doty Classic, Attica Ambush and annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek dates are commonly circled on calendars by racers in Ohio and beyond as must-attend events.
Along with those trademark races, Attica Raceway Park has aged to the point where some of the key figures in its history are being honored historically. Attica has recognized Phillips, who was the original promoter of the facility who died in 2007, with a race in his honor over the past several seasons.
This year former promoter and track preparer Gene Frankart will be honored with an event in his name.
Phllips, Frankart and former promoter and sprint car owner Janet Holbrook all contributed to the legacy Attica Raceway Park has built.
The current leadership with Mike Bores and Rex Lejeune working with the Attica Independent Fair Board to continue to lead a dedicated group of workers and volunteers that have continued to improve the facility and the experience of attending events at Attica.
With that great leadership Attica Raceway Park continues to be one of the most influential facilities in sprint car racing and has reached and age where we can celebrate its past and future.