FRANKLIN, Pa. – The opening night of the Applefest Race Weekend at Tri-City Raceway Park welcomed fans with free grandstand admission to watch race teams from several states practice the weekend’s event.
Fifty-two race teams capitalized on the opportunity to test and tune their machines on the half-mile oval in preparation Sunday’s finale.
The fastest driver to tour the clay was sprint car driver Gary Kreiss, who averaged more than 116 mph during a practice lap.
The three-day event includes a party following the races Saturday night, with a live performance by Midnight Blue and grand prize drawings Sunday, with a giant fireworks display closing out the weekend Sunday night following the racing action.
In addition to the unofficial practice sessions on Friday night, Rick Regalski defeated early race leader Steve Barr to claim the prize money in the Small Block Modified division’s Non-Winners’ Race. The race was a special event held for competitors still seeking their first victory. Fifteen drivers participated in the race.