LEHIGHTON, Pa. – The Race of Champions Modified Series will return to Mahoning Valley Speedway this year to close out the season on Oct. 3.
The race, which will also be a part of Mahoning Valley’s special five-race Hall of Fame Series, will be a 99-lap event held in honor of Hal Renninger.
This will mark the first time since 2016 that the Race of Champions will be returning to the paved Lehighton quarter-mile oval, when then 15-year old Kyle Strohl scored a huge upset win in a 150-lapper.
“Mahoning is a pillar in modified racing and we are looking forward to it. It has been missed and we all have to work together to unify what we are all doing. This is a great step in that direction,” stated Joe Skotnicki, owner of the Race of Champions series.
“This race will differ a little from what we have been doing. Now the Series champion will be crowned at Mahoning which puts the focus on the race at Lake Erie and a much different focus on Mahoning. It’s going to be exciting.”
Skotnicki, Mahoning Valley Promoter Keith Hoffman and track owner Jack Carlino had been in ongoing discussions on bringing the Race of Champions back to Mahoning and trying to find a viable date that would work for both parties and the Oct. 3 date was mutually agreed to be the best.
“Keith (Hoffman) has a passion for this and some fresh ideas. He has a great background and history in this sport and we’ve worked around each other before. He understands the business and the keys to being successful,” added Skotnicki.
Over the years the Race of Champions has made numerous stops at Mahoning Valley and each time it generated solid car counts that saw an array of track regulars battling down to the wire against the Tour steadies.
“I don’t think it will be any different now than it has been. It will be a mixture of racers and it will be exciting, plus some of the teams have followed the Series now, so they will be able to have their fans and family get to see them perform on the Series locally. It’s an exciting event,” noted Skotnicki.
If needed a rain date of Saturday, Oct. 9 will be used.