Heartland Park adds Dirt Track events

DIRT RACING RETURNS TO HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA IN 2006

TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 30, 2006) - For the past two race seasons the banked oval dirt track at Heartland Park Topeka has been used for off-road truck and buggy racing. In 2006, the dirt track will be back to normal for a ten-race series through the summer months and promoted by a pair of brothers very familiar with dirt track racing.

John and Larry Lowrey, hosts of the popular "In the Pits with John and Junior" on Topeka's 580 WIBW radio, have signed on to promote and handle the operation of a dirt track race series in 2006 at Heartland Park Topeka. The series will be run every other Sunday from May 14 to Sept. 10, with Monday racing over Memorial and Fourth of July weekends.

"We're very happy to team up with John and Larry to get the dirt track back up and running," said Raymond Irwin, Heartland Park Topeka owner.

"It's been a couple of years since the oval was used, so we wanted to make sure and set a schedule that would allow us to grow into a weekly series down the road. We're not quite ready for racing every week, but this is the first step. And we're looking forward to the dirt track becoming as busy as our drag strip and road course in the coming years."

Race dates in 2006 include practice sessions April 23 and 30, and the ten races scheduled for May 14, May 29, June 11, June 25, July 3, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, and Sept. 10. A salute to the Topeka Legends and a special race is also scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3.

"It's important for us to honor the Legends of Topeka, the former racers that were such a big part of Sunday racing at the old Topeka Raceway and the racers who were a part of the Topeka Fairgrounds," Irwin said. "With the move to Sunday racing, we felt it would be the perfect way for us to return dirt track racing to Heartland Park while going back to some of the traditions of dirt tracks in this area."

All racing will include three classes: Modified, Factory Stock, and Hobby Stock.

Spectator pricing will be $5 for adults (all seats general admission), and kids ages two to 12 will be just $1.

"We are really excited about this joint venture with Heartland Park Topeka," said Larry Lowrey Jr.

"Racing in the capital city has a great past, as well a great future. John and I are looking forward to bringing back local dirt track racing to the area," said Lowrey.

"We want this venture to evolve into something really special and we think it can be done. The Heartland Park dirt track is a first-class facility, the racers in our area are some of the best in the Midwest and the fans are deserving of great racing. John and I are fans of racing and this is our chance to give something back."

For more information on the 2006 dirt season at Heartland Park Topeka, you can go to the Lowrey brothers' website at www.inthepits.net.

Heartland Park Topeka, a multi-purpose racing facility located in Topeka, Kan. annually hosts NHRA POWERade drag racing, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and many other events throughout the race season.

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