The Tri-State Sprints are set for the first-ever event at Grand Bend Speedway coming up on August 23.  The main event will run at 8:00 PM with preliminary events starting at 5:45 pm.  Fans can get on track up close to the cars and drivers at 7:30 pm.  The evening also includes racing from the Ontario Pro Sprints, 9HP Sprints, Invitational Bone Stocks, Junior Sprints,  and Go Karts.

The Tri-State sprints are heading into their second season of competition.  Based mainly in Michigan, the name is in reference to the three states most of the drivers are from (Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio) and is also a call back to the Tri-Sac series of old, essentially a “run what you brung” series of sprint cars and super modifieds.  The Tri-State series aims to reignite that style of competition allowing both sprint cars and super modifieds under a fairly open rulebook, provided the vehicle is running a cost-saving 10” tire that helps equalize competition by reducing the advantage of big horsepower.

An exhibition practice earlier this season with the Tri-State sprints is an important milestone for Grand Bend Speedway: full-size sprint had never run at the track before.  The exhibition, which was considered a success by the series, gave drivers a chance to feel out the track and for the speedway to make preparations for the August 23 event.

Sprint cars are open wheel light-weight vehicles with high horsepower, generating close to 900 horsepower in a 1600 pound car.  The vehicles are easily recognizable with their signature top-mounted wing that generates additional downforce for incredible cornering.  Combine that high-horsepower and light weight and that makes sprint cars a thrill to watch wherever the race.

By reducing that horsepower advantage, and the costs associated with maintaining a competitive high-powered engine, series founder and Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer John Hotchkiss hopes to draw otherwise parked vehicles out of the barn and back on to the race track for fun, exciting events on a variety of racing venues.

Tickets for the event are available at the door the day of the event.