FRANKLIN, PA. Tri-City Speedway opens with all-star race

Drivers from five states are expected to take part in the sprint car event.
FRANKLIN, Pa. -- Tri-City Speedway opens its 2002 racing season Sunday in a big way. The event will be a $25,000 sprint car special sanctioned by the All Star Circuit of Champions.
Originally scheduled to be the fourth race of the year on Tri-City's half-mile oval, the All Stars now will be part of the track's opening day celebration.
Drivers from five states are expected to invade Tri-City, with time trials starting at 6 p.m. The fastest time of the night will be awarded 1,000 quarters from Carriage City Car Wash of Rocky Grove.
Defending All Star Champion and current points leader, Kenny Jacobs of Holmesville, Ohio, who has been shut out of victory lane in the first 11 races this year, will come with his best equipment to claim the top prize of $5,000.
Tri-City has its own sprint car favorites, headed by 2001 NorthPointe Automotive Super Sprint track champion, Scott Bonnell of Fairview, Pa., who has "celebrity" status this week. His backup car is on display in Harrisburg, Pa., in the Capitol Rotunda as part of the state's recognition of Small Business Projects.
Bonnell also traveled to Florida in February to run with the All Stars at East Bay Raceway, and early in April he ran with the group at Eldora Speedway.
Most of Western Pennsylvania's top drivers have indicated they plan to be at Tri-City on Sunday to match talents with the All Stars and the Pennsylvania Posse stars from the eastern tracks.
The Pittsburgh Circle Track Club Senior Series Stock Cars are on the card also, with gates set to open at 4 p.m. Adult grandstand admission is $19.
The track is located on Rt. 417 north of Franklin. Free camping and RV parking is available. For more information, contact the track office at (814) 473-4038.