NASCAR stars coming to Sharon oval

HARTFORD — NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne will compete against local drivers at the inaugural Lou Blaney Memorial Classic on Tuesday.

The event at Sharon Speedway is being held to honor the memory of Hall of Fame short-track driver Lou Blaney, who passed away in January following a lengthy illness.

Tony Stewart, the Sprint Cup Series points leader, and Kahne, winner of the recent NASCAR race in Sonoma, Calif., will be joined by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular Dave Blaney.

“This race is a throw-back to the 1950s and ’60s when it was not unusual to see the sports superstars compete on the nation’s short-tracks,” said Sharon Speedway general manager Larry Mattingly. “You don’t see much of that happening today, what with heavy schedule demands and high-dollar sponsorship commitments.

“The Blaney Classic is also unique in that it isn’t being sanctioned by any of the national dirt track organizations. That is also ‘old school’,” Mattingly said. “Forty years ago big mid-week ‘invitational’ races were the norm, and fans were excited to see just who would pull into the pit area. That is what we have going on this Tuesday.”

Challenging the NASCAR elite will be five drivers — Danny Holtgraver, Kevin Schaeffer, Bob Felmlee, Jack Sodeman Jr. and Dan Shetler — who all have victories at Sharon Speedway this season.

Also expected to compete are Dave Blaney’s brother, Dale, the defending All Star Circuit of Champions titleholder, and Tim Shaffer of Aliquippa, Pa., this year’s ASCOC points leader.

There will also be a race in the big block modifieds class, in a 30-lap feature.

The three NASCAR drivers, along with Dale Blaney, will be participating in a special “Alzheimer’s Awareness Autograph Alley” from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Autograph distribution will be through a lottery system using the speedway’s commemorative magazine, which will be devoted to the life and career of Lou Blaney. Proceeds will benefit the NE Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Approximately 30 retired drivers, who competed with Lou Blaney over his 40-year racing career, will also be on hand to sign autographs and meet fans in the speedway’s FAN-Tastic Zone.

The VARC vintage racecar club will be presenting a static and on-track exhibition throughout the evening, and the night will be capped by a fireworks show.

Spectators are reminded that the speedway’s East grandstand, ticket window, parking lot and refreshment area will be open for this event.

Free primitive camping is available in both the east and west parking areas. Campers must register at the track office.

Adult admission is $18, students (9-13) are $8, and kids (age 8 and under) are free. Entry to the pit area is $30.

Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m. with racing set to begin at 7.

The rain date is Wednesday.