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| Tuesday, April 14th |
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Ohio's Fun Place to Race!!
2026 Race Season |
 | December 2, 2004 |
Several rumors have been swirling about racing at Midvale Speedway. One that has been very much talked about is false. It has been stated that kids will no longer be able to race.....this is WRONG. Kids 14 and over will still be allowed to race in Compacts, but all other details, if there are any changes, will be announced. Please think about the source of the rumor before taking it as a fact. If you ever have any questions about a rumor you heard, send me an email.
After several months of negotiations and thought, Bear and Karen Schwartz, New Philadelphia, Ohio natives, have officially finalized all details in the purchase of Midvale Speedway. The Schwartz’s are excited to get started in preparation of an exciting 2005-racing season.
After six years of successful operation, Randy and Sue Smith decided it was time for a change and an opportunity to spend time on their two son’s racing careers as well as their other businesses, Smith’s Auto Sales, Canton Auto Sales, and Canton Auto Salvage.
Taking over in 1999, the Smith’s had 50 cars on opening night of their first season promoting. Opening night for the second season had 85 cars. Even more impressive was the fact that the car count jumped to 134 for opening night of 2001 and 148 for 2002. It leveled off after 2002, but the jump of nearly 100 cars was an impressive turnaround.
Late last season, the Smith’s decided it was time to step aside. Randy, Sue, and others, felt that it was a conflict of interest trying to promote the track and keep both of his son’s cars running on a weekly basis. He stated at one point that he was having a hard time getting both things completed to his liking. Now he’ll have the chance to work full-time on the rookie seasons of Bubba Smith in his Late Model and Bryant Smith in his Pure Stock.
As for the Schwartz’s, Bear had his best career season behind the wheel in 2004, during which, he won six feature events and was top qualifier four times. He finished second in points to Late Model veteran Farmer Smith. Bear will now put the helmet away to concentrate on promoting, while Karen will be right alongside helping make wise business decisions. The Schwartz’s have successfully owned and managed New Image Homes, in New Philadelphia, for 12 years.
The 2005-season should be an exciting campaign for drivers and fans alike. While many things will remain the same, race management is looking at tweaking some things for the betterment of the speedway and its drivers and fans. Further updates will be posted at www.midvalespeedway.com .
The 2005-Midvale Speedway Racecar Show will be held at the New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia, March 24-26. This year’s show will be run from Thursday-Saturday due to Easter being on Sunday.
Racecars will enter the mall on Wednesday night, March 23 at 9:00 P.M. and exit the mall on Saturday night at 9:00 P.M. With the car show scheduled for the week of Easter, traffic in the mall should be very strong and attract a lot of new viewers to see the cars.
Additionally, this year’s car show will be held strictly in the old Ames building. A classic car group and a motorcycle group may also attend Midvale Speedway’s show to make for a huge turnout.
Signups for the 2005-Midvale Speedway car show have now begun. Main Event Super Lates, Late Models, Modifieds, Sport Stocks, Pure Stocks, Compacts, and Legend Cars are all invited to attend. Cars must be neatly painted and lettered to enter and drivers are asked to enter as soon as possible.
To sign up, please e-mail adam@midvalespeedway.com or call Adam at 330-340-1566.
Written by: Adam Mackey |
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