MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — The first big event of many this season at Williams Grove Speedway is coming up in two weeks, on Friday, April 22 when the All Stars Circuit of Champions invade the Tommy Hinnershitz Classic.
The annual Tommy Classic will be the first race of the season in the Hoosier Diamond Series at Williams Grove, paying $6,000 to win the 30-lap affair.
It will also serve as the first opportunity this season for a tour of invaders to move in and challenge the Williams Grove regulars known as the Pennsylvania Posse.
The race is meant to honor Tommy Hinnershitz, known as “The Flying Dutchman,” from Oley, Pennsylvania, who holds the distinction of winning the first ever race held at Williams Grove Speedway back on May 21, 1939.
• California’s Kyle Larson pocketed the Tommy Classic prize money last season, while on his way to claiming the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title.
• The late Craig Keel won the first Tommy Classic race in 2007.
• No one has won more Tommy Classic races than local Lance Dewease, who is a three-time winner.
The All Stars will be lead into Williams Grove by defending series champion Tyler Courtney. Some of the others expected to compete include Cory Eliason, Hunter Schuerenberg, Justin Peck, Zeb Wise, and Kyle Reinhardt.
• Justin Peck already has an unsanctioned win at the track this season after taking the Williams Grove season opener on March 18.
• The only All Star to ever win the event was Aaron Reutzel in 2019.