HOLLY, Mich. – Must See Racing officials have confirmed that the inaugural American Speed U.S. Nationals, scheduled for May 28-29, has topped 20 entries.
The Must See Racing Sprint Car Series presented by Engine Pro will battle Friday and Saturday at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Speedway with a 50-lap feature and a $5,000 payday on Saturday night. All the action can be viewed live through SPEED SPORT Network affiliate Must See Racing TV.
After last weekend’s two-day visit to South Carolina’s Anderson Motor Speedway, it didn’t appear a strong field of cars would be available for this weekend’s event. A lap-one crash last Friday night saw nearly half the field collected in the accident after Jacob Dolinar did a slow lazy spin entering turn two.
From there, cars went crashing and the cars of Todd McQuillen, Joe Speakman and Charlie Schultz ended up flipping.
For many Must See Racing teams, it has been a mad dash to get cars ready. The series is in the midst of a three-race stretch that will end with a two-day visit to Indianapolis Speedrome June 4-5. Cars are at a premium right now.
Ohio car owner John Reiser regularly fields two cars in the series with drivers Adam Biltz and Charlie Schultz. It appeared as if he wouldn’t have any cars from his stable ready for this weekend’s race. But a quick phone call to Reiser on Monday afternoon revealed that its full speed ahead for the team and they anticipate having two cars available.
It first appeared both his cars may have been totaled. Reiser may have been hit harder in the accident than many other car owners.
“The No. 9s that Charlie Schultz drives for me is unrepairable,” explained Reiser. “We took it all apart and thought we could repair the frame, but it’s not worth repairing. We have another car in our stable that we are able to use for this weekend. People won’t be able to tell it’s a different car. Its already lettered and everything. It was just a matter of changing motors and plumbing.
“The No. 8a that Adam Biltz drives was fine as far as the frame. It was just a lot of wing damage and front-end parts,” Reiser added. “We’ve got spare wings and stuff. Both cars will be there.”
Reiser explained why it was important to get both cars back on the track to support the American Speed U.S. Nationals.
“Every night since last week, this weekend, and this week we’ve been working on the cars. Either tonight or tomorrow night we’re gonna shake down the other car. It doesn’t have any laps on it. I think most of the guys have been able to get their cars repaired in time for this weekend’s race except Joe Speakman. We don’t race for points. Its just a matter that we love racing,” noted Reiser. “There aren’t a whole lot of races and I’m just worried we won’t have any races. I’m just trying to help the series out.”
This weekend’s event will also feature the Midwest Supermodified Series and Maxima Racing Oils Midwest Lights, creating a rare tripleheader of open wheel racing.
For those that can’t make it to the track, the event will be streamed live at www.mustseeracing.tv for $19.99 per night. A two-day option is also available for $24.99, allowing viewers to see both nights of racing action.