NORTH EAST, Pa. — Race of Champions Series management, in conjunction with Lake Erie Speedway and streaming partners, have made the decision to adjust the schedule for the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions.
The conclusion of the Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Week is postponed to Saturday, April 22, 2023. The television schedule will be updated in the future.
“Racing in the Fall is a risk at any time,” said Joe Skotnicki, Race of Champions. “With live television for the event, we had no choice in regard to making this change. It will take place in 2023 as the start of our season for the modifieds, which will finish up the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions and in the Fall, we will return to run the 73rd Annual.
“Scheduling, with indecisive rescheduling, other events previously scheduled at the facility and other tracks and series running their season ending events, we felt this was the best decision to deliver for our constituents and partners. We have been in constant contact with MAVTV and are building this schedule around their commitment to our series.”
The entire portion of the final day of Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Weekend — including the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250, the Race of Champions Street Stock Series, the Race of Champions FOAR Score Four Cylinder Dash Series and the WNY TQ Midgets — will take part in what will now be the “2023 Season Opener.”
Points will count toward the 2023 season, with the exception of the Fred Rounds Cup, which will be awarded based on the finish of the 30-lap Race of Champions FOAR Score Four Cylinder Dash Series race.
“This is unfortunate that the weather has effected this,” Skotnicki continued. “However, we appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience and we are going to turn this negative into a positive with two fantastic events in 2023 that continue the great tradition.”