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By Doc Lehman

Lakeville Speedway in Lakeville, OH is gearing up for yet another successful season as the 3/8 mile dirt track located in Holmes County continues on its path of growth. With a healthy 2005 season mapped out track owners Bob & Judi Schippers have continued their plans to continue upgrades and facility improvements. In fact, when teams and race fans attend the Friday season opener in April they will be surprised with the new additions to the facility.

“Lakeville speedway is spending over $50,000 on upgrades on the track as we speak,” revealed Bob Schippers. “Over 3500 foot of new fencing will be installed, all the old guard down the back straightway has been taken out and new concrete wall four feet high has been installed and ready to go for 2005 season. We feel that 2005 will be bigger and better then last year.”

Indeed, the 2005 schedule for the Friday night track is healthy as it’s ever been with a strong weekly program in place and multiple special events scattered throughout the season.

“We have a ‘Triple Crown’ (series) for Focus Midgets and Outlaw Midgets, something that I have been working on for years to bring back Midgets to Ohio. We also have a Triple Crown Series for Steel Late Model paying $1000.00 to win for the three race series, plus the ‘Big 4’ series for Super Late Models. Our highest price ticket for the season is $15.00 plus 5 nights for $5.00 to $ 8.00 for families to come and watch the best local racing on Friday night anywhere for a reasonable price.”

This season the returning classes will be Late Model, Pure Stock, Cruiser, Mini Stock and Mini Trucks.

The track will open on Friday April 22 with two high-paying specials for Mini Stocks and Cruisers and then the following week, April 29, all five classes will hold their season debut during the track’s annual FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT with admission only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids.

One highlight for the season will be the return of the ‘Big 4 Series’ for Super Late Models. The four-event series will offer $2,000 to win and $200 to start and once again a separate point system will be in place for the ‘Big 4 Series’. Last year Charlie Duncan won the ‘Big 4 Series’ point crown. Heat results will also earn points. Primary sponsor for the ‘Big 4 Series’ is American Payroll Advance. The dates for the ‘Big 4 Series’ have been slated for Friday May 13, 2005, Friday July 1, 2005, Friday August 5, 20th and the fourth and final round will be held on Friday and Saturday September 23-24, 2005 during the 10th Annual Ohio Dirt Blowout.

For more information on Lakeville Speedway visit: http://www.racingseat.com/lakeville

-Prepared by Lehman Motorsports Services