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The clouds cleared and the temperature warmed up for a nice night of racing at Owosso on May 20^th. MARFC was welcomed by owner Rex Wheeler (right in the photo in the right middle) and his daughter for a nice visit before getting started. It’s always great to see Promoter Jeff Parish, pictured with Board Member David Howe. Jeff is a true friend of MARFC which is sincerely appreciated. Rex Wheeler shared his exciting development plans with MARFC for the next 3-5 years with the capacity eventually reaching an 18,000-spectator capacity. We can’t wait to see the exciting developments.

We were pleased to be able to present the MARFC Helmet bag to Dale Spencer. You know you made the right decision when the track officials give you the same person’s name before we share who we think deserves it. Dale is very active supporting others around the track in addition to his own racing. He heads up a winter mini-wedge series as well as the mini-wedge series at Owosso.

The MARFC Fan Club Night Season got off to a terrific start on May 13^th with two guest appearances. We were happy to welcome USAC Silver Crown Sprint Racer Taylor Ferns to help us welcome members, present the MARFC Helmet Bag, and sign autographs.  Taylor is an accomplished sprint racer and is the first woman to make a podium finish in Silver Crown. She assisted in the presentation of the MARFC Helmet Bag to long time Flat Rock Speedway competitor Paul Pelletier. Paul is also a two-time Super Late Model Champion at Flat Rock. Paul is joined here by MARFC VP Dave DeHem and Taylor Ferns.

Also in attendance was former NACAR racer and MARFC Member Ken Schrader (right). It was nice to see Ken and to see him race at Flat Rock. Ken had just come off winning the School Bus Figure 8 Race at Toledo the previous night. He said it took him three tries but he finally did it this year (sporting a big grin).

Thank you to incoming General Manager Brandon Hamby and staff for the warm welcome. We shall miss outgoing General Manager Scott Schultz but got to see Scott one more time at Toledo on May 26^th.

The weather did not deter many from attending the Inaugural MARFC Season Launch Party at Birch Run Speedway on Sunday, April 16th. The crowd began arriving before noon. The light rain did shorten the on-track car show and autograph session by 15 minutes, but it was great to see the race cars up close and get driver autographs. 

Special thanks to Birch Run General Manager Jason Lord, Events Coordinator Dana Gagne, David Damon, Jeremy Kelley and Todd Boughner for all your efforts to make the event a success.

MARFC is grateful for all those racers who brought their cars to display. Here’s some (not all) of the race cars in photo form:

Nick Lechota’s Modified and Stock

Anthony AJ Bunch and his Legend

Blake Childers’ Wheeler Trucking Super Late Model

Charlie Baur’s Sprint and Connor Hoag’s Quarter Midget

Talen Diehl’s Mini-Wedge

James Gokee’s Truck

Austin Kryta’s Modified

Kamille “Go Kart Kami” Fitzpatrick’s Go-Kart

Great Lakes Quarter Scale Racers – Rick Kilbourn

Robert Dickey’s MARFC “Mascot” race car

Those attending the meeting that followed the car show, heard from racers Lonnie Saumier Jr. (left), David McManus (middle) and James Gokee Jr (right). Thanks to Rich Frantz, Horsepower Happenings and MARFC Board Member, for doing Victory Lane type interviews of the speakers.

There was also a nice showing of promoters to speak about their season. 

Top Row: Joe DeWitte-Auto City, Alan Lardie-Tri-City and Merritt, Matt Hoonhout-Silver Bullet, Rex Wheeler- Owosso, Jason Lord-Birch Run, Jim Hanks-Must See Racing Sprints

Bottom Row: Hunter Schmid-Mid-Michigan Raceway Park, Eric Fitzpatrick-Arthur and Motor City Kids, Rick Kilbourn-Great Lakes Quarter Scale Racers

The day was capped off with a fun time in the Gas Alley Bar under the grandstands with entertainer Tyler Roy. Based on this year’s success, look for us to do this again.