NASCAR will be returning to Edmonton International Raceway this summer the raceway announced during a press conference in Nisku May 17.
EIR business development manager Herman Hordal stated the NASCAR Pinty’s Series will come back to EIR’s oval near Wetaskiwin for a two-day stand. He noted the series has been named the Luxxor 300 in cooperation with major corporate sponsor Bayer and one of their new agricultural products.
Hordal said, referring to professional stock car racing, “Down in the U.S., it’s a huge thing. Here in Canada they’re saying about 20 to 25 per cent of the population follows NASCAR.”
Hordal also noted that EIR has landed another major corporate sponsor, Richardson Farm Services.
He predicted the Luxxor 300 weekend will be paradise for auto race enthusiasts, as almost two dozen stock cars on the track at the same time driven by some of the best drivers in Canada cannot help but entertain. He noted some of the drivers include Daytona 500 racer D.J. Kennington, the winner of last year’s EIR Pinty’s Series Alex Tagliani and the NASCAR Pinty’s Series 2017 Champion Cayden Lapcevich.
He also noted a new six-race series is being introduced this summer, a super late model car series with two races at EIR near Wetaskiwin and four races in Saskatoon, SK. The cars will be lighter and very fast. The first race is scheduled for June 10, the second for August 12.
EIR promoter Loretta Thiering noted there’s been lots of excitement around EIR this spring. She noted a tribute event is planned for July 1 to coincide with Canada 150 celebrations. The race at EIR will be 150 laps and called the “Canada 150.” A new section of stands has been opened, meaning 3,000 more seats are available at turn four. There will also be barbeques, car displays and other activities. More information is available online at www.edmontonraceway.com.
Bayer’s Luxxur is a new herbicide for grass and broadleaf perennials in wheat and durum and Bayer says it’s also effective on dandelions, Canada thistle and other weeds.