Indoor Auto Racing Coming to Rhode Island in March
Providence, RI — Auto racing is returning to Rhode Island . The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence will host a two-day indoor racing event on Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7. The small, but powerful Three-Quarter Midget Cars will headline the program with top- named drivers from several Northeast state s planning to compete. Speeds reaching 70 mph are expected to produce thrills and spills for the fans. Exciting Senior Champ Kart racing will be on the under card. Rhode Island is credited with holding the first ever oval track race in United States history, in 1896.
But it has not had professional auto racing excitement within its boundaries for many years. We look forward to bringing live auto racing back to Rhode Island ,” said event co-promoter Len Sammons. “The Northeast is noted for great racing, and we proud to bring this event to Providence to add to the heritage and future of the sport in the state.”
Details about the program will be released in the forthcoming days. However, Sammons indicated that each night will include complete shows (qualifying and main events) for both classes. The race is expected to draw top drivers from many different racing divisions, including NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Ted Christopher of Plainville , Conn.
Sammons has organized previous indoor events in Philadelphia , Pa. , and Atlantic City , N.J. In fact, the seventh annual Gambler’s Classic at Atlantic City ‘s Boardwalk Hall was held this past Saturday in front of a near-capacity crowd. Indoor racing has a history in Providence . The last race was held on April 18, 1959, when Jerry Wall of Wallenburg , N.J. , won at the Rhode Island Auditorium. Wall’s victory in the American Three Quarter Midget Racing Association feature was, according to region motorsports historian R.A. Silvia, the Ocean State ‘s last sanctioned racing event.
The first recorded indoor race at Rhode Island Auditorium was held on January 22, 1937. Two events were held that year, along with one in 1951, two in 1952 and three in 1959. The 1937 and 1959 races were on plywood planks that covered the ice hockey rink. The 2009 edition will be held on the concrete floor area around the existing ice hockey rink. A similar surface is used at the Atlantic City event, producing exciting racing each year.
The Dunkin’ Donuts Center recently ended a three-year phased renovation in September 2008. The premier event arena is home to the AHL Providence Bruins and Big East PC Friars. It is host to various sporting events, major concerts, family shows and first- class entertainment. For the races the fans will view all of the non- stop action right below them in the arena.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 24th at 10 a.m. at the Dunkin’Donuts Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com . Tickets subject to applicable service charges
Show information will be available at aarn.com or by calling Len Sammons Productions at 609-888-3618.
Sources: Hoseheads.com