ISMA 2010 is Still a Work in Progress with Changes Made for Toldeo & Sandusky June Dates
Oswego, NY — Many race fans have already noticed and are discussing the deletion of the June 11 and 12 dates at the Toledo and Sandusky Speedways respectively from the 2010 ISMA schedule. Due to several unforeseen circumstances neither event will be be held this season. The original premise of booking the back-to-back races was to give the traveling ISMA group two race venues in a weekend. Unfortunately, the Sandusky event had to be scraped thus leaving the Toledo race a stand-alone. The three parties involved agreed that this was not a wise business decision.
ISMA president Howie Lane said that after speaking with Kevin Jaycox, owner-manager of Sandusky, he realized the quandary. Jaycox, after tentatively committing to the June 12 date, found out that a huge motorcycle event close to his Ohio speedway was already scheduled for that weekend. With fans predicted at numbers of upwards of 100,000 anticipated at the site very near the Sandusky racetrack, it was deemed that the logistics of holding both events were impossible. Jaycox agreed with the motorcycle promoters that it was not good timing and he called off the slated supermodified racing at his track so as not to interfere.
Toledo officials contacted Lane and together they discussed the probability of running the Friday show alone. It was decided by all that holding the one show alone was not economically feasible. “They said they would call in the fall to discuss 2011 dates,” said Lane. “They really wanted the ISMA race to happen but with the economy in that area not very strong, they felt they had to back out. “It was a friendly decision. This left the door open for them to revise the schedule and bring in MSA, a more regional group.”
A recent Toledo press release confirmed the fact: “Due to economic, travel and scheduling issues, Toledo Speedway’s annual “Fastest Short Track Show in the World” featuring an open-wheel doubleheader of supermodified and winged sprint competition will see a change in the lineup of tours participating in the June 11, 2010 event. The International Super Modified Association (ISMA) Series will not return but the Midwest Supermodified Association (MSA) will join the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Winged Super Sprints for the popular event.
“ISMA has been a great partner, and we have a lot of respect for Howie Lane, his staff and all the ISMA teams that have supported the event at Toledo over the past several years,” said Ron Drager, Toledo Speedway promoter. “Being able to schedule a second race along with Toledo was crucial for ISMA based on cost and travel, and we couldn’t move off our traditional weekend date. At the end of the day we just couldn’t get matched up for 2010. The June 11 doubleheader now featuring the MSA and the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints also presents the opportunity for Toledo Speedway to offer a $5 reduction in grandstand admission ticket price to fans who purchase their tickets in advance.”
Howie Lane went on to say that this was the only change in the posted 2010 schedule so far and hopefully the last one anticipated.
“We’re really excited about going to a new track – Albany-Saratoga for the opener and May is full with Lee USA and Waterford shows,” said Lane. “While there are no ISMA shows in June, that month has always been a difficult one to schedule as graduations and school functions usually conflict. July is definitely full starting on July 6th at Stafford, then to Airborne, another new track and finally closing out the month at the big Hy-Miler weekend at Sandusky.
“We also have a good August slate with a double-header at Delaware and another twinbill at Lee and Waterford. September has three big shows with Oswego, All-Star and Berlin and we conclude as always at Thompson in October.”
Lane also noted that there could be another October event. “We are talking about a possible Seekonk event to be held early in October to promote breast cancer awareness. A donation from the ISMA purse, should the details be worked out, would go to support breast cancer research,” said Howie. “It’s still in the planning stages, but it’s a great idea and we would look forward to racing at Seekonk again. We’ve had some great races there in the past.”
Updates on this possible addition will be forthcoming.
Sources: ISMA PR