Race fans in Penticton will have to wait a little longer to hear the engines roar at the Penticton Speedway.
The newly renovated Penticton Speedway has announced opening night at the racetrack has been moved back from June 5 to July 17.
The Speedway plans on holding opening night with fans in attendance as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease across the province as it enters Phase 2 of its re-start plan.
READ MORE: Major renovations get underway at Penticton Speedway
“It’s been a long wait race fans, and everyone at Penticton Speedway appreciates and wants to thank you for your patience,” said Speedway general manager Al Lebert.
The new opening time made it necessary to change some other dates on the season schedule as well with more race dates being added later into the summer.
The Speedway is optimistic that even more fans will be able to attend the later dates.
The Avion Sprint Cars will now have two doubleheader weekends and Sunday July 25 will also feature twin 75-lap races with the GTU Series.
The changes to the racing schedule will also allow the Speedway to complete additional fan amenities prior to opening.
“This modification to the schedule will really allow us to reopen Penticton Speedway with a proper celebration that includes the fans,” said Lebert. “Last season was challenging for everyone. Now we’ll be able to welcome back fans and give them the best possible experience at the track.”
The track itself has undergone a slew of renovations over the off-season under new owners Trevor and Ingo Seibert of Avion Developments.
The track now has wider and more progressive banking along with new asphalt that should allow cars to go faster and promote side by side racing. New walls, catch fencing and lighting are among some of the other track upgrades.
Racers can also look forward to several practice nights that will take place at Penticton Speedway in early July, prior to opening night. “We’re going to make sure teams have plenty of time for practice and to prepare for the start of the season. We’ll confirm those dates and times shortly,” said Lebert.
The Speedway’s new summer 2021 schedule is below:
| (Penticton Speedway 2021 schedule) |
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jesse.day@pentictonwesternnews.com
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