(Norwalk, Ohio) Many racers and race fans know of the legendary Shakedown, a heads-up race that grew in ten years from having just a dozen cars, to hundreds of the country’s best “outlaw” racers. It was a race that sadly, didn’t look like it would continue beyond its tenth year. But, to paraphrase Mark Twain, rumors of its death were greatly exaggerated.
For numerous reasons it looked like the Shakedown was over for good after the 2012 race, but an eleventh hour agreement gave it a second lease on life. It is coming to Summit Motorsports Park as the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Shakedown at the Summit presented by Mickey Thompson Tires, October 4-6, 2013. The Shakedown at the Summit will be one of the events to cap off the track’s 50th anniversary season.
The Summit Racing Equipment Shakedown at the Summit presented by Mickey Thompson Tires will bring in several hundred of the top racers from across the country as well as Canada, the Caribbean, and as far away as the Middle East. Classes will include Pro Modified, Top Sportsman, Outlaw 10.5, Limited Street, X275, Heavy Street, 8.50 Index, Pro Import, and Pro Street Motorcycle.
“We have been amazed with the interest in this event,” said Bill Bader, Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park. “The phones have been ringing since rumors of the Shakedown moving to our track started surfacing. I honestly think there is more ‘buzz’ in the racing community for this year’s Shakedown at the Summit than any other announcement we’ve ever made. It’s a great announcement to start 2013, our 50th anniversary year.”
“We’re also surprised with the interest from sponsors,” Bader continued. “It’s unusual to have sponsors call us and ask how they can support an event, but that’s exactly what has happened. The Shakedown at the Summit will have a purse in excess of $130,000.00.”
One thing making the Shakedown at the Summit more amazing is the way it came about. New York promoter Dave Hance, originator of the race, offered to let Summit Motorsports Park continue his event while refusing any compensation for it. Although Bader offered to pay him, Hance was more interested in having the event continue into the future and said he trusted Summit Motorsports Park to host an event worthy of his decade-long efforts. Hance, an accomplished racer, plans to continue his involvement with the race he created as a participant.
The Shakedown at the Summit is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-6, 2013, with a test and tune session on Thursday, Oct. 3. More news on the Shakedown at the Summit presented by Mickey Thompson Tires will be posted in the coming months on the track’s website at SummitMotorsportsPark.com.
For more information on Summit Motorsports Park, you can visit the track’s website at http://SummitMotorsportsPark.com. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (419) 668-5555. The second-generation family owned and operated track is located two miles east of Norwalk, Ohio, just minutes south of Exit 118 (U.S. 250) off Interstate 80, at the intersections of State Routes 18 and 601.