Story By: RACE OF CHAMPIONS – NORTH EAST, PA – Race of Champions Asphalt Modified Series competitors now have time to prepare for the biggest event weekend of the season and the “Grandaddy” of all Modified races, the 71st Annual Race of Champions 250.
This year the Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Weekend runs once again at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pennsylvania as the culmination to Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Weekend.
The race will have an increase in purse from Race of Champions management. The winner’s share will be $13,500.71 in honor of the 71st edition of the race and $1,100 to start the event. The event which pays nearly $55,000 in racing purse alone before lap funds and bonuses are awarded. It is one of the best paying “one-day” races in the country with practice, qualifying and the 250-lap race taking place all on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
Currently five driver’s have an opportunity to win the 2021 season championship which culminates with the Race of Champions 250. Matt Hirschman of Northampton, Pa., is seeking his 8th series championship and 9th Race of Champions 250 victory.
Chasing Hirschman is up and coming Modified star, Austin Beers also from Northampton, Pennsylvania. Zeiner of Bath, Pa., Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, N.Y., and Daryl Lewis, Jr., of Ontario, N.Y., are all within striking distance of the top spot.
Guaranteed starting positions for the race have been offered to winners in the Southern Modified Tour (SMART) races, beginning with this past weekend at Carteret Speedway in North Carolina, where NASCAR Hall of Famer, Bobby Labonte of Corpus Christi, Texas, earned the right to a starting position in the race.
In addition to the excitement of the race and the championship chase, Race of Champions management is continuing the Ted Christopher Drive of the Race Award for this event only. An additional $130 will be awarded to the driver who advances the most positions from their official starting position as posted on the official starting lineup for the event.
Tickets may be purchased for the weekend and will be available at the Lake Erie Speedway ticket office or at www.lakeeriespeedway.com. In the event that there is inclement weather, the event will be postponed to 2022.
If you are planning to attend the Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Weekend and camp at the facility, spots are being sold at the track for the designated camping areas. Tickets and camping spots for the Presque Isle Downs & Casino Race of Champions Weekend are available at the Lake Erie Speedway ticket office 814.725.3303.