Boston Pizza in Antigonish has joined the Riverside International Speedway corporate family as the official host of the IWK 250 Pre-Race Parties, yes, plural – parties.

The first, a Tailgate Party, will be held Thursday July 16 at the Boston Pizza location at the Antigonish Market Square (formerly known as the Antigonish Mall). The fun starts at 8 p.m. and will feature menu specials, prize giveaways, and live entertainment. All are welcome.

On Saturday July 18, at the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body, fans will enjoy the Boston Pizza Pre-Race Party, starting at 5:30 p.m. and including a chance to visit with the drivers who will start the IWK 250, including two-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Matt Crafton, get their autographs, see the race cars up close, and enjoy live entertainment featuring local favourite, ‘Sparrow’.

The Boston Pizza Pre-Race Party is sandwiched between the IWK 250 qualifying (time trials and heat races, starting at 3 p.m.) and opening ceremonies which will feature the unveiling of the John W. Chisholm Memorial Cup. Grandstand gates open at Noon July 18.

The IWK 250 Super Weekend kicks off Friday, July 17 with the Highland Building Centres 100 for the Napa Sportsman Series along with a championship points event for the Atlantic Tiltload Maritime League of Legends. On Saturday, July 18 it’s the event widely known as the most entertaining stock car race in Canada – the IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body.

Advance reserved and general admission tickets are now available for the IWK 250 Super Weekend. Please visit the IWK 250 event page at www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 to place your order. Please note that reserved seats are not available at the track box office on July 17 or 18. Campsites are sold out; a wait list has been started, please call 902-863-2410 for more information. All sites must be reserved in advance, i.e. no drive ups and no overnight parking between July 15 and 19 without a permit.

Besides being a great race the IWK 250 helps raise awareness and funding for the IWK Health Centre with more than $250,000 donated over the past eight years, in addition to a surprise one million dollar donation made by the Chisholm family (owners of the track) during opening ceremonies for the IWK 250 in 2013.

Riverside International Speedway is recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home for eastern Canada’s only NASCAR event, and of the IWK 250 – widely known as the most entertaining stock car race in Canada. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information call 902.863.2410 or visit www.riversidespeedway.ca.