JAMES RIVER, NS (April 3, 2013) – The Wilson Equipment 300 presented by Komatsu is getting a makeover. On August 17 the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will visit Riverside International Speedway for the seventh time but rather than the traditional fall date as in years past, this year Riverside gets a preferred summer date. And, to give fans even better value, the event becomes a one-day show with the Napa Sportsman Series running on the same day.
“It’s all about making this as easy as possible for our fans to attend,” said Paul McLean, general manager of Riverside International Speedway. “We realize they work hard for their money so rather than needing to make a choice about attending the Friday or Saturday show, or needing to spend the extra money on gas or accommodations to do both, we’re going to give them the whole shebang in one day.”
McLean added how fortunate the track is to have the ongoing support and cooperation of both their event sponsor, Wilson Equipment Ltd., and the series sanctioning body, NASCAR, in making this one-day super show happen.
“We’ve been working hard all winter to put this together,” continued McLean. “The first step was getting the blessing of our longtime sponsor, Wilson Equipment, and then working together with NASCAR to secure an earlier date. We anticipate it will not only attract more teams, but also create a more enjoyable experience for our fans – both because of the increased competition, and the likelihood of warmer evening temperatures. ”
“This race is definitely shaping up to be the most exciting race event ever held at Riverside International Speedway,” said Peter Fahey, Wilson Equipment Ltd. “A summer race will ensure an exciting race for the fans since the drivers will be in midst of their heated battle in the points race. Riverside is a world class facility and Wilson Equipment is extremely proud to be associated with such a great event.””
Donald Chisholm (Antigonish) and John Flemming (Halifax) are expected to anchor the home-track contingent – pitting their talents behind the wheel against the best stock car racers in Canada.
Chisholm spoke about the revamped event format from a drivers perspective.
“The biggest difference with having the race earlier in the season will be the adjustments to the car during pit stops,” said Chisholm, who has competed in the six previous NASCAR shows at Riverside. “With the September date, we would always be trying to free the car up during pit stops. Now, with an August date, and hopefully warmer weather, I expect we will have to make different adjustments than we would typically see.”
TSN television crews will be on hand August 17 to tape the Wilson Equipment 300 for broadcast at a later date.
Riverside International Speedway is the only facility in Canada east of Quebec to host a NASCAR-sanctioned event.
A detailed event format, along with ticket information, will be released as soon as available.
Interact with Riverside International Speedway on Twitter at www.twitter.com/riverside_ns or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riversidespeedwayns.
About Riverside International Speedway
Riverside International Speedway, a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River between New Glasgow and Antigonish at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. To learn more about Riverside International Speedway please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
