Management for Riverside International Speedway is excited to announce details for the Summer Sizzler presented by Wilson Equipment, set for August 20 at the renowned 1/3-mile high-banked facility located a few kilometers east of Antigonish.

The grassroots racing extravaganza will see a $5k-to-win 150-lap feature for the Auto World Maritime Allstar Sportsman Series, a $1k-to-win feature for the Passione Flooring East Coast Mini Stock Tour, and the only visit for ’22 of the popular Hot Rod Classics Vintage Race Car Series.

“We enjoy supporting local business and local sports so this event at Riverside is a great fit for us,” said Mark Kozlowski, President of Wilson Equipment Ltd. “We are excited to be a part of it.”

Besides the guaranteed $5,000 to the winner of the NAPA Auto Parts/ Henry’s Auto Pro 150 for sportsman, laps will be sold at $20 each with 100% going to the driver who leads each sponsored lap – for a potential $8,000 winner-take-all. The total purse is expected to exceed $24,000 and is one of the richest sportsman races ever in the region. The feature starting grid will see 22 cars locked in through heat races and a last chance race, plus provisional starting spots based on series point standings, promoters’ choice, and a guaranteed spot for the winner of the July 22 sportsman series race at Riverside. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our series,” said Craig McFetridge, owner of the Auto World Maritime Allstar Sportsman Series. “With 29 drivers already registered, this marquee event is sure to draw even more attention. It should be a really exciting race. I’m amazed this is happening in our first year.”

At $1,000 the Passione Flooring East Coast Mini Stock Tour competitors will see the biggest winner’s cheque ever for their series and an exciting new format for this event. Heat races will set the field for a 60-lap elimination-style feature, also a first for the series. All cars will run the first 30 laps with the top 20 transferring to the next 20 laps; the top 10 after lap 50 will transfer to the final 10 laps and compete for the $1,000 first prize.

The Hot Rod Classic Vintage Race Car Series expect a strong contingent of cars many of which will be new-to-Riverside since the series last visit in July of 2021. Riverside is proud to have been involved with this series since its beginnings as the site for the 2017 launching of its founding organization, Heart of a Champion, and in 2019 hosted the announcement of the formation of the series. The Hot Rod Classics dedication to preserving Maritime motorsports heritage aligns with Riverside’s long-time commitment to the preservation of its 50-year-plus storied legacy along with that of stock car racing in the region.

“We’re excited about this event,” said Joan Roué, general manager at Riverside. “It’s been on our radar for a couple of years but pandemic restrictions moved it to the side burner, until now. As it turns out the timing is perfect – it’s something new and exciting to look forward to as we get back to some semblance of normal.”

And so in keeping with its interest in motorsports heritage and to kick off the Summer Sizzler weekend, Riverside will host the inaugural Racer’s Reunion on Friday, August 19; on and off track activities will be announced as the event draws closer.

Riverside’s season starts June 11 with the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour, Maritime League of Legends, and the Passione Flooring Mini Stock Tour. On July 21-23 it’s the return of the IWK 250 Super Race Weekend starting with the Tailgate Party featuring High Society on July 21. The Auto World Maritime Allstars Sportsman Series and Maritime League of Legends are on deck July 22, and the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis is set for July 23. August 19 is the Racer’s Reunion, August 20 it’s the Summer Sizzler, and September 10 will see the racing season finale with round 11 of 12 in the championship chase for the East Coast International Pro Stock Tour and the championship race for the Auto World Maritime Allstar Sportsman Series.

Ticket, camping, premium seat, and season pass information will be announced as the Province of Nova Scotia progresses through its recently announced reopening plan. Phase 1 (effective February 14) allows 50% capacity up to 3,000 attendees with masking, distancing, and proof of vaccination requirements. Phase 2 allows 75% capacity for up to 5,000 attendees with the same requirements. Phase 3 allows 100% capacity without distancing; masks and proof of vaccination may be required. According to the reopening plan, Phase 1 and Phase 2 are each expected to last about one month (subject to change.)

About Wilson Equipment Ltd.

Since 1955, Wilson Equipment has provided quality equipment, parts, and service to Nova Scotia’s road building, construction, forestry, and mining industries. Current product lines include Komatsu, Dynapac and Gehl, in addition to many complimentary lines of attachments and accessories. Wilson Equipment has two locations, one in Truro and one in Dartmouth. Call them at 800-565-1615 or visit online at www.wilsonheavyequipment.com.

About Riverside International Speedway:

Since 1969 Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere 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 largest outdoor entertainment venue in eastern Canada and the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. 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, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410 (May to September) or 902-404-7049 (October to April).