Ace Speedway has altered their format in response to social media feedback, but they are still placing an emphasis on entries.
Instead of the first 10 entries being locked in, all drivers will now have to run one of four 14-lap heat races. The first 10 drivers will start at the front of their respective heat races, with the rest of the lineup being determined by the order with which entries are received.
“Entry lists are what help bring fans to the track,” David Sell, Ace Speedway general manager, said on a Facebook post announcing the change. “Late Model races are notorious for not having available entry lists for fans to observe and this hampers tracks from advertising what could be an exciting event.”
Sell noted that the format announced earlier this week was an attempt to incentivize drivers to enter earlier.
“We knew this bold move would have criticisms, so we expected that,” Sell continued. “But we also observed the reactions and talked to some competitors about what could realistically be done without hampering the guys who choose to enter early for the event.”
The format change makes entering as early as possible an important element.
The announcement from Ace also notes that there will no longer be a qualifying session, as every driver will run in a heat race with the lineup for the 140-lap feature determined by order of entries, and no fast qualifier award. They are also increasing the total to win to $14,000 and will pay a $1,400 bonus to the highest paying early entrant.
The emphasis on 14 is to honor Cook, who drove car no. 14 at Ace Speedway, as well as at other area tracks.
Seven drivers had pre-registered as of Friday evening.
