Train Races added to Delaware Speedway's Great Canadian Race Weekend

LONDON, ON - They captured the imagination of young and old alike until they came to an end in the mid 1990s.  The formula was simple: three cars, chained together, all in varying states of repair.  Delaware Speedway hosted the first-ever Train Race in Canada in September 1988.  Today, Delaware Speedway is pleased to announce that after twenty years out of action, the famous Delaware Speedway Train Races are set to return.  The special return event will run on Saturday, September 4 as part of the Great Canadian Race Weekend.

A train race is far from a ‘normal’ racing competition and has gained legendary status in the years since it last ran.  A train is made up of three vehicles chained together: the engine, the middle, and the caboose.  The engine car is the leader of the group and has steering, power, and brakes.  The middle car is along for the ride and only has only steering.  The driver in the caboose car is often considered the bravest of the three at the tail end of the train, having only steering and brakes.  Train teams can elect to leave the middle car unmanned if they choose to, in order to save on preparation.

 “Ever since I started answering phones at the track one question I get asked year after year is whether or not we run trains anymore,” said Train Race Promoter and speedway Announcer John Houghton.  “We know there’s a high demand for seeing this race and know it is going to be amazing to see these in action.”

The rules for the 2010 edition of the train races are very simple.  Vehicles that have drivers in them must conform to at least the minimum spec Ultimate Chaos Car roll cage (door bars and rollover bar) and other safety rules.  Beyond that teams are encouraged to keep their preparations simple and to have fun.  Under these ‘flexible preparation guidelines’ fans can expect to see a variety of different train vehicle combinations at work.

The race will pay $500 to the winner and $200 to start up for up to eight trains.  Beyond eight trains, $100 tow money will be given.  There are also bonuses for furthest travelled team and best appearing train.  There is no special entry fee for the event; competitors simply pay the regular back gate entry fee.

Since the event was announced, four teams have committed to entering trains in the event.  Interested teams are encouraged to let the speedway know their plans to compete by contacting John Houghton.

The Great Canadian Race Weekend runs September 3, 4, and 5.  The Friday night is sponsored by Krown Body Maintenance and features the NASCAR Late Models, Delaware Super Stocks and the King of the Hill Spectator’s Race finale.  Saturday night hosts the Demar Aggregates Trucks, POWERADE Modifieds, Transmission Direct Enduro All-Stars, and return of the Train Races.   Sunday at 2:00 pm is the Great Canadian 200 featuring the NASCAR Late Models.  Ticket information will be available through www.DelawareSpeedway.com shortly.

For general inquires regarding the Train Race, contact John Houghton (519) 652-5068 Ext 201. // For specific technical and preparation inquiries, contact Jeff Wilcox (519) 652-5068 Ext 203. www.delawarespeedway.com