Pro 4 division will race at Mahoning Valley Speedway in 2020
Mahoning Valley Speedway announced today that the Pro 4 division will be returning for the 2020 season. The class, a long time staple of the weekly action at the paved ¼-mile oval in Lehighton dating back to 1988, was in question about resuming for next season and beyond. However, after a recent meeting between track promoter Keith Hoffman and owners and drivers, a resolve was reached and the rear-wheel drive 4-cylinder powered class will indeed be back for a 32nd season. “We had a very productive and informative meeting to discuss matters about the class and there was a great line of communication between us,” explained Hoffman. “There was a lot of great input and after hearing everyone’s concerns we were able to come to a mutual agreement to continue racing the class which has been such a big part of the success of Mahoning Valley Speedway.” The Pro 4 division was started by the late Ward Crozier Sr., in 1988 as an affordable entry level class. The class grew in leaps and bounds so much so that a second class, Pro 4 Convertible division, was instituted. Many times the Pro 4’s have also been referred to as the Pinto class because of the Ford Pinto bodies that many teams used. Recent years, however, saw car counts dropping, limited winners and issues between drivers and management that led to questioning their return. “I was aware of the issues that had arisen and as the new guy I wanted to give everyone a fair shot to prove themselves,” added Hoffman. “I know the history with this class and after speaking with them I saw the passion they have for Mahoning Valley. I feel this will work out to everyone’s liking as part of the great line-up of divisions we offer our fans.” The Pro 4s, although not running each week, will see a respectable number of shows during the 2020 season, joining the Modifieds, Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series will be highlight of 2020 season
The wheels are in motion for rolling out the 2020 race schedule at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway and although there are a number of items still being worked out, one thing that is for certain in a new and exciting slate of races geared at honoring select accomplished greats while also paying rewarding dividends to the participants. Being dubbed the “Mahoning Valley Speedway Hall of Fame Series” (MVSHoFS), this will be a special five race series held throughout the season and run amongst the Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks. The full soon to be released dates will see the Modifieds competing in extra-distance/higher dollar features with a very unique twist to the number of laps for each. They will all contest in a distance that was a signature car number to the particular honoree. Race number one of five, which will be Opening Night, April 4, honors Doug Hoffman and his No. 60. Thus the feature will be 60 laps. Next will be a 77-lapper paying tribute to John ‘Peepers’ Yerger. That will be followed by an 81-lap affair which belongs to the revered George Wambold. The next feature will be 85 laps, the number made famous by Marvin Bartholomew and finally a 99-lapper that is associated with Hal Renniger, closes out the series on October 3. “We're very excited to bring the Hall of Fame Series to Mahoning Valley,” offered newly hired track promoter Keith Hoffman. “We wanted to honor all these important drivers for their contributions to the track. Our loyal fans and drivers will now have the opportunity to compete in meaningful ‘specials’ throughout the season.” Even though the Hall of Fame Series is geared towards Mahoning's history, these special events are also intended to bring in some outside competitors that will only enhance the five-race series. “I think with the point fund and good purse we're offering, we'll be able to pull some talented drivers from other tracks and states and showcase our product to everyone. Even though the off-season is just starting, I'm excited to say the least,” added Hoffman. On those same nights the Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks will be taking part in the MVSHoFS and run regular distance features. There will be a separate tally of points for each class and at the conclusion of the five events the top three will receive point fund monies. Drivers must compete in each of the five races in order to be eligible for the point fund money. There will be a nominal entry fee to run each of the specials. And, while there will be separate points awarded, there is also 50-showup points as well that will be added towards that driver’s 2020 regular season standings amount. Each class will draw for starting spots for both heats and features. Only feature points will count towards the MVSHoFS title of the respective divisions. The point fund breakdown is as follows: $1500, $1000 and $500 to the top three in Modifieds. $1000, $600 and $400 for the Street Stocks and $500, $300 and $200 for the Hobby Stocks. As an added incentive the Modifieds will be given the opportunity of a ‘gamblers fee.’ If a driver so chooses to take the gamble then he/she will win an additional $1000 for that feature. The gamblers fee is being sponsored by Gambler Transportation and Recovery of Whitehall.
More details on the MVSHoFS along with the complete schedule will be forthcoming.