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Update 5/2/2024 from Brian Ledford:
Kaleva-
The 55th season of racing is underway in Kaleva. With April's preliminary events in the books, NMD is ready to see a large field of racers begin their quest for championship seasons this weekend. Friday evening features Test 'n Tune event #3, from 5pm to 9pm. The 16-event Authentic 231 Racing Series will begin with its points opener this Saturday, with time trials starting at noon.
NMD managment supports good causes. Michigan's grass-roots "citizens initiative to end property taxes", AxMiTax, will be on hand collecting petition signatures and distributing yard signs, shirts and hats to supporters.
Last season, NMD saw record numbers of entries at all four major weekend events. Early indicators show another season with big entry numbers is in store. A busy month of May will see five bracket race nights.
Friday, May 17th will begin the Statewide Towing Street Nights series, and Saturday, May 18th has Authentic 231 Race Series event #2. May 25th and 26th will feature the 10th Annual Bonfire Salute, sponsored by Grand Rapids Machine Repair. Last season's Memorial Day Weekend Bonfire event saw a record 567 race entries.
NMD is located three miles north of Kaleva on Potter Road. For more information, including a full 2024 season schedule, see NorthernMichiganDragway.com or call (231)218-2657.
AKA Manistee County Dragway
Eighth-mile dragstrip in Manistee County. Owned & operated by Tom & Sharon Ledford. Track managers Wayne & Brian Ledford. Track first opened Memorial Day 1970. TSI timing system. Fully lighted for night racing. 30 acre paved expansion spring 2017. 120' new concrete launch pad for 2016 season. New concrete burn boxes, expanded staging lanes and tower expansion in 2018. Complete resurfacing of race track from 60' to finish line in 2021 in addition to more paved pit roads, return roads and staging lanes.
This time, it's Ford's turn to take on all other contenders. A great forecast has racers eager to get on track with this weekend's Blue Oval Battle 10.0 at Northern Michigan Dragway.
This Ford vs. World scorecard has been a nail-biter the past few seasons. Last year's event ended in a tie score, as an 8th-round Pro Trophy final decided the outcome.
Sponsored by C. Petersen and Sons Trucking and Excavating, along with Manistee Ford, this event will determine the championship for NMD's Top Doorslammer 2022 season.
Sean Nagy of Houghton Lake took a convincing championship at Mopars Against the World last month, setting another new track record for doorslammers. With his Ford Mustang's victory and bonus points for being #1 qualifier, Nagy moved into 3rd place in the season standings with 51 points. Ron Brow of Belmont is holding onto the lead in the class with his "Blue Mamba" '66 Chevy II, while Bill Heiges of Beulah is currently 2nd with his classic '37 Chevy. With up to 41 points up-for-grabs in the $2,500 to win race, any of the top 6 racers in the standings have a legitimate shot at taking the championship. Two qualifying rounds will take place Friday evening, and the 3 round main event goes down throughout Saturday evening.
A whopping $10,000 will go to the winner of Bracket II on Saturday evening, and $3,000 to the Bracket I winner. Friday evening will have great competition in both classes, as each competes for $2,000 to win. Over $40,000 in total payouts is set to be disbursed.
Action begins on Thursday evening with time trials starting at 4 pm for all classes, and will feature eliminations for Street Trophy and Junior divisions. Friday and Saturday both feature an 11am start time, with eliminations set to be underway at approximately 2 pm each day.
More info can be found on the NMD website at NorthernMichiganDragway.com. NMD is located three miles north of Kaleva on Potter Road.