By kyohnson 
PORT COLBORNE, ONT – The Humberstone Speedway is diligently working on finalizing the plans for an electrifying and bustling 2017 season at the historic Port Colborne, Ontario speedplant.
A significant alteration for 2017 will occur at the admission gate. Anyone who is 18 years of age and younger will be granted free admission on race nights, commencing on May 21st. “Permitting free admission for those aged 18 and under is hopefully going to draw high school students in the area to come and join us for a Sunday night filled with enjoyment,” declares General Manager Bob Davidson. “Humberstone is making strenuous efforts to keep the costs down, making us the most economical family entertainment option in the region,” Davidson continued. “With this measure, we are aspiring to expand both our fan base and the list of drivers, which is precisely what we need to do to keep promoting the growth of the sport,” Davidson elaborated.
Another change is in the tech department, where Glen Hils has been appointed as the Head of Tech. Glen brings along several years of experience. He has served for nine (9) years as the head technical inspector at the Ohsweken Speedway and is currently in his 12th season in the tech department at the Flamboro Speedway. Any technical inquiries can be sent to Glen via email at ghils@hotmail.ca. “Humberstone is not expecting any major rule alterations for 2017 and will collaborate closely with Glen and the racers for any significant changes in 2018,” explained Humberstone Speedway Race Director Tom Beales.
Later this spring, the sole original building that remained on the speedway property when it was opened approximately 60 years ago will be demolished. An updated pit canteen (concession stand) will replace the one that has served the speedway for such a long time. “With the upgraded canteen and more improvements to be announced, we hope this will dispel any rumors of the neighboring quarry acquiring the Speedway,” adds General Manager Bob Davidson. “We are here, we are not going anywhere, and we are here to stay,” Davidson emphasized.
A new series that will arrive at Humberstone on Sunday May 21st will be the BEI Lightning Series for the Sportsman. The BEI Lightning Series was established in 2014 by Brian Bellinger, a 20-year racing veteran, to provide the dirt Sportsman with more incentives to race, featuring a generous paying point fund, giveaways, and better remuneration across the entire field. The Sportsman will also be showcased in two Race of Champions Sportsman Series events and a 100-lap Sportsman Super DIRTcar Series race this season. “The Sportsman have supported Humberstone since the beginning, and we are highlighting them in four special events with a larger purse,” explained Race Director Tom Beales.
Stay tuned as Humberstone Speedway has even more news to unveil, including a major event that will make the Pete Cosco Memorial Weekend truly exceptional. Side by Side UTV racing is coming to Humberstone with the support of Performance ATV and Leisure. Humberstone is the host of the All Canadian Championships, the region’s longest-running dirt event. This year’s edition is even more substantial as we will have competitors arriving from as far away as the state of Alabama.
The New Humberstone Speedway wishes to express its gratitude to all the new and returning Weekly Series Sponsors: PC Works (DIRTcar Sportsman), Pinty’s Delicious Foods (RUSH Late Models), J.C. Auto (Street Stocks), Mike Knapp Ford (Pro 4 Trucks), and the Cosco Haulage (Mini Stocks).
The New Humberstone Speedway is situated just two miles east of Port Colborne on Highway 3, merely 17 miles west of the US/Canadian Border at the Peace Bridge (Buffalo/Fort Erie). For more information, please visit us on the World Wide Web at www.humberstonespeedway.com, as well as follow us on Twitter @NewHumberstone and like us on Facebook. Don’t forget to bring your portable FM radios and listen to all the action on 90.3FM. You can also contact the speedway at (905) 834-4002 or the speedway office at Cosco Haulage (905) 935-2886.