Salem Speedway on ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Schedule Twice in 2019

Salem Speedway has hosted more ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards events than any other track in series history, and it will return to the series schedule for a pair of races once again in 2019. 

 

The two events, in their traditional April and September weekends, will be ARCA’s 105th and 106th visits to the historic high banks located just west of Salem in southern Indiana.

 

The spring event, the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 on April 14, will be the third event of 2019 and open the midwest short track season for the Toledo, Ohio-based tour in it’s 67th consecutive season. The September event, the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers Fall Classic scheduled for September 14, will serve as the series’ official throwback event.

 

“Salem Speedway in many ways defines the classic ARCA Racing Series race track venue,” said ARCA President Ron Drager. “Since the 1950s, ARCA racers and race fans have made the trek across Highway 56 to be part of Salem ARCA race events. It’s always great to crest the hill and see the camping crowd in place and ready for race weekend. No track on the schedule has the history and tradition Salem does, both in terms of longevity and number of races run. Everyone has a favorite ARCA Racing Series classic race story about Salem. It’s why the fall race is designated as the Official Throwback Race of ARCA.”

 

“The ARCA Racing Series has been a Salem staple since 1955,” said Crosley Chairman and CEO Bo LeMastus. “We know that ARCA has become one of the most important and exciting events for Salem Speedway race fans; they expect to see those ARCA races on the schedule. It’s a rock-solid tradition that’s been ongoing for decades. It’s very exciting to have ARCA back on the schedule in 2019.”

 

The ARCA Racing Series first visited Salem Speedway in 1955 in a race won by Jack Harrison. The legendary track sat dormant following a devastating storm in 1981. When it reopened in 1987, the ARCA Racing Series was the first to race on the 33-degree banking; Bob Keselowski won over current ARCA Racing Series team owner Bill Venturini. A major restoration by track owners Owen and Beverly Thompson in 1995 elevated the track to one of America’s finest short track facilities.

 

Jeffersonville, Indiana’s Frank Kimmel is the all-time leading winner at Salem with nine victories. Other notable winners include three-time series champion Jack Bowsher, who collected seven wins, four time winners Tim Steele and Ramo Stott, current NASCAR XFINITY Series championship contenders Justin Allgaier and Christopher Bell, former NASCAR Cup Series champions Benny Parsons and Bobby Allison, Indy 500 winner Troy Ruttman, and current Cup drivers Alex Bowman and Chris Buescher. 

 

The 2019 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule to date (dates will be added as they are confirmed):

 

February 9: Daytona International Speedway

March 9: Five Flags Speedway

April 14: Salem Speedway

May 31: Pocono Raceway

June 7: Michigan International Speedway

July 26: Pocono Raceway

August 18: Illinois State Fair

September 14: Salem Speedway

 

ARCA Racing PR