Asphalt Aspects-Dirt Digest: Main Event Racing Series Successful Opener at Sandusky Speedway

The Main Event Series got underway Saturday, May 19 at Sandusky Speedway. If that was any indication of things to come, the asphalt late model series is in store for a banner season. Chris Tolloty and Kevin Jaycox expanded the series to 13 races this year and it seems interest is on the rise.

Entering the pits at Sandusky were 27 immaculately prepared Outlaw Super Late Models. The quality of the cars on hand was, well, staggering.

Defending MERS Champion Bud Perry set a new Late Model track record during time trials on the half-mile track of 16.366. The pill draw had an invert of eight at the start of the 75-lap, $2,000 to win feature.

When the checkered flew on the fleet affair, it was Justin Schroeder taking the win. Schroeder, of Canton, MI, has Flat Rock and Dixie credentials in his back pocket and looked impressive on the larger 1/2 mile Sandusky.

Justin Schroeder took the 2012 Main Event season opener at Sandusky 5/19

Shawn Stroble looked very impressive in his career best Main Event finish in second. The busy Stroble looks to concentrate on the Main Event Series this year in his new Port City racer.

Shawn Stroble recorded his best Main Event finish at Sandusky in second

Pit side lights shine on Stroble's sharp #4 Outlaw Super Late Model

Jimmy Carter, Harold Fair, Jr., and Don Hill closely followed Schroeder and Stroble in the closing laps and at times the five were under a blanket.

It was great seeing and talking to many folks - Tolloty, Terry Meyer, Nick Guirukis of OLMS, Frank Oriti, the Sandquists, John Crumrine, - and meeting Jaycox for the first time.

I left the track with a positive vibe for the track, and especially for the Main Event Series. The MERS wastes no time getting started, and continues this weekend with a trip to Auto City Speedway in Flint, MI, closely followed by Columbus(6/2), Shady Bowl(6/9), Barberton(6/15) and Dixie, MI(6/22).