34 Raceway releases its 2022 racing schedule, which features three special shows to open the season

MIDDLETOWN — While it is hard to tell by looking out the window, the local auto racing season is less than three months away.

Brad Stevens and Jessi Mynatt, co-owners and promoters of 34 Raceway, have not slowed down one iota since the 2021 racing season ended nearly four months ago. Since then, Stevens and Mynatt have had the pedal to the metal getting everything ready for what they hope will be the biggest season in track history in 2022.

Stevens and Mynatt recently released the 2022 34 Raceway schedule, which includes many of the annual big shows, 14 nights of regular points racing in seven classes and a few new surprises.

It should prove to be a hot and heavy 2022 racing season at the famed 3/8-mile oval dirt track.

"I'm excited about the schedule," Stevens said. "We're working on getting sponsors right now. We're going to have the same classes of cars and we are partnering with Lee County Speedway for a combined mini-haulers championship. We are trying to give those guys 10-12 racing dates. Right now if they get rained out, they might go three weeks without a race. This way, if it rains out it won't be such a big deal because they can race at the other track the following week."

The 2022 season will open with three consecutive special shows. Kicking off the season will be a two-day sprint car show with the annual IRA and MOWA Clash. That event is scheduled for April 1-2.

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The Sprint Invaders will make the first of four stops at 34 Race way on April 9. The Sprint Invaders will also be at 34 Raceway on May 29, June 25 and September 24 for the annual 360 Fall Haul.

The granddaddy of them all is set for April 15-16 with the annual Slocum 50, Stevens' and Mynatt's pride and joy. July 2 is the rain date if needed.

"We're excited to start the season off with a pair of two-day shows," Stevens said. "We went to the two-day Slocum 50 show last year and people seemed to really like that format."

The first night of weekly racing is set for April 23.

Regular racing classes include Dirt Late Models, IMCA modifieds, IMCA sport modifieds, 305 sprints, IMCA stock cars, four cylinders and mini-haulers.

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The next big show on the calendar is May 21 when the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will make its first stop at the track since 2019 after being cancelled the last two years, first by COVID-19, then by rain.

"We really want to get those guys back here," Stevens said. "They are really good to work with and they give us a lot of good publicity."

Memorial Day weekend with see the annual draw/redraw show on May 28, followed by the Sprint Invaders on May 29.

The NOS Energy Drinks World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to 34 Raceway on July 8, a show which draws huge crowds every year.

"That will be a really big show for us," Stevens said. "It's on a Friday night and Lee County Speedway isn't racing that night because it's fair week. There should be a big field of cars and big-name drivers."

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While the All-Star Circuit of Champions sprint car series won't return this season — Stevens said the dates the series offered didn't line up with what they already have planned — the show will be replaced by the Castrol FloRacing Night in America, a $22,000 to win late model show on August 2.

"There are only 8-10 races and these guys are offering some big-time money. We expect all the big names to be here for that one," Stevens said. "The weekend before they are offering $50,00 to win and the next race after ours is up in Wisconsin and that is $50,000 to win. Every team is going to be making all of those big shows. This will definitely be the biggest race in history at 34 Raceway."

The annual 34 Raceway for Kids Night is set for August 6, but will not be sponsored by the Brent Slocum Foundation this year.

"The Slocum Foundation is headed in a different direction, but Jessi and I want to make sure we continue this tradition, so we are putting it on as 34 Raceway for Kids Night. We will still have all the school supplies and bikes and things to give to the kids."

Season Championship Night is scheduled for August 27.

Stevens said Sept. 2, 3 and 4 are open and they are working out details to try to bring back the Truck and Tractor Pull on that weekend.

"We are hoping to get that scheduled for the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, Stevens said. "The fans really like that show and we want to bring it back."

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Stevens said they are also working on getting a non-wing sprint series back at 34 Raceway, hopefully for the 2023 season.

A Track or Treat Drive-through trick or treat event is scheduled to close the 2022 season on Oct. 15.

"Jessi and I went to the Downtown Safe Trick or Treat last year and we realized we really want to bring this back to 34 Raceway," Stevens said. "We want all the fans to come back to 34 Raceway and drive through the parking lot and we will give out candy. They don't even have to get out of their cars."

Stevens said they are also working with Mohrfeld Electric, L&W Quarry and Four Seasons to spruce up the track a little more, including getting rid of some of the wiring and improving the lighting in the pits.

All systems are go. Now, Stevens and Mynatt are waiting for Mother Nature to cooperate.

"We're really excited for the 2022 season," Stevens said. "We fell like we have something for everyone on the schedule this year. We can't wait to get started."

This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: Three special shows to open 2022 racing season at 34 Raceway