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After the successful two day season opener, the 2014 UPIR season, sponsored once again by The Bay de Noc Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, prepares to start the engines for the second time this year.

The first event of the year drew 88 cars total, the same amount that began last year’s season. However, among the 88 cars in attendance, there was one very special guest racer. NASCAR driver Ken Schrader came to the UPIR dirt track to race his modified against the UPIR regulars. Ken won both his heat race and the 25 lap feature race. Afterwards, Ken tried his very first pasty, which he did enjoy. Although the stands were not completely full, the event is being considered a success, taking into consideration the cold weather, and multitude of other events taking place the same weekend.

Many drivers are hoping to ride a wave of momentum into this weekend’s races, after a great first race weekend. Included in this group are all of the points leaders for their respective classes. These drivers include, Ty Springer (Junior Micro Sprints), Kyle Getchell (500 Micro Sprint), Jared Cech (600 Micro Sprint), Mike Montie (Sport 4’s), Rob Willis (Street Stocks), and Chris Pepin (Modifieds).

Although the opening Modified event was won by Ken Schrader, an honorary UPIR racer, the points lead was given to UPIR regular Chris Pepin who finished second to Schrader. While the points leaders, along with other top finishers from May 17 hope to continue their success, all of the other drivers are waiting to pounce, and take the top spots this weekend.

The upcoming races, to be held June 7, will be sponsored by WRUP Classic Rock Radio 92.7, the host station of the UPIR Race Review show which airs every Monday at 6pm, running until 7pm at Ernie’s Irish Pub in downtown Escanaba. The WRUP sponsored races are schedule to begin at 6 PM EST, with the pits opening at 3 PM EST, and the front gate opening at 5 PM EST. Admission cost will be $5.00 for adults, with kids 10 and under free. Kids 10 and under can register to win a boys and girls bike donated by Kurt Schwalbach racing. UPIR hopes to see a big turnout for the event, so for a night full of action and fun, come to the UPIR Action Track, Saturday, June 7. www.upirtrack.com By UPIR Race Reporter and Co-Announcer-Todd Rose

This article posted by Upper Peninsula International Raceway. Click here for more track information.