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(6/3/2015) After weeks of anticipation, the Upper Peninsula International Raceway opens the 2015 season this Saturday, June 6th. Big changes are in store with a new clay surface, additional track prep equipment and a revamped payout system to reward more drivers. Even better than the new clay and track equipment is the expectation of new drivers taking to the track this year. Dirt warriors from Michigan and Wisconsin are anxious to hit the track. Many aspects of the race venue will remain the same. Family affordable entertainment with $5 grandstand admission (10 and under free) have remained since UPIR began racing in 2010. Concessions are affordably priced, adult beverages are available, but no carry-ins allowed. Children 10 and under can register to win a bicycle donated by Walmart of Escanaba. Race fans can visit the pits after the races to meet the drivers and take pictures. All six of the UPIR racing divisions are returning this year: the Riverside Auto Group Junior Micro Sprints, Sportsman Micro Sprints, 600 Micro Sprints, Street Stocks, Modifieds, and Bink’s Coca-Cola Sport Fours. Last year provided great, intense, racing in all six of the divisions, and the same can be anticipated for this year. Another special return event is the popular “Blast from the Past” on July 18. The Milwaukee Vintage Modified clubs will trek to UPIR for the fifth year, the Art Richer Memorial Race and honoring local “racing legends” will combine to entertain race fans for the biggest show of the season. A renewed interest in vintage mods has brought enough back to the local area to provide entertainment on select dates to be announced. A Engineered Machine Products Busch car driven by Brian Vickers will be on display under the grandstand. The Upper Peninsula International Raceway Association is a non-profit, community spirited organization. In 2010 there was a field of weeds transformed into a ⅕ mile dirt track by dedicated volunteers. Exhibition races were held to determine interest and the response was overwhelming. Thanks to loyal volunteers, racers, fans, local businesses, the U.P. State Fairgrounds and Delta County Chamber of Commerce racing is back in Escanaba. UPIR is now an approximate ¼ mile clay track with improvements made yearly as funds allow. Memberships are available to purchase in the pit shack. UPIR is a volunteer driven race venue. There is always room for volunteers (non-members welcome) who want to be part of a growing race venue. Contact Kathy at 906-384-2171 or 907-241-9873 or email upinternationalraceway@gmail.com to volunteer. Pits open at 3 PM EST. The grandstand opens at 5PM EST with the race show slated to begin at 6 PM EST. UPIR hopes to see a big turnout for the season opener. Come out for an affordable evening, support the drivers and your local racetrack. The opener is sure to be an exciting night of heart-pounding racing action! Check out www.upirtrack.com and Upper Peninsula International Raceway on Facebook for updates and results. By Todd Rose, UPIR Race Reporter and Co-Announcer

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