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Promoter Roger Archer puts a lot of effort into scheduling entertaining events for the track's fans. The smiles he sees on children's faces makes it worthwhile getting the track ready every week. 85 Speedway is an affordable and entertaining venue for the entire family.

This year Archer sponsored free Easter baskets in cooperation with drivers so that children would have a great time being at the races on Easter weekend. Other events that have been scheduled throughout the season include children’s bicycle races, bicycle giveaways, autograph nights, boxcar races, a gold rush, riding in racecars, candy giveaways, dollar hotdog nights, and more.

Mike Lane, the announcer at 85 Speedway, also enjoys interacting with the children. It is not uncommon to see Mike thinking of new ideas to get children more involved, shaking the hands of the little ones, and posing for photographs with them. His focus on children brought back driver autographs every weekend at the front gate.

On Saturday, July 23rd, 85 Speedway will feature Twister No. 32 of Dalton Welch and Cruiser No. 93 of Zach Jones autographing photographs at the front gate. These two gentlemen are just two of the track’s most outstanding examples of young racers. There will also be an autograph session with all drivers during intermission.

In addition, 85 Speedway welcomes a special guest on the same evening. Lucky Dog will be in attendance. Lucky Dog is the official mascot of Aaron’s, the nation’s leader in sales and lease ownership, and can usually be found at NASCAR events, but has decided to come out and entertain the young fans of 85 Speedway.

Like 85 Speedway, Aaron’s focuses on entertaining young fans. In April, Aaron’s celebrated its 10th year of sponsoring the Aaron’s Dream Weekend at Talladega. Michael Waltrip drove the No. 99 Aaron’s Dream Machine sporting a custom paintjob designed by a nine-year-old fan.

Every year, Aaron’s awards the winners of the sweepstakes and their families all expenses paid trips to the Dream Weekend at Talladega. This focus on children and family is exactly why 85 Speedway is excited for Lucky Dog to be a part of the 85 Speedway racing family on July 23rd.

Beginning at 6:00 pm, Lucky Dog will be giving away thunder sticks, temporary Lucky Dog tattoos, fans, Lucky Dog stuffed animals, and a whole lot more. Aaron’s and 85 Speedway are making the focus of July 23rd all about the kids.

A few fun facts about Lucky Dog – he made a cameo appearance in the movie “Talladega Nights”, was the winner of the Atlanta Motor Speedway Mascot Race, loves eating Lucky Charms, enjoys watching “All Dogs Go to Heaven”, and says his favorite song is “Who Let the Dogs Out”. Like any dog, he loves his naps, but also enjoys the hobbies of chasing the Dream Machine and dancing.

Take your cameras and your children to 85 Speedway on July 23rd to support all of the young racers. These children are the next generation of the 85 Speedway racing family.

You can become a fan of Lucky Dog on Facebook at http://facebook.com/luckydogfan.

Gates open at 6:00 pm and racing begins at 8:30 pm. Adult general admission is only $10, children six to twelve are $5, and children under six are free. You can find more information about 85 Speedway by visiting http://ennis85speedway.com/.

The staff and drivers of 85 Speedway welcome you to become a part of their racing family.

- Dave A Vance

This article posted by Big O Speedway (FKA 85 Speedway). Click here for more track information.