The annual Ironman Classic was held at Maryland Int’l Raceway on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Not only were Ironmans given away to the winners of each class, but a little extra cash went home with one lucky racer before the night was over. Joe Rollins out of La Plata, Maryland, made a rare perfect run during second round of eliminations in Top ET. The race had to be shortened to an 1/8-mile because of two rain delays. Dialing a 5.89, the driver did his job on the tree with a perfect light in his 1992 Mustang.

The 2009 Speed Unlimited ET Series kicked off with a double-header weekend that featured qualifying for a special event called the “Pick Royce’s Pocket Challenge”. This is the second year for this successful event that gives drivers a chance to pick Royce’s pocket and win FREE car and driver entry at all ET events until mid-season! After weeks of repeated rainouts, the race was finally completed this past Saturday, May 16th, at the Mountain Motor Nationals.  First up was Junior Dragster driver Patrick Estevez Jr. of White Plains, Maryland. Prior to his run in front of thousands upon thousands of fans, Royce asked the eight year old rookie if he was at all nervous; he replied with a long and winded “No” (but we’re almost sure he had to be white-knuckling the steering wheel).

The legend continues with the U.S. Pro Stock Open on Wednesday, October 7th; and again features a special 1/4 mile, Top ET class paying an incredible jackpot of $10,000 to win! Gates open for racers/participants at 1:00 pm, and spectator gates at 3:00 pm. Top ET time trials will begin at 3:00 pm; and Top ET eliminations will start at 6:30 pm. The Top ET car and driver entry is $160 (both first round and second round re-entry options are $100 each). There will also be a Mulligan drawing (which, along with re-entry, will be run time permitting). Please note, there will be no other ET classes run at this event. This will be the only 1/4 mile, $10,000 to win Top ET race of the year – so grab your sharpie and mark those calendars!

Plan now to attend the Jimmy Jones Memorial $10K and commemorate as well as celebrate the life of Jimmy Jones. Take a shot at $10,000 CASH at this 1/8 mile event for Top ET only (there will be no other classes run that night). The gates will open at 12:00 noon, time runs will begin at 3:00 pm and eliminations will start at 7:00 pm. The Top ET car and driver entry fee is $160 (both first round and second round re-entry fees are $100 each). Fund raisers will be held and a portion of every ticket sold will be donated to help Jimmy’s mother.

The new format of the Junior Dragster Team Finals made its exciting debut at Budds Creek last season; with a tough field of contenders from tracks far and wide! This year’s event will be run on the same team format, but has been expanded to a 3-day event. Each participating track (IHRA, NHRA or independent) is allowed to send up to three teams of ten cars each (all drivers must be registered as a points member at their track).

Maryland Int’l Raceway is available around the year for weekday testing (weather permitting of course). This is a very easy and affordable program available to racers looking for that extra edge they’re sure to get with private track time. Private test sessions are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (eight full hours of daylight fun).

One of the biggest complaints heard from racers coast to coast is the inability to at least be able to earn their entry fee back without having to win several tough rounds of competition. Well an attempt to change that issue has been made; and its dynamic new purse structure is so unique… it’s getting its very own patent!

Royce Miller, noted racer and operator of Maryland Int’l Raceway, welcomes and invites you to experience this innovative concept coming up on August 28-30th, 2009 – which has been branded the Inaugural ATI Performance Products “First & Final”, presented by AutoFab Race Cars!