SALEM

Going back to school doesn’t have to be so dreadful, not at Salem Speedway anyway. In fact, in celebration of breaking out the books for the new school year, Salem is hosting the Back-To-School Bash at the grand ole speedway Saturday night, August 24.

It gets better.

Admission is free for all kids 12 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. The big bash of fun features the Lucas Oil Great American Stocks and the Vores Compact Touring Series, both divisions going fender-to-fender on the High-Banks. There’ll also be free give-a-ways for the kids, a free hot dog for each and pace car rides around Salem Speedway.

Local favorite and third-generation Salem racer Will Kimmel (Sellersburg, Ind.), on the strength of back-to-back wins, currently leads the Great American Stock Car championship standings over Huntingburg, Indiana’s and five-time track champion Todd Kempf, with Owensboro, Kentucky’s Heath Helton a close third.

The event also marks the first appearance of the Vores Compact Touring Series in 2019 and only their second appearance in the history of Salem. Track officials are expecting solid car counts in both divisions and, as always, the same great racing on the High-Banks all night long.

Pit gates open at 2:30 p.m. and spectator gates open at 4:30, the same time that on-track practice begins. Qualifications are scheduled for 6:15 for both divisions with racing following at 7:15.

Advance general admission tickets are only $13 for adults and teens. Kids 12 and under are admitted free.