Nation's Top Late Model Drivers Steering Toward New Paris
Posted
Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
NEW PARIS – For fans looking to see some of the best outlaw late model racers in the country, New Paris Speedway is the place to be Thursday night.
The quarter-mile asphalt track – billed as the “hottest quarter-mile in the midwest” – will host the 16th annual Summer Sizzler 100.
Gates open at noon Thursday, with qualifying slated for 5 p.m., last-chance races at 7 p.m. and features at 8 p.m.
The winner of the 100-lap outlaw late model race will cash a check for $10,000.
There will also be a 50-lap feature for modifieds, with the winner taking home $1,200.
“All the best cars in the country show up for it,” said New Paris Speedway owner Donny Klotz when asked what sets the Summer Sizzler apart from other races.
“I mean, guys come from everywhere for this race. We get a lot of guys from the tri-state area (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio), but we had guys come down from Canada a couple years ago. We’ve had as many as 70 cars show up.”
Through qualifying and a last-chance race, the field is set for the feature. In the previous 15 years, the starting field has included 20 or 22 cars.
Erv Starrett won the first Summer Sizzler in 2002, beating local favorite Brian Ross.
Ross has finished second in the event three times.
Mishawaka native Tyler Roahrig, who now calls Plymouth home, has wins in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.
Roahrig was sidelined in 2014 because of an accident at Anderson Speedway that left him hospitalized with a number of broken bones.
Roahrig has driven in the Summer Sizzler eight times, producing four wins and two third-place finishes.
“Tyler Roahrig is pretty much running the show right now,” said Klotz, a former racer himself. “He does a lot of homework. He went to school and got a mechanical engineering degree. He’s on top of his game right now.”
Jeff Ganus of Constantine, Mich., is the only other repeat winner, taking the checkered flag in 2008 and 2014. Ganus also finished second in both 2012 and 2013.
Jack Landis of Edgerton, Ohio, has been the runner-up the past two years.
“This race is really tough,” said Klotz. “I mean, it really is the best in the country who show up. You come here to race the Summer Sizzler you’re gonna have your hands full.”
