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GLSS Inaugural Driver Membership Meeting

Great Lakes Super Sprints racing series held the first driver membership meeting at Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub on Saturday, February 20th. The inaugural meeting boasted over 40 people representing 16 different sprint car teams. “I am looking forward to the GLSS first season, even more so after the first meeting”. stated driver of the number 16 sprint car Ryan Ruhl.

The series plans to have the first race on May 13th at I-96 Speedway in Odessa, MI. There are a total of 16 races scheduled in Michigan, two in Indiana, three in Ohio and two in Ontario.

The meeting was an opportunity for track owners, engine builders, drivers, crew and potential sponsors to be introduced to the format and details of the Great Lakes Super Sprint racing series. “The whole purpose was to point out that this series has been built on advice and direction from a diverse group of people with over 1,500 combined years hanging around sprint cars”. Stated founder Barry Marlow of Merrill, Mi. Driver of the number 23 sprint car, Joe Giebe said “I thought the meeting was well planned and appreciated the power point, it was a nice setting”.

In addition to reviewing the rules, the point’s structure, winning payouts and membership benefits of the league, the meeting was also an opportunity to share the details of the traveling educational trailer. The educational program will focus on STEM principles. The program will travel to schools, youth groups and summer camps complete with a full size sprint car and hauler and are aimed at Third thru Fifth grade children. The hauler will also serve as a traveling classroom that can hold approximately 25 students at a time and will be equipped with a large screen TV. Program details were developed in part by a Great Lakes Super Sprints member and Saginaw school teacher, Christine Brakenberry; the activities include racing themed learning segments based around Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM. “I felt from the start that sprint car racing embodies these principles and this program would be a great way to get kids excited about sprint cars and wanting their parents to take them.”

Said Marlow “Our tracks are buying into the idea and there is a lot of excitement growing…This program is our way of giving back to the local communities while marketing and promoting our series. This could develop into a year round program.” said Brakenberry.

Photo of the 2016 GLSS members.

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