TOLEDO, Ohio — Motorheads, race enthusiasts, and everyone in between are ready for the racing season.
Engines are ready to rev up this weekend for the season opener at the Toledo Speedway.
In one of its earliest openers ever, the speedway will host three division races on Saturday.
First, the kickoff for the USAC Silver Crown Series, then two ARCA divisions will race after.
Ron Allen, an 11-time Toledo Speedway champion, said a lot of the racers in these three divisions are at the top of their game and many have moved on to bigger divisions.
"Drivers that are now in NASCAR or Indy and it's just a fun, fast racetrack to be on," Allen said.
For this opening event, one ticket gets you in the stands for all three races.
Along with eight races this season, the Toledo Speedway has planned an array of events throughout the year to cater to diverse groups of people, including veteran race fans and novices alike.
Toledo Speedway General Manager Brandon Hamby encouraged people to come witness the excitement of live racing.
"Racing is at its best when you see it in person," Hamby said. "So, if you're unsure, check it out and then that will get you to 100%, but nothing beats a race on race day."
During Saturday's opener, the Toledo Speedway Bar & Grill is hosting a Racer Reunion, where former area racers and enthusiasts can come together and reminisce about races from Toledo Speedway history.
"That's why we do it," Allen said. "I mean we love racing and we love winning. But hearing the fans and seeing fans here enjoying it and having a good time, that's what it's all about."
Additionally, there will be a parade of classic cars on the race track in honor of opening day.
"It's just as meaningful as any other sporting event's opening day, it's what we're here for, it's what the fans have been waiting on all off-season, it's what our drivers have been working on and waiting on," Hamby said. "You know, a lot of work has gone into it and a lot of excitement has been built up, and it's just a celebration because we all get to be together again."
The gates will open at 12:30 p.m. Saturday for spectators and the green flag will wave to begin the first race of the season at 3 p.m.