ONA, WV-Upon reviewing feedback from fans and race teams, reviewing weather data, and consulting with health care professionals, the Ona Speedway and Vores Compact Touring Series in conjunction have made the tough decision to postpone the 4th Annual Bryce Keyser Fly By 40 presented by Freedom Used Autos set for this Saturday, June 22nd due to the extreme heat. The Test N’ Tune night scheduled for Friday, June 21st has also been postponed due to the extreme heat.
While the speedway is used to racing with temperatures in the 90’s and will no doubt have races later this summer where the temperature hits above 90, the temperatures and heat index seen for this Saturday are much more extreme than the normal summer heat. The National Weather Service has temperatures forecasted at a high of 99 degrees Saturday. Humidity levels of 60% or more are also forecasted with the real feel going up to 107 degrees. Because of the high heat and humidity, these real feel numbers are still extreme even through the evening hours. To make matters even worse, the UV index is rated at the most extreme condition possible and little wind is forecasted to give any type of breeze.
“The health and safety of the fans, race teams, and track staff is the paramount concern of the speedway”, stated track operator/promoter T. J. Layne. “These extreme temperatures and the extreme heat index put our race fans, race teams, and staff at a high risk for heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. We’ve had situations before where fans and drivers suffered heat related illnesses at the speedway in much less temperatures. As much as I personally want to race, I just can’t with a clear conscience risk the health of our fans, race teams, and track staff. We all come to Ona Speedway to have a good time, exposing everyone to this heat is not a good time for anyone.”
“For the Vores Compact Touring Series, the safety of everyone is always our top priority”, stated Vores Compact Touring Series owner Steve Vore. “We fully stand in conjunction with Ona Speedway on this decision. While we know everyone is disappointed to not get to race this weekend, it is the right decision.”
The Vores Compact Touring Series and Ona Speedway are still looking at options to reschedule the 4th Annual Bryce Keyser Fly By 40 presented by Freedom Used Autos for another date this year. An announcement on that will be made in the upcoming weeks.
The Ona Speedway will be in action next Saturday, June 29th for the One Way Septic Firecracker Extravaganza. All Ona Speedway classes will be in action in addition to the UCAR Dark Horse Dash race and a big fireworks show at the end of the night.
For more information visit www.onaspeedway.com.
