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The University of Northwestern Ohio takes another step forward in the racing world. Just announced by Daytona International Speedway president, Joie Chitwood III, the University will sponsor the UNOH Battle at the Beach, a 2-day event immediately preceding the Daytona 500 in 2013.
George Silberman, NASCAR Vice President of regional and touring series, said bringing the short-trackers to Daytona will fill two voids. “From a racing perspective, this is featuring the future starts of the sport at Daytona,” Silberman said. “From a community standpoint, it’s reconnecting Speedweeks; it removes Daytona’s dark days.”
In years past, Daytona International Speedway would shut down Monday through Wednesday before the Daytona 500 events. In 2013, the Monday and Tuesday will feature two nights of racing under the lights – the UNOH Battle at the Beach. This mega national event will be on a short track carved from the backstretch area fronting the Lund Grandstands. Daytona will create a defined 0.4 mile, flat oval, using the newly paved racetrack and skid pad surfaces. Removable concrete barriers will be used to identify the short-0track course.
The lineup will include NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series, Whelen Modified Tours, and Whelen All-American Series. All of these series are stepping stones to NASCAR’s Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series. The future Daytona 500 winners will finally get a chance to run their short-track races under the lights at the Daytona International Speedway. A prime example, 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne, ran a full K&N schedule in 2008 – three years later he won NSACAR’s biggest race.
UNOH President, Dr. Jeffrey A. Jarvis is proud to finally be able to announce this event after working on it for the past two years. “We’ve been looking for another unique way to show the opportunities our students have within the motorsports industry. This event allows the drivers in these series and the University of Northwestern Ohio motorsports team to work together at Daytona International Speedway. It’s just unbelievable! The university has been receiving more interest in our motorsports degree program from high school students across the country, and this 2-day event will give prospective students another chance to see what UNOH is all about.”
For more information about the 2013 UNOH Battle at the Beach at Daytona International Speedway, contact Steve Farmer at (317) 847-3329.
