NORWAY, MI - The 2003 racing season in Michigan's Upper Peninsula will officially kick off this Friday night, May 9th, when the Dickinson County Racing Association presents their season opener at the Norway Speedway. Bob's Homes of Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan will sponsor the first motorsports event of the spring in the U.P. with late models, super stocks, slammers, and the Fab Four's taking to the 1/4-mile paved oval. Qualifying for the super stocks and late models will begin at 6:15 pm with racing set for 7:30 pm.

All indications are that record, or near-record, numbers will eventually be reached by the DCRA when it comes to car count. Both the late model and Fab Four divisions will see increased numbers while the other two classes should remain solid again. "There are so many guys that have called about rules and that are in the process of building cars I can't help but think that it's going to be a great year for us here at Norway," said DCRA President John Ostermann. "Every track has cars missing on opening night because guys just don't get ready in time. Norway is no exception."I'm not going to say the season opener is going to set a record but I think that come June and July the numbers will be there"Those numbers will be bolstered by the return of some of the track's legendary names in the late model class. All indications are that Wausaukee, WI, driver Bob Menor and two Michigan pilots, Mark Miller and Gene Coleman, will make there way back to racing after several seasons off. Throw in a few rookie drivers and the spice of a couple of veteran Fox River Racing Association competitors and the late model class will truly be wide open. "I feel good about the late models and the count. There was a time that this track couldn't get the cars but it's really come around. I hope that all of the talk materializes and guys like Menor and Miller come back and race. It'll be great to see some of the best that this track has ever seen return and fight it out with the young guys," Ostermann said.

The Bob's Homes Season Opener will include a full show in both the late model and super stock divisions while the slammers and Fab Four's will compete in feature events. The same basic format from 2002 will be followed with and emphasis on keeping the program moving for the fans. "We will continue to entertain the best we can," Ostermann said. "Racing is just one way that people can spend their money. There are so many things out there for people to do today. It's time that promoters realize that. We have tried to give the people the best night out that they can get. That's going to be our philosophy again this season." The Norway Speedway is located just off of Highway 8 south of Norway at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds.