LaSalle, IL (May 6, 2021) – It is finally here, the start to the 2021 Mars Racing Series. After a couple of rain cancelled events the officials from the Mars Racing Series are fired up and ready to kick off the season with the 10th Annual Thaw Brawl at LaSalle Speedway.
Tony Izzo, owner of the LaSalle Speedway, will start his second season with the Mars Racing Series that he purchased back at the end of 2019. Tony is ready to take what he learned in 2020 and make the series even better in 2021. One of the biggest changes in the off season was putting Tyson Graves, the series announcer in the role of Series Director. Tony states “It was a blessing to run into Tyson at PRI a couple years back, right away I could see his passion for racing and potential to be more than just a guy who can call a great race on the mic. After getting a year under his belt with the series you could see the determination in him to do everything possible to take the series to the next level. We wouldn’t be as far along with the Mars Series without him. He is willing to do what needs to be done.”
In the last few weeks the series has been gaining momentum as the hype and excitement of getting back to the track takes over for many Midwest drivers. The series has made some big announcements over the past few weeks. Those included inking a deal with long-time merchandise partner Arizona Sport Shirts. The series will have a line of merchandise that will be available at each event on their own trailer. Special event shirts, kid’s items, and other merchandise is in the works and will debut over the first few events of the year.
The series also has brought on a large list of support and contingency sponsors with special awards the drivers can earn at each event. Hard Charger, Hard Luck, and more will be awarded at all the events this year. The latest announcement was Allstar Performance stepping up to provide an Overall Fast Time Award at each event. Tyson Graves, Series Director says, “We are really excited about the upcoming season. Last year was a huge learning experience as I got to see a whole other side of the racing business. I am still learning but have worked hard in the off season to make our series one that racers want to come race with. It is important for me to find ways to give back to the drivers and put on organized shows that are exciting for the fans. The entire staff is ready, and we can’t wait for opening night.”
As the series rolls into LaSalle Speedway to kick off its 22nd season a lot of eyes will be on the defending Mars Series Champion Brian Shirley. Brian is a past winner of the Thaw Brawl will look to hoist the big belt in victory lane on Saturday night. Several regional drivers like, Jason Feger, Ryan Unzicker, Rusty Schlenk, Mike Spatola and others are all expected to be in the pit area.
The weekend will kick off on Thursday night with an open practice from 6 to 9 pm. The practice is scheduled to be streamed LIVE on the Racing Performance Media’s Facebook page. On Friday night a pair of 30 lap, $3,000 to win features will take place. The pit gates will open at noon with grandstands opening at 3pm. Hotlaps are slated for 6:30pm and opening ceremonies at 7:30pm. Saturday night the 60 lap $12,000 to win Thaw Brawl finale is on tap. The pit gates once again will be open at noon with grandstands opening at 3pm. Hotlaps at 6:30pm and opening ceremonies once again at 7:30pm. If you cannot make it out to the track you can tune in LIVE both nights at FloRacing.com.
For more information on the Mars Racing Series be sure to visit www.marsracingseries.com or follow us on our social media platforms.
Special Thanks to all our sponsors:
Dirt Track Bank, Arizona Sport Shirts, Allstar Performance, Racing Performance Media, Swift Springs, O’Riley Auto Parts, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Allgair Racing Shocks, Keyser Manufacturing, Wilwood Brakes, Git Sideways Race Fuels, Five Star Race Car Bodies, EngineMasters, AutoMeter, Illinois Army National Guard
