Lake Odessa, MI (Tuesday, July 30, 2019) - After a brief summer vacation, the American Ethanol Late Model Tour (AELMT) is back to racing action this weekend for the 31st running of the WoodTic Presented by American Ethanol from Merritt Speedway and the Second Annual Dan Salay Memorial Race. Two events have joined together to create the largest DIRTcar UMP Late Model Race in Michigan this season, offering up $10,000 to the winner of the prestigious event, on top of lap money, bonuses and contingency awards.
The WoodTic event at Merritt Speedway first began back in 1989, when Frank Sedar took home the win and did so three years in a row, en route to becoming the winningest driver in WoodTic history, with eight triumphs. Only he and one other driver have accomplished the feat of winning the massive event three years in a row; the other driver has already cashed a large AELMT check this summer - Dona Marcoullier. Marcoullier won his first WoodTic event in 2008, going on a three year domination, winning in ‘08, ‘09 and 2010. He’s on the brink of that feat again.
Marcoullier has been a staple in the event over the last decade, winning six of the last 10 races. He would have obtained the threepeat if Chad Finley had not gone to victory lane for his sole WoodTic title in 2016. Marcoullier can accomplish the mark this weekend though, having won the past two titles; but another veteran competitor will be looking to foil his plans.
Eric Spangler, the six-time Merritt Speedway Track Champion, began his WoodTic win count in 2005. Since then, Spangler has found Victory Lane on two other occasions, 2012 and 2013. Some say, there is no replacement for experience and if that’s the case, Spangler will be one to watch this weekend. The Lake City, Michigan veteran driver will likely have the oldest WoodTic win among active drivers.
Fans can listen to free in-depth live audio coverage of the AELMT event including, behind the scenes, post-race and exclusive interviews, insight and analysis, and flag-to-flag coverage, by tuning in to the Motor City Racing Network Broadcast at race-monitor.com. AELMT fans can also monitor Live Timing & Scoring, powered by Motor City Racing Promotions, on the Race Monitor Mobile App.
On Saturday, August 3rd, fans who cannot attend the event in person can log onto misportsnow.com to watch the live stream of the event.
This year’s WoodTic Presented by American Ethanol will feature a special format in correlation with the Dan Salay Memorial Event. Racing action will begin Friday with Hot Laps, Qualifying and Heat Races, while 26-lap Odd/Even Features and the 74-lap, $10,000, main event will take place on Saturday. Complete event details can be found here - Details for 31st WoodTic at Merritt Speedway [<LINK to presser]
Racing is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. both nights with Mini Wedge action beginning at 3:00pm on Saturday. For more on Merritt Speedway go to merrittspeedwaymi.com and find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
To learn more about the American Ethanol Late Model Tour, visit aelmt.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Randy Ellen Photo Attached.
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Zach Hiser
Motor City Racing Promotions
Media Director
zhiser@motorcityracing.co
517-212-5925
