Zack VanderBeek

81 Speedway readies for Ed Gressel Memorial April 20-22

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 20-22, we’ll gather again when the stars of the Summit USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt descend on the 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas, for three nights to honor racing legend Ed Gressel.

Gressel’s impact on racing throughout the Midwest remains largely unmatched. What began as a hobby working on cars at the 81 Speedway during the 1970s morphed into a top-tier modified team capturing checkered flag after checkered flag on the USMTS trail.

Along with his wife, Cinde, he was a supporter of the series since its infancy and was instrumental in the series growth as it’s seen today.

“Ed meant a lot to my family and everybody at the USMTS, as well as countless racers and race teams,” said USMTS President Todd Staley shortly after Ed Gressel's passing last May. “He was a big part of our growth. A huge supporter—both financially and personally—and a great friend to many. We’ll never forget him.”

The list of drivers who have piloted the gold and blue for Gressel Racing is impressive. Local hot shoes have gotten the chance to cut their teeth, regional superstars found victory lane and others blossomed into national stardom behind the wheel for Ed Gressel.

None of those drivers were more prolific than Ryan Gustin. “The Reaper” collected two USMTS championships, a $40,000 payday at the USRA Modified Nationals and 72 of his 103 career USMTS victories while racing for Gressel and always behind the wheel of a Hughes Racing Chassis. The last of his victories driving for Gressel happened at the 81 Speedway.

Before Gustin it was Scott Green steering the wheel for Gressel, and after came names like R.C. Whitwell, Ricky Thornton Jr. and Tanner Mullens, all finding success piloting the blue and gold machine. Then, in 2018, Wichita native Brandon Givens took over.

“I will never be able to repay both Ed and Cinde for everything they’ve done for me, my wife and my family,” said Givens. “What he’s done for us... I can never tell you how much I owe that man. The day after his funeral, my wife Dani looked at me and told me we needed to do something for Ed.”

“Getting to know Ed the last couple of years after purchasing 81 Speedway, it was so neat to see the guy he really was,” commented track owner J.R. Sartain. “Ed was genuine, straight to the point, but more importantly a fierce friend. If you were lucky enough to be welcomed in by Ed, you were blessed. It’s an honor to hold this race right here at 81. We’re working hard to make this something special, and we hope to see the grandstands packed in honor of Ed.”

“Ed Gressel was a long-time supporter of mine and a great friend,” added track promoter John Allen. “I don’t know what I would have done without Ed at times. It’s going to be tough to race without him here, but we’re going to bust our butts to put on the best show we can for him. And after is all said and done, we’ll gather as friends and drink a beer for him too.”

The Ed Gressel Memorial kicks off Thursday, April 20, paying $3,000 to win the Summit USMTS main event. Following a $5,000-to-win contest on Friday, April 21, the event reaches a final crescendo paying a $10,000 top prize on Saturday, April 22.

Alongside the USMTS stars on Thursday night will be the United Rebel Sprint Series. The JLR Property Management 316 A-Mods and AutoTech Service Super Stocks join the fun on Friday before the Heyglassman.com Stock Cars complete the under card for Saturday night.

For complete race day information and a complete 2023 schedule, check out the FAST FACTS or visit 81speedway.com.

Mel Hambelton Ford hosts open house: Mel Hambelton Ford in Wichita, Kansas, invites all race fans, drivers, crew members and their families to the 3rd Annual USMTS Open House on Friday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet your favorite drivers while you enjoy food, fun, contests and more. Click here to learn more.

Cornhole Tournament: 81 Speedway will host a Cornhole Tournament and silent auction for door panels on Saturday, April 22. Winners will receive cornhole boards as prizes. Click here to register. Space is limited. The cost is $50 per team and the tournment starts at 10 a.m. for more information call (316) 304-1454 or email 81speedwayevents@gmail.com.

Gressel glitz in victory lane: The Ed Gressel Memorial will feature a special one-of-a-kind victory lane banner. The 10 x 20 foot sign will autographed by USMTS drivers, and then after Saturday's finale one lucky person will take the banner home. Proceeds will go to the choice of Ed's widow, Cinde Gressel. We will have a table setup so people can bid on it starting Thursday.

Friday night live: A perfect blend of country and rock from the nation's heartland since 2012, the midwest's most prominent Heartland Rock band, Tequila Ridge will be playing live music following the races on Friday night.

Watch every USMTS event online live and on-demand from anywhere on any device with RacinDirt. Download the app at Roku, Amazon Fire, iOS, Apple TV or on Google Play.

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