“A couple drivers that have not yet raced this year are coming this Saturday to compete in the Martella’s Pharmacies Late Model Division,” Jennerstown Speedway general manager Bill Hribar said. “We came off an extraordinary opening night. Not only are the fans excited to get back to the speedway, but the drivers are too.”

Operation Vet NOW

Racing always takes center stage at Jennerstown. But every week, the speedway goes above and beyond to provide a quality show for the fans and offer special nights at the track.

This week is no different with Armed Forces Night. All active and retired military will receive free grandstand admission. As a part of Saturday’s racing action, Operation Vet Now (OVN) will be there to provide services for military members.

“It is a local organization that helps local heroes and connects them with any needs they may have whether it is PTSD or medical needs,” Hribar said. “They will be setting up the Veteran Village with six different stations, different services and different organizations where veterans are able to talk to people. It is a really great opportunity for a large, wonderful group of people to possibly receive some help they didn’t even know they were qualified for.”

“It is a very professional way to honor those who are serving or who have served,” Hribar said.

Special Announcement at speedway

Jennerstown’s schedule currently has “to be determined” for race night on July 17.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” Hribar said. “It is something we’ve never done at the Jennerstown Speedway Complex before. It will be in conjunction with the race night.”

A quality program

With five divisions of racing, heat races plus intermissions, someone might think it would be a very long night at the speedway to see their favorite drivers compete.

That is not the case.

“We start at 6-o’clock and we are done by 9:30,” Hribar said. “Fans can meet the drivers after the races and still have time to drive home. I think keeping that efficient show is what keeps bringing people back, and if they’re not there, they are going to miss something.”

“The proof’s in the pudding”

Hribar took over as general manager at Jennerstown four years ago. He was in it from the start with the group of six ownership.

They have worked hard to bring back Jennerstown from the doldrums after reopening in May 2014. Hribar has been a driving force since taking over that leadership role.

“I was told that was what I was going to be, I don’t even think I asked,” Hribar said of becoming general manager. I assumed the position and they put their trust in me. We are down to three wonderful owners and I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to work with.”

All you need to do is look at the number of drivers on opening night compared to a short time ago to see this group is making a difference.

“The proof’s in the pudding,” Hribar said. “Seven years ago we had seven Late Models. This past Opening Night, we had 21. There are very tracks across the country doing this. We are humble, but we are proud. It’s great to see what we are accomplishing with this group.”