The largest Late Model race in Bedford Speedway history is getting bigger. This September 28th & 29th the winner of the Bedford Keystone Cup will pay the winner $15,000, out of a total A-Main purse of over $56,000.
Bedford has partnered with several of the area speedways to create a series of qualifying races. The winner of each of the qualifiers will be guaranteed a starting spot in the Keystone Cup. Throughout the 2018 Late Model season, drivers at five area tracks will have the chance to earn a spot in the big show. With the Qualifying races, the Keystone Cup will potentially have 28 cars taking the green flag.
The overall champion of the Tri Track Late Model Challenge Series will be receiving a guaranteed starting spot in the big show at Bedford. This bonus is in addition to the point fund the series drivers will earn. The series begins at Bedford on June 1st, before moving to Port Royal June 2nd and concluding at Williams Grove on June 8th. All three races will pay $3000 to win.
Delaware’s Georgetown Speedway will host the second Keystone Cup Qualifier on July 20th. The Late Model winner that night will be assured of a starting position in the Bedford field. Georgetown is a big, fast half mile, well known for great racing. The Late Models will be racing for $2500 to win at the Georgetown Qualifier.
The final guaranteed qualifier will come out of West Virginia, as the Bullring, Tyler County Speedway will be hosting on July 28th. That evening’s winner will have his ticket punched for a spot in the field at Bedford. The Tyler County Qualifier takes place as part of the Annual Tyler County Fair Race.
The eligible drivers are guaranteed at least a starting spot in the Keystone Cup field and can improve their position through Friday night qualifying. To take advantage of their spot in the show, drivers must make an attempt at time trials and start their Friday night qualifier.
The Late Model portion of the event will feature Friday night qualifying, semi features and a dash for the top qualifiers. Saturday night will be Late Model B-Mains followed by the 60 lap, $15,000 to win main event.
As is Bedford policy there will be no entry fees for any driver. Special awards will also be given to the overall fast timer, as well as each heat winner and feature hard charger.
The two day show will feature Late Models in action on both Friday and Saturday. They will be joined by a complete show for the Semi Lates and Pure Stocks on Friday, and a complete show for the Late Model Sportsman and Modifieds on Saturday.
Advanced tickets and reserved seats for the Keystone Cup will go on sale on April 1st.
The Bedford Speedway 2018 race season will commence with open practice sessions on Saturday March 24th and Saturday March 31st. Opening Day will be Friday night April 6th with a four division program featuring Late Models, Modifieds, Semi Lates and Pure Stocks. Friday night racing action continues weekly throughout the summer.
Bedford Speedway hosted its first auto race on September 5th 1936, with Depression-era star Billy Winn taking the win. Over the past 82 years the track has hosted some of the greatest names in racing history. The speedway is located at the intersection of I-99 & US 30, with easy access from PA Turnpike exit 146, just blocks from beautiful downtown Bedford, PA.
Additional information on events at Bedford Speedway is available at bedfordspeedway.com
