Crystal, MI (Saturday, April 23, 2022) - After the original opening night was lost to mother nature, the Great Lakes Super Sprints Presented by Engine Pro and ARP (GLSS) are prepared to do battle for the first time in 2022. The new home for the season opener is Crystal Motor Speedway, a staple home for Sprint Car racing in Michigan.
Last season, GLSS made two stops to the 3/8ths mile dirt oval in central Michigan. In 2021, the first stop didn’t occur until Memorial Day weekend, and 27 of the area’s best 360 sprint car drivers unloaded on the property for a shot at the win. At the end of 25 laps, Dustin Daggett cruised from his pole position to collect the win ahead of Ontario, Canada’s Ryan Coniam and Bellevue, Michigan’s Gregg Dalman.
The second showing of the season at Crystal Motor Speedway last year saw a slightly more racy event. Elida, Ohio’s Max Stambaugh raced from the outside of row two to the win. He beat Daggett and 2019 Series Champion, Phil Gressman ahead of 23 other GLSS Competitors.
New this season is a number of drivers in different places for fans to keep an eye on. One of the most notable changes was for that of 2021 GLSS Champion, Ryan Ruhl. After the season, the Coldwater, Michigan driver and Smith Motorsports went separate ways. Ruhl ended up finding a home with former Butler Motor Speedway Sprint Car Track Champion, Ken Mackey. The iconic 25M will hit the track with the defending Champion behind the wheel.
That left the seat of the 71H open for 2022, however it didn’t remain open long. Stambaugh made the move over to the ever-expanding Smith Motorsports team. With Stambaugh moving, that left another void in the equation with the NEFCO Racing 5s. That car became the 14 and is now piloted by Zane DeVault.
Also changing hands is the Greg Wheeler Motorsports 16 machine. Driven last season by 2016 GLSS Champion, Chase Ridenour - that seat will now be filled by Tyler Rankin. No official word yet on if Chase Ridenour has a ride for 2022.
Racing tonight at Crystal Motor Speedway is scheduled to begin at 7:30PM. Gates open at 4:00pm. Follow along with complete updates all evening long on the Great Lakes Super Sprints Facebook page, and on Twitter @GLSprints. Find a full schedule, results, and more information online at www.GreatLakesSuperSprints.com.
Story - Zach Hiser, Horsepower Happenings
Photo - Jim DenHamer
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