LIMA — Anytime you get to do something you love and honor your family at the same time is a great thing. Gerry Keysor gets to do just that as he is the announcer for the second straight year for the 16th annual Keysor Memorial — Presented by Stolly Insurance Group on Friday night at Limaland Motorsports Park. The pit gate opens at 4:30 p.m. and racing begins at 7:30 p.m.
“(UNOH Administrative Assistant) Steph Swallow and (UNOH President) Dr. (Jeffrey) Jarvis asked me to do it last year and it’s really a dream come true,” Keysor said. “I’ve spent my whole life at the race track in some form or another. It’s been part of my blood.”
The Keysor Memorial began when Gerry’s father, Bobby, passed away in October of 2001. It also honors his late uncle, Bill, who passed away in 2011.
“We started it to honor my dad, who was the 1990 track champion,” Keysor said. “Then we started honoring both my dad and Uncle Bill. It seems like just about everybody in our family has been behind a wheel of a racecar at some point or another. It’s a good way to honor those who have passed and those who are still with us.”
The Limaland drivers seem to always get geared up for this event as many of the well-known drivers have a great relationship with the Keysor family.
“Tony Anderson actually got his start as an owner and had my dad driving his car,” Keysor said. “Now he’s a dynasty at Limaland. Guys have been telling stories for years about how much fun he was to be around. Guys say that they’ll be competing in his memory.”
Keysor is also excited to have the B.O.S.S. Wingless Sprints competing Friday night.
“I’ve announced at Waynesfield Raceway Park and I got to know those guys really well,” Keysor said. “I know that they’re all excited to compete in this.”
Another member of Keysor’s family will be competing Friday night in the Bud Thunderstocks division.
“Chris Dougless is my cousin and he definitely has the car and talent to win,” Keysor said. “There are so many great drivers in that division. I know it will be a real barn burner for sure. I’m sure I speak for the whole family when we say we are excited for a great night of racing and it should be a lot of fun. We hope to add a new chapter to this event.”
For complete results of the 16th annual Keysor Memorial, pick up a Sunday edition of The Lima News.
Meet the drivers
at Waynesfield
WAYNESFIELD – The first “Meet the Drivers” night of 2017 will take place Saturday night at Waynesfield Raceway Park. The weekend warriors from all five of the weekly classes will line the front stretch to get up close and personal with their fans, supporters, and families.
On the race track, the Block Insurance Tough Trucks will have their first headlining race of the season running for a $400 check. The Quest Federal Credit Union Non Wing Sprints, Satellite Connections UMP Modifieds, Performance Powder Coating AMSA Mini Sprints, and Indian Lake Outfitter Compacts will also be on the program. The Performance Powder Coating AMSA Mini Sprints will be taking the wings off Saturday for the first time this season.
Pit side gates open at 4 p.m.; grandstands at 5 p.m. Hot laps get under way at 6 p.m. with the first green flag flying at 7 p.m.. Drivers will line the front stretch during intermission for giveaways and to sign autographs.
Adult general admission is just $12. Kids aged 11-15 years are $6 with all young fans under the age of 10 admitted for free. Pit passes are available for $25.
Get the latest Waynesfield Raceway Park news and information online at waynesfieldracewaypark.net,
