Ona Speedway Weekend Race Schedule Postponed Due to 'Extreme Heat'

Mother Nature has forced the postponement of this weekend's Bryce Keyser Fly By 40 Vores Compact Touring Series event at Ona Speedway in West Virginia. No, there isn't rain in the forecast., but rather an extreme heat wave has caused the speedway to shelf this weekend's racing action.

"Upon reviewing feedback from fans and race teams, reviewing weather data, and consulting with health care professionals, the Ona Speedway and Vores Compact Touring Series in conjunction have made the tough decision to postpone the 4th Annual Bryce Keyser Fly By 40 presented by Freedom Used Autos set for this Saturday, June 22nd due to the extreme heat," a statement from Ona Speedway explained. "The Test N' Tune night scheduled for Friday, June 21st has also been postponed due to the extreme heat."

Ona Speedway is no stranger to contesting events in 90-plus-degree weather, as the facility hosts racing events throughout the Summer months, but the heat index for this weekend was beyond the normal scope of hot Summer racing, which led to the track and the Vores Compact Touring Series to take action in the interest of safety.

"The health and safety of the fans, race teams, and track staff is the paramount concern of the speedway," said track operator/promoter T.J. Layne. "These extreme temperatures and the extreme heat index put our race fans, race teams, and staff at high risk for heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. We've had situations before where fans and drivers suffered heat-related illnesses at the speedway in much less temperatures. As much as I personally want to race, I just can't with a clear conscience risk the health of our fans, race teams, and track staff. We all come to Ona Speedway to have a good time, exposing everyone to this heat is not a good time for anyone."

The Vores Compact Touring Series stands with the track in the decision to postpone this weekend's racing activities.

“For the Vores Compact Touring Series, the safety of everyone is always our top priority”, stated Vores Compact Touring Series owner Steve Vore. “We fully stand in conjunction with Ona Speedway on this decision. While we know everyone is disappointed to not get to race this weekend, it is the right decision.”

At this time, a rescheduled date for the Fourth Annual Bryce Keyser Fly By 40 has not been announced. Ona Speedway expects a new date to be selected and announced in the upcoming weeks.

Racing activities at Ona Speedway will continue Saturday, June 29 as the track will host the One Way Septic Firecracker Extravaganza. All local Ona Speedway classes will be in action next weekend in addition to the UCAR Dark Horse Dash Race. A fireworks show will conclude the night's activities on Saturday, June 29.

Photo Credit: Ona Speedway