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iday, October 12th before a Saturday night event and season finale. Underlying this widely anticipated finale is a season long comeback for Oklahoma City’s sole remaining racing venue.

Located in the southwest corner of Oklahoma City, it wasn’t so long ago that the future of the action rich, semi banked 1/6th mile oval was in peril. An unfortunate string of mishaps culminated in a brief shutdown early in the 2011 season. Lost early in the discourse at the time was what proved to be the biggest detail of all.

And that detail was the transfer of I-44 Speedway operations to Mark and Gloria Banister. A veteran open wheel racer in the Oklahoma City area and a partner in the construction and early running of the speedway, current promoter Mark Banister recently shared “We knew the track had potential, but we also didn’t have much time. We knew we needed to start right away.”

Within two weeks the Banister’s had the gates open and mini sprints slinging mud with a new staff and a new name - I-44 Riverside Speedway, single handedly continuing a rich legacy of dirt track racing in the Oklahoma City metro area. The changes in the track surface became positive and complete leading up to a very successful season finale in October 2011. Banister continues “There has been some fluctuation, but we’ve been determined and it’s clear that the trends are positive and we’re making progress. We’re extremely thankful and appreciative to the race teams and fans who have supported us throughout the year and we really look forward to this weekend’s event, and also to next season.” To the final statement and with humor, Banister does admit that the family and staff will enjoy a short break before preparing for that next season.

The 2012 campaign was the first full season for track management headed by Mark and Gloria Banister and is also the first fully completed season at the track since 2008. The season campaign featured a total and absolute reversal of negative trend due to the effort and consistency of track management and staff, along with a renewed interest from local and regional race teams, with attendance once again on the rise in the pits and in the grandstands.

Following successful annual specials such as the Ryan Craighead Memorial and the Mini Sprint Nationals, I-44 Riverside Speedway presents the Inaugural Non Wing Showdown: the 2012 season finale featuring the popular stock 600 Non Wing mini sprint division, along with Non Winged Outlaws, and a Restricted 600 division that has been allowed to keep their tops on.

Following a practice session free to the public Thursday night from 6pm to 9pm, I-44 Riverside Speedway will launch two festivals of reflex and speed to complete the 2012 campaign.

Gates open at 4pm with hot laps at 6pm for the Friday, October 12th preliminary night of action. The official program, featuring heats and features in all three classes, begins at 7pm. Adult Grandstand admission is $10, Senior Citizen admission $8, Kids 6-12 admission is $5 with kids 5 & under getting in free.

Gates open at 4pm with hot laps at 6pm for Saturday’s Non Wing Showdown finale. The official program will begin at 7pm featuring $2,500 to win stock Non Wing Showdown, $1,000 to win Non Wing Outlaw division, as well as the event finale for the Restricted class. Adult Grandstand admission is $10, Senior Citizen admission $8, Kids 6-12 admission is $5 with kids 5 & under getting in free.

For more information, including event updates, directions and event purse/rules, please visit the track website @i44riversidespeedway.com, visit the official Riverside Speedway Facebook page, or contact the track at 405.633.1583.

Citizens, race fans, and racing teams throughout the Sooner State and surrounding areas are invited to attend a weekend of family entertainment and high quality racing in celebrating I-44 Riverside Speedway’s season finale, the Inaugural Non Wing Showdown.

Live updates from the Inaugural Non Wing Showdown will be featured on the Oklahoma No Fender Network on Facebook throughout the event. For instant access to the live updates of this event, as well as many other dirt track events throughout the region, simply “like” the Oklahoma No Fender Network on Facebook.

I-44 Riverside Speedway would like to thank the sponsors who have contributed to the Inaugural Non Wing Showdown: Pole Position Raceway, Melmark Pipe & Supply, Sawyer Chassis, Factor One Racing, Keiser Wheels, Car & Fleet, Mud X, Firefighter & Sons Lawn Care, Outlaw Wings, Bolted Spine Designs, and Finish Line Designs. Please remember to support the sponsors that contribute to the racing community.

Lap Sponsorship is also available. Sponsors of all price and sort are welcome to claim your lap and receive often mention at the track and in the widespread and official post race coverage of the Inaugural Non Wing Showdown. Please contact the track by phone or on the internet to make your participation official.

The forecast looks much improved for the season finale, rebounding nicely from the recent cold snap with highs forecast near 80 degrees both Friday and Saturday, but with earlier sunsets light additional clothing is recommended.

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