All features to run 26 lap distance


Ward Crozier Sr., passed away on May 5 of last year but make no bones about it he left behind a legacy. It was Ward who perhaps can be singled out as the person most responsible for keeping pavement racing alive and well in eastern Pennsylvania from the late 1980’s to the present time, most notably at Lehighton’s Mahoning Valley Speedway.

At the end of the 1986 season Dorney Park Speedway in Allentown closed its doors leaving the many faithful pavement racers of the area without a track. The cars at Dorney, Sportsman and Late Models, were somewhat exclusive to that track. Thanks to the heads-up thinking of Crozier, he stepped in knowing that a track was available to keep alive the racing.

In early 1987, Ward and wife Dottie where able to make a deal with land owner Charlie Abrachinsky to reopen Mahoning Valley Speedway, a ¼-mile oval that had been sitting dormant the past 10 years.

The weekly races under the Crozier’s reign where considered some of the best years at Mahoning as they built a solid and loyal base – fans that had a true passion for the sport and the drivers they deeply supported. He also introduced new classes such as the Pro 4 and D/A Mods.

Gone but never forgotten, the Speedway, with much thanks and effort from the Crozier/Christman families, are proud to announce that the “Ward Crozier Sr., Memorial” will be held on Saturday, May 5, exactly one year to the day of his passing.

The format will be distinctive to Ward as each feature that evening will be 26 laps in distance. The 26 was the signature number that Ward ran throughout his career.

The family has already begun the process of collecting monies and contingencies that will be disburse across the classes. The Speedway will also be sweeting the pot so racers coming out in support of this very special event will be well compensated.

Modifieds, Late Models, Street Stocks, Sportsman Modifieds, Dirt Mods and Hobby Stocks will be in action but the Pro 4, the class which was pioneered by Ward, is being strongly considered as well.

More details on the “Ward Crozier Sr. Memorial” will be forthcoming.

For additional information log onto www.mahoningvalley-speedway.com or on Facebook at Mahoning Valley Speedway. Mahoning Valley Speedway is located adjacent to the Mahoning Farmers Market on PA route 443 just a few miles west of Lehighton.



Dino Oberto