Lake City, MI - Merritt Speedway recently trimmed some of the fat from their longtime slogan, formerly known as ‘Northern Michigan’s Premier Dirt Track’. Going in to the 2017 season, Merritt Speedway will simply use ‘Michigan’s Premier Dirt Track’, making a bold commitment to both racers and fans across the state. Much of the reason for this change in wording, reflects the upcoming 2017 season schedule. Eight different touring series will make a stop at the three-eights-mile clay oval, spanning over the course of the year. Merritt’s weekly divisions which have seen an increase in count each of the first two years of ownership under Blackmer Motorsports, also have regularly scheduled specials featuring increased winners pay throughout the season. Not only will Merritt Speedway host a variety of special events, but it will also offer racers the chance to compete for several monstrous payouts during the year. The first high paying show will put the spotlight on the American Ethanol Late Model Tour, which will race for $10,000-to-win at the third annual Merritt Showdown presented by Don’s Auto Clinic, on Wednesday, June 14. They will be joined by the new American Ethanol Modified Tour presented by Allstar Performance, for their inaugural appearance at Merritt Speedway. The new UMP Modified tour, will return to Merritt on Independence Day eve, Monday, July 3, and race for $10,000-to-win as well. These two series, which are both in their infancy, were started by Carbon Green BioEnergy, based out of Lake Odessa, Michigan. The Late Model Tour which has exploded on to the scene as the states premier series for this style of racing, along with their sister Modified series will both have their highest paying races at Merritt Speedway in 2017. Open wheel racing will see growth at the Lake City speedway in 2017 after the expanded fan interest in the tracks Lightning Sprint division last season. For the first time ever, the Midwest’s strongest open wheel series All Star Circuit of Champions will make a stop mid-season. The Tony Stewart owned organization which races more than 50 times throughout the season, will make their only state of Michigan appearance at Merritt Speedway, under the lights on Saturday, July 1. Longtime Merritt open wheel staple, the Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt will again see a pair of appearances, taking place on Saturday, June 24, and again on Open Wheel Spectacular Weekend, Saturday, August 19. The spectacular will also see the return of the Lane Automotive Michigan Traditional Sprint Series. The Great Lakes Super Sprints which will be in their second year of 360-cubic-inch excitement, will compete on Saturday, July 22. The second annual Keyser’s Great Lakes Shootout will come to town, featuring the world-renown World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series, on Saturday and Sunday this season, August 26 and 27. The nation’s best Late Model stars will compete for massive paydays and long feature racing events again, in what is the tours only stop in Michigan again in 2017. Last season, defending Keyser Manufacturing UMP Late Model track champion Eric Spangler captured the Friday night feature event victory, showcasing Merritt’s regular lineup of stars’ strength against the tours best. Details regarding payout, laps, and much more will all be announced later. Read More: http://bit.ly/2oFWAG6