(FLAT ROCK, Michigan - August 8, 2012) - 1972 race winner Danny Byrd has been named the Grand Marshal for the 24^th running of the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200, set for Saturday, September 29 at Toledo Speedway.

Byrd, who won numerous races throughout the Midwest and Canada in the 1960’s, 70’s and early 80’s, led every lap of the 1972 Glass City 200, piloting the Bill Hill-owned #08 Chevelle.  To this day, Danny is the only driver to lead every lap in a Glass City 200 event.

Danny was the Late Model champion at Toledo in 1973 and 1978 and finished his career at the ½ mile paved oval with 31 checkered flags (tied with the late John Anderson), and second only to Bob Senneker (33) and the late Joy Fair (97).

He is also 4^th in the all-time Late Model win category at Flat Rock Speedway with 29 victories, and captured the track title in 1973.

Great Lakes Helicopter is entering its third season as the title sponsor of this prestigious event.  The night of racing carries a purse of over $50,000 in cash and awards, with $5500 going to the winner.  $1000 has been posted to start the 200 lap race, which will see a 20 minute break at the lap 101 mark.

The entry blanks and fliers are expected to be ready by August 17.  In addition to the 200 lap Late Model invitational, a 40 lap Sportsman invitational and a just-added 30 lap X car invitational (on the ¼ mile) are also part of the final race of the season at the Glass City oval.

Details for all 3 events will be released next week.  In addition to Great Lakes Helicopter, associate sponsors include Francis Engineering, DTS Drive Train Specialists, R & M Recycling, First Care Ambulance, Port City Racecars, Burge Wrecking, Allegiant Travel, Bazell Race Fuels, Sunoco Race Fuel and PASSTIME.  Additional sponsors will be announced as they are secured.

Friday, September 28 the pit area opens at 2 p.m. for rig parking, tech and tire sales for all 3 classes.  An optional practice session will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Anyone that purchases a pit pass on Friday will receive a FREE dinner of a pulled pork sandwich, bbq chicken, cole slaw, potatoes and corn on the cob, courtesy of Francis Engineering of Leroy, OH.

The Saturday, September 29 race day schedule has the pits open at 9:30 a.m., driver’s meeting at 11:30, practice at 12:15, time trials at 3 and racing at 5 p.m.  A rain date of Sunday, September 30 has been established.

Log onto www.toledospeedway.com for more information as the Great Lakes Helicopter Glass City 200 nears!  Tickets are now on sale by calling the track office at 419-727-1100.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/toledoflatrock or follow us on Twitter @toledospeedway.