URICH, Mo. -- Late in 2005, a GRS driver, Mike Fitzpatrick, 52, came out of retirement to win a Fall season Modified race and savored it. Weeks later Fitzpatrick suddenly passed away in his home in Harrisonville, Mo with son, Brad at his side. Brad Fitzpatrick's wish at the Grand River Speedway's first 2006 points race is not only to carry the American Flag but also the checkered on his late father's birthday, in his honor!

On hand this Sunday at 1pm, will be Stock Cars, Modifeds and two classes of Hobby Stocks racing in heats and features, lined up by time trialed qualifying laps. The track record of 12.31 was set by John Bennet, New Haven, Mo, on New Year's Day.

Pre season race winners in Feb. on the 1/4 mi dirt track were in Stock Cars, Lanny Askins, Sedalia, in Modifieds, Mike Tanner, Lathrop, Mo and in Hobby Stocks, Wade Shernan of Kansas City, Mo.

Mike Fitzpatrick will be fondly remembered by former competitors and fans alike. In 30 years of racing he had also visited Adrian Speedway, Lakeside and Riverside Speedways in Kansas City and was well known as a friendly competitor!

For more information, go to www.grandriverspeedway.net