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(Tioga Center, NY 5-4-25) The much-awaited re-opening of Shangri-La II Speedway in Tioga Center, NY, the ½-mile banked concrete oval, is only two weeks away.
Saturday, May 17, will mark the first of five races that are planned for 2025 under the direction of track promoter Jason Makarewicz.
The race day line-up will consist of Sportsman Modifieds, Super Stocks, 4-Cylinder Stocks and Hobby Stocks.
“We have been putting in a lot of time and effort to make sure everything is ready for the opener,” said Makarewicz, who also owns and operates Evergreen Raceway in St. Johns, Pa.
“This is an exciting time for fans and racers to be able to come back to a track that has sat idle for the last decade and it’s an honor to be able to make it a reality for so many people who are looking forward to bringing racing back to Shangri-La.”
Makarewicz has been making regular trips to the speedway from his home in Freeland, Pa., and along with his work crew have been putting in countless hours to fix, repair, shine and do whatever else needs to be done in order for everyone to have an enjoyable day at the races.
In between the work sessions there was an open practice that took place, two weeks ago.
“We were able to hold a practice session and although it wasn’t as busy with cars as I was hoping, we did get some good feedback nonetheless from those who did come out,” said Makarewicz.
“The track has not changed much since the last time cars raced on it and what we got back was despite some bumps it will be raceable.”
Over the next two weeks Makarewicz will be back and forth at the track, keeping up with completing his to-do-list of various matters of concentration.
“We have gotten a lot done and we’re not finished yet but there is a definite transformation from just two months ago when we first began working on everything to where we are now,” he noted.
“We’re going to be finishing up some work on the bleachers and a few other items that need attention. And I really have to give a big shoutout to K & K EZ Wash Exterior Cleaning who did a terrific job of power washing all of the grandstands for us, they look great,” said Makarewicz.
In advance of the May 17 opener there will be an open practice held on Friday, May 16 from noon to 5:00 pm. Pit admission for open practice is $25 per person and grandstands are free.
On race day, Saturday, pits will open at 10:30 am with warmups starting at 12:30 pm. Racing will commence at 2:00 pm. Pit admission is $40, all ages. Adult grandstand admission is $15, kids 12 and under are free.
There is an open tire rule. The Sportsman Modifieds and Super Stocks will be running Hoosier 10-inch tires. ST1, ST2 and F45 Hoosier’s will be available at the track if needed.
Rules and purses are posted on the official track website https://www.shang2speedway.com/
“It’s our goal to work with all the drivers and I want to hear their opinions in order to make this work. It’s a learning process for all of us and we want to do it right. If there is a concern please don’t hesitate to reach out and call me,” said Makarewicz.
Sunday, May 18, is the rain date in the event of inclement weather on Saturday, with the same start time in place.
Makarewicz also said that track rentals are available by appointment and to call him at 570-956-6357.
Shangri-La II Speedway is a half-mile concrete oval located at 114 Skyline Dr, 13734 in Tioga Center, NY. For updated information please check out the official track website and Facebook pages at
https://www.shang2speedway.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/998028902197312
