As racetracks sit silent across our region many race-related things are happening.

Beacon of the Valley is having a Night with the Racers Feb. 1 at the Yankee Lake Ballroom on Route 7 in Brookfield. Special guests include 2019 Talladega winner Ryan Blaney. Other drivers will be announced and Blaney is expected to bring along some friends.

There will be a raffle/baskets, a cornhole tournament and live music. The ticket price of $20 includes dinner. Proceeds will benefit children 12 and under in Mahoning, Trumbull and Mercer counties through Beacon of the Valley Foundation, a nonprofit organization helping eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.beacon-of-the-valley.ticketleap.com, or by mailing checks to Beacon of the Valley, 2207 Larchmont Ave. NE, Warren 44483. Tickets also will be available at the door. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Jim Pollock, longtime golden voice of Sharon and Expo speedways, was at a concert in Pittsburgh Dec. 23 when he became ill and was admitted to UMPC in Pittsburgh. Two blockages led to bypass surgery.

After a lengthy stay he was released Jan. 8 to Hillside Hospital in Warren for rehabilitation. Please keep Jim in your thoughts and prayers, he’s a fine person with many friends in the racing community.

While some racetracks have closed, one in our region is coming back to life. Tri-City Raceway Park in Franklin, Pa., will return to weekly Sunday night racing under the new ownership of Merle Black.

The season begins April 19 with 20 events scheduled for the upcoming season. Four divisions will compete each week with a 6 p.m. starting time on the big half-mile dirt oval.

The 410 winged Sprint cars will be on hand every week to compete for one of the largest purses in the region. Also scheduled are the 358 Modifieds, front wheel drive Mini Stocks, and junior Sprints. Stay tuned for further details.

Sharon Speedway, in the process of working on its 2020 schedule, already has secured three events featuring Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champions, a World of Outlaw Late Model show, and a RUSH Late Model event.