Erie Sports Commission to Welcome Race of Champions, Cancer Wellness Center Duathlon and Bay Cup to Erie

Photo: Erie Sports Commission

The Erie Sports Commission is welcoming several annual sporting events back to Erie for three-days of sports filled fun. 

The 74th Annual VP Racing Fuels Race of Champions will be held at Lake Erie Speedway Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. 

The VP Racing Fuels Race of Champions stands as the second-longest consecutive auto-racing event in North America. 

The event provides drivers with the opportunity to compete at the biggest championship of the season.

“It’s an honor to have the Race of Champions return to Erie. It’s been a competitive season, so we’re looking forward to having exciting and entertaining races for fans and for the drivers,” said Lake Erie Speedway General Manager A.J.
Moore. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to host large-scale events like this and to invite fans into a championship atmosphere.”

Qualifying races are scheduled for Friday at 6:15 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Qualifying races will be followed by the 74th Race of Champions 250 on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. 

Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets online. 

Additionally, the Erie Duathlon supporting the Erie Cancer Wellness Center will be taking place this weekend. The Duathlon will begin and end at Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview. 

According to the Erie Sports Commission, a total of 150 athletes from Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio will participate in a 5K run, followed by a 20K bike, and finish with a 5K run. The course is designed to be achievable and engaging for all levels of athletes. 

The race will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The race is sold out, and aims to raise funds for the wellness center. 

Lastly, LECOM Sports Park and the Erie Insurance Arena will be hosting the Erie Bay Cup as part of the Tournament Cup Series. 

A total of 30 Level A and AA boys teams U16-U8 from Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio will be competing in the tournament. 

Each team will play four games minimum. The competition will take place on Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. 

More information on all three events can be found on the Erie Sport Commission's website.