Matt Minglewood to Play IWK 250 Tailgate Party March 12, 2019 Regional JAMES RIVER, NS – The Matt Minglewood Band will rock Riverside International Speedway on July 18 with a two-hour concert at the IWK 250 Tailgate Party. The east coast music legends will cap off an afternoon/early evening IWK 250 practice session to get fans primed for the legendary IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis on July 20. Matt Minglewood, from Cape Breton, is a multi-time award winner, starting in 1986 with the Canadian Country Song of the Year for ‘Me & The Boys’ and most recently in 2018 picking up the East Coast Music Awards ‘Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year’ and the Blues Recording of the Year for ‘Fly Like Desperadoes’. Other accolades include two Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Dutch Mason Blues Award, an Honorary Doctorate with the College of Cape Breton, and a recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Canadian Music. “I have driven by that track thousands of times since it was first built,” said Matt Minglewood. “Actually, many years ago I took my Barracuda around the track one fall day when it was closed. I never fail to look in and am always delighted to see it is still going strong. We’re looking forward to performing at the IWK 250 Tailgate Party and supporting such a great cause.” “It’s a thrill for us to have an entertainer of Matt’s caliber help us celebrate our 50th-anniversary at the IWK 250 Tailgate Party,” said Paul McLean, general manager of Riverside International Speedway. “His brand of entertainment will be a great fit for our fun-loving fans.” Matt Minglewood is a born storyteller who tells his stories with a high-octane country-rock-blues twist, reflected in a show including top hits from 14 albums, three of which achieved top-selling gold status. His accomplished band includes four others who help deliver the award-winning show Minglewood is known for. Fans attending the IWK 250 TestFest between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on July 18 will get their first peek at teams that will enter the IWK 250 on July 20, including NASCAR’s Kenny Wallace who is making a return to Riverside in hopes of defending his win in last year’s IWK 250. Thursday’s practice session is integral for teams as they shake down their car and get up to speed for Saturday’s big event. Admission to the grandstand is free during the practice session, after which the stands are cleared in preparation for the Tailgate Party, expected to start between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Admission to the IWK 250 Tailgate Party featuring The Minglewood Band is included with the IWK 250 Weekend Pass, which is now available for purchase online at www.RiversideSpeedway.ca. The value-packed Weekend Pass starts at just $60.00 (including HST) for an adult and includes admission to the IWK 250 Tailgate Party on Thursday, July 18, the NAPA Sportsman Series Henry’s AUTOPRO 100 and Maritime Legends Challenge on Friday, July 19, and the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis on Saturday, July 20. Those who wish to attend The Minglewood Band concert (only) can purchase a ticket for just $20.00 (including HST), starting online in mid-June or at the gate on July 18. Fans of all ages can watch the concert from the main grandstand while age restrictions will apply to the stage-front licensed area. The IWK 250 is a championship points race with the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST), round six of 12 for the 2019 campaign. Since its inception in 2007, the IWK 250 has helped raise awareness and more than $450,000 for the IWK Foundation. Campsite reservation renewals for the IWK 250 Super Race Weekend are now available and due by March 31. New reservation requests are also available and will be filled starting in April. The IWK 250 Campsite Renewal/Request Form can be found online at www.RiversideSpeedway.ca. Riverside Speedway opened in 1969 under the helm of Antigonish businessman John Chisholm. It was sold in 1989 and bought back by Mr. Chisholm late in 2005, rebuilt in 2006 and rebranded Riverside International Speedway. For 50 years, the popular 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval has provided generations of race fans with some of the best stock car racing entertainment in North America. Fans can keep up with Riverside news all year long by visiting www.RiversideSpeedway.ca, subscribing to the email newsletter, and by following social media accounts on Facebook (riversidespeedwayns) and Twitter (Riverside_NS). About Riverside International Speedway: For 50 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home of the IWK 250 – widely known as the best stock-car race in Canada, and of the Bumper to Bumper 300 – eastern Canada’s only NASCAR event. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410.
