NORWAY — Coca Cola late model drivers who attend the 35th annual Stateline Challenge at Norway Speedway on July 6 will have 300 more reasons to bring their “A game” during qualifying at the third-mile, paved oval.

That’s because Base Companies LLC is awarding a $300 cash bonus to the fastest qualifier that night in the track’s top division.

Base Companies is a real estate development, consulting and construction management firm based in Green Bay. The business is owned by former late model driver Paul Belschner.

Belschner, who has family ties to Norway, competed at the track during his brief racing career in the early 1990s.

“I love the racing program at Norway Speedway and wish to see their Friday night show continue to thrive for many years to come,” said Belschner, who attends a handful of races at Norway Speedway annually with his family.

The list of past winners of this prestigious event reads like a “who’s who” in short track late model racing.

Wisconsin Rapids legend Dick Trickle won the very first Stateline Challenge in 1981. Escanaba’s Jamie Iverson has won five Stateline Challenges – more than any other driver.

Late model drivers that evening will be racing for a payout that is above and beyond what’s been served up in past years. A complete payout with bonus awards is expected to be released by the end of May.

A practice session is slated for the third-mile, paved oval Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cars in any and all divisions are welcome to attend. Pit admission will be $10 per person and grandstand admission is free that day.

The annual Island Resort & Casino Car Show will take place Saturday, May 19 at the Casino in Harris from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A practice is tentatively slated from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day for teams who attended the car show.

The season-opening race at Norway Speedway is slated for Friday, May 25. Pit gates open at 3 p.m. weekly with the grandstand opening at 5 p.m. Qualifying begins at 5:45 p.m. with the first green flag flying at 7 p.m.

Norwayspeedway.com and Facebook have further information.

(Joe Verdegan is with Norway Speedway-Dickinson County Racing Association)