With just under four weeks until opening day, Clinton Raceway is gearing up for another busy season of racing

.

Gates will open for the 2012 live race season on Sunday, May 20, kicking off summer in Huron County. The season is beginning a few weeks later than normal, and running until September 30, in hopes to take in some warmer, sunnier days than starting the customary first Sunday in May.

This season is no exception when it comes to helping local organizations with their fundraising efforts. Opening day will include events for Huron Perth Bruce Grey Epilepsy. Hoping to turn Clinton Raceway purple, the track will incorporate a bake sale, bucket auction and 50/50 draw --- and it wouldn’t be an opening day at Clinton Raceway without T-shirts!

This year, it’s a T-shirt for a twoonie, and all money raised will go to the foundation. The track has even managed to round up some local dignitaries to volunteer to turn purple for the cause. Last year, Clinton Raceway Announcer Greg Blanchard lost a wager, and wore pink. This season Blanchard may just turn purple, along with Clinton Raceway Marketing Manager Jessica Carnochan and the Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn. Patrons will donate their loose change to the personality they would most like to see be painted purple, on track by children in the area who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Harvey’s from Goderich will also be on site handing out free hot dogs, and Molson’s will be providing some special prizing for the return of the Super Sunday Show, which has more games, more prizes and more fun this season. First-race post time is set for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday May 20.

(Clinton)