By Bill Sullivan
PLACERVILLE, CA – On Thursday afternoon, heavy equipment operators continued to work with Handy Racing Promotions and members of the El Dorado County Fairgrounds to prepare Placerville Speedway for Saturday’s season opener. As of Thursday, it was determined that extensive repair of the facility’s underground drainage structure is required due to severe damage from the recent storms.
While the needed engineering will continue until it is completed in the coming days, track management has announced that Saturday’s season opening race will be postponed to allow proper drying time. Placerville Speedway will now open with a double header header night of racing next weekend.
On Friday, April 8th, the Red Hawk Casino Championship Season will begin at Placerville Speedway with point racing for winged 360 sprint cars, Dirt Solutions Limited Late Models and Pure Stocks. The Friday night opener will be followed by a second night of action packed racing on, Saturday, April featuring Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets and Midget Lites along with the Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Car Series and the Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.
“The amount of rains this year were just too much for the system to handle, much of it has been destroyed once we were able to access the area with equipment,” said Alan Handy. “So we are taking the steps to rebuild the damage so this problem is fixed for a long time. Unfortunately there is not enough drying time to allow for racing this weekend and the threat of additional rains are in the forecast. We feel it is in the best interest to come back next week with a great double header to start the season.”
In the coming weeks, watch www.placervillespeedway.com for additional details on the two nights of racing to come at the end of next week. On Friday night, April 8 Placerville Speedway will open one hour later than usual with the grandstands opening at 6 p.m. followed by qualifying at 7 and heat races starting at 7:30. On Saturday, April 9 the speedway will return to its regular schedule with gates opening at 5 p.m. followed by qualifying at 6:30 and racing at 7.
“We apologize for the continued postponement,” added Handy. “Mother Nature wasn’t kind to El Dorado County these past months but we are taking the steps to make sure we have a great season of racing after next Friday night. We hope everyone will come out for opening night.”
For further information on Placerville Speedway visit their official website at www.placervillespeedway.com or find them on facebook and twitter by searching “Placerville Speedway.” Further information can also be obtained by contacting the track business office at 916-783-DIRT.