By Gary Thomas
Placerville, CA – April 19, 2016…Well known for its steep banks, distinctive red clay, loyal fan base and extremely close action, the El Dorado County Fairgrounds based Placerville Speedway is set to play host to the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series season-opener this Saturday night April 23.
The Placerville Speedway is located just 40 minutes from the capital city of Sacramento and marks the first full point race for KWS after opening the season with a co-sanctioned event in Tulare with the World of Outlaws on March 12.
Placerville, CA – April 19, 2016…Well known for its steep banks, distinctive red clay, loyal fan base and extremely close action, the El Dorado County Fairgrounds based Placerville Speedway is set to play host to the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series season-opener this Saturday night April 23.
The Placerville Speedway is located just 40 minutes from the capital city of Sacramento and marks the first full point race for KWS after opening the season with a co-sanctioned event in Tulare with the World of Outlaws on March 12.
Including this Saturday the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series regular season starts off with five consecutive weeks of racing, prior to a break during Memorial Day weekend. In addition to Saturday’s opener the King of the West Series will also return to the Placerville Speedway for events on Saturday July 30 & Saturday September 24.
With last year’s King of the West champion Carson Macedo competing for Keith Kunz Motorsports in the Midwest it opens the door for a different titlist in 2016. Last season the 19-year-old joined the illustrious list of past champions that includes Kyle Hirst, Jonathan Allard, Brent Kaeding, Tim Kaeding, Kyle Larson, Tyler Walker, Sean Becker, Jason Statler, Ronnie Day, Randy Hannagan, Tim Green and the “Original King” Steve Kent.
Last year two-time KWS champion Kyle Hirst led the way with five wins on the season and looks to be a favorite for the title in 2016. The 28-year-old Paradise resident is set to drive for Tarlton Racing with support from Roth Motorsports and will be gunning to duplicate his championship performances from 2013 & ’14. Hirst also swept both King of the West events in Placerville last season and has started off this year in solid fashion, including a podium finish with the World of Outlaws in Stockton.
After missing out on his first KWS title by just 12-points it could be the year for Campbell’s Bud Kaeding, who captured the prestigious Trophy Cup last October at Thunderbowl Raceway. The driver of the Williams Motorsports ZERO also claimed his first career Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial last season with KWS. Elk Grove veteran Bobby McMahan finished third in the points last year, ending the campaign with no dnf’s. McMahan returns to the track this Saturday where he began his Sprint Car career in 1982.
Hanford’s DJ Netto claimed two KWS wins last season and will be looking for more in 2016. The Central Valley youngster ended the season fourth in points and will be a threat to move up the ladder in 2016. A few weeks back Netto impressed everyone with the World of Outlaws in Chico, until fuel issues ended his bid at victory. Three-time King of the West titlist Jonathan Allard of Chico will also be searching to add a fourth crown to his resume this year. The veteran drove to victory at the season-ending Tribute to Gary Patterson last November.
A couple new faces joining the King of the West trail this year and looking to make their mark are Watsonville’s Justin Sanders & Clarksburg’s Justyn Cox. Sander’s is coming off a fantastic season that saw him claim 20 main event victories and earn track titles at Ocean Speedway & Marysville Raceway. Cox last November brought home a runner up at the Tribute to Gary Patterson in Stockton with the Civil War Series and places his 2016 focus on chasing points with the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series.
More drivers expected for this Saturday’s opener will include Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi & Cory Eliason, Auburn’s Andy Forsberg, Roseville’s Willie Croft & Colby Copeland, Los Angeles, CA’s Tyler Walker, Fremont’s Shane Golobic, Grass Valley’s Jason Statler, Hanford’s Mitchell Faccinto, Penngrove’s Chase Johnson, Campbell’s Brent Kaeding, Princeton’s Mason Moore, Gilroy’s Jarrett Soares, Auburn’s Richard Brace Jr., Coarsegold’s Scott Parker, Atwater’s Sean Watts, Murrieta’s Cori Andrews and others.
Adult tickets this Saturday cost $22, seniors 62 & over and juniors 12-15 will be $15 with kids 6-11 being $6. Children under 6 are free. The pit gate at Placerville Speedway on Saturday opens at 2pm, with the front gate opening at 3pm and racing anticipated to begin around 7pm.
The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. Take Hwy US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the Fairgrounds. The physical address is 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667. For more on Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com
The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. Take Hwy US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the Fairgrounds. The physical address is 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667. For more on Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com
The King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series is held under the management of Prentice Motorsports Group, which also operates the Civil War 360 Sprint Car Series presented by Flowmaster, the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, the Wingless Sprint Car Series presented by Hunt Magnetos, the All Star Modified Tour and Ocean Speedway.
Info on the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series can be found at http://www.racepmg.com
Be sure to like the KWS Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/kingofthewestsprints and become a member of our Twitter community at https://twitter.com/KwsSprintRacing for all the latest breaking news regarding the series
Upcoming King of the West Series events following Placerville
Info on the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series can be found at http://www.racepmg.com
Be sure to like the KWS Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/kingofthewestsprints and become a member of our Twitter community at https://twitter.com/KwsSprintRacing for all the latest breaking news regarding the series
Upcoming King of the West Series events following Placerville
Saturday April 30: Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA (26th annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial)
Saturday May 7: Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, CA
Saturday May 14: Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA (Chris & Brian Faria Memorial)
Saturday May 21: Stockton Dirt Track – Stockton, CA (Salute to LeRoy Van Conett)
Saturday May 7: Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, CA
Saturday May 14: Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA (Chris & Brian Faria Memorial)
Saturday May 21: Stockton Dirt Track – Stockton, CA (Salute to LeRoy Van Conett)