From Media Release from Handy Racing Promotions, Inc.
PLACERVILLE, CA – The fire suits are home from the cleaners, the cars have been rebuilt to perfection and the new souvenir tee shirts are rolling off the presses. Opening day is nearing at the famed Placerville Speedway and the communities of El Dorado County are more than ready for dirt track mania to begin in this race strong foothill town.
It all starts this Saturday night at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds as Placerville Speedway enters its 45th consecutive year of operation. Carved into a unique hillside in off Placerville Driver, the quarter-mile clay oval that will be home to auto racing every Saturday night for the next seven months is more than just a Saturday night hang out. For many, it’s a profession, others a passion and for most regular attendees of the racing season at “Old Hangtown” it plays an important role in their lives.
“Building that race track was the best thing they did in this town when they did it,” recalled retired racer Gene Gillihan, who still attends the track on a regular basis today. Gillihan has operated a local radiator repair business in town since the 60’s, a business that still benefits off the racers and race fans of today. “When they opened that place it got people together on Saturday nights, they weren’t just hanging out in the bars anymore they were enjoying what the sport had to offer to families and children.”
For nearly five decades now, Placerville Speedway has entertained spectators of all ages. Through the years the sport in general has faced many challenges in the way of operation costs, environmental challenges and marketing in what seems to be a constantly ailing economy. But for Placerville Speedway the relationship between the business community and the speedway have kept it strong. The speedway benefits from the strong support of the community and at the same time, racing here has a huge economic impact on the business community.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone here, Placerville Speedway is a landmark in this town and brings a great deal of tourism to the area.” said Bill Sullivan of Handy Racing Promotions, the new management group of Placerville Speedway that’s entering it’s sophomore season here. “We have great support of the community and area businesses for our events and at the same time those establishments gain business from our spectators. In this economy I think all of us are ready for the boost racing brings to this town and its residents.”
This Saturday night nearly 80 drivers representing all parts of California, Nevada and the Pacific Northwest are sure to fill the pit area to capacity for the season opener here. The event includes the exciting sprint cars of the Hoosier Tires Civil War Race Series as well as the popular Dwarf Car divisions from both the Nor-Cal Groups and DART in the Silver-Gold Cup event.
The Civil War Series is a 15 race series that will make four appearances at Placerville throughout the year, including the championship finale that will crown the champion and close the season on September 25th. The season opener for this campaign is always highly anticipated as California’s best racers look for a strong start towards the coveted championship. This year the division competes for increased championship funds under the management of Handy Racing Promotions and is sure to be a stellar campaign with many returning champions.
Following Saturday’s opening of the season, each week will bring even more excitement and thrills to Placerville Speedway as the Red Hawk Casino championship season continues.
On March 27th, the Golden State Challenge King of California Sprint Car Series will come to town to begin its competitive traveling campaign that spans California and the Pacific Northwest in 2010. The fire breathing 410 sprint cars will return for a total of three races during the year, including the series final on August 21st.
On Saturday, April 3 the championship series will begin for Placerville’s three weekly divisions including winged 360 cubic inch sprint cars, limited late models and pure stocks. The three weekly divisions will compete for additional point funds in the year to come with some $20,000 allocated for the year end payouts for the weekly championship titles, higher than previous years.
Additional high profile events during the season will include the annual Mark Forni Classic. This annual event pays $5,000 to win in honor of the late long time car owner, sponsor and fair board member.
The second high paying event of the year will be the Annual “Family Auto Center Tribute to Al Hinds” on Saturday, July 31. This event will be a Civil War Series race, paying $3000 to the winner courtesy of the local auto dealership that has paid tribute to the late race promoter that was known for building a relationship between the speedway and the business community shortly after the track opened in 1965. The day includes a huge car show and free fan bbq at the dealership.
Kids night returns to the speedway on Saturday, August 14. This night will feature children’s bicycle races and free admission for youngsters. The event will take place in conjunction with the annual Placerville Police Officers Association Destruction Derby that takes place the next day at the fairgrounds. In addition to free admission to the speedway that night, they will also receive complimentary tickets to the annual derby courtesy of the local law enforcement charity.
Throughout the season a variety of guest divisions will join the weekly divisions at Placerville Speedway. Topping the list of visiting divisions will be the Joe Hunt Magneto Wingless Sprint Car Series. This year the wingless warriors will compete in four different events at Placerville Speedway in a special point series that includes an equal number of events at both Marysville Raceway Park and Silver Dollar Speedway. This series will compete for increased winnings as well with the contributions of Roger Gleason and Hunt Magnetos and additional details are forthcoming.
The Nor Cal Dwarf Cars will return to Placerville Speedway during 2010 for several events in addition to Saturday night. The Bay Cities Racing Association will bring both their Midget and Midget Lites to the facility throughout the year as well. On many of the nights the BCRA will be on hand they will be joined by the growing Capital City Midget tour to make an outstanding car count for each event.
It all starts this Saturday night with the grandstands of Placerville Speedway opening at 5 p.m. followed by qualifying at 6:30. Adult tickets will go on sale when the gates open Saturday night. Adult tickets are $15, juniors $10, children are $5 and under six will be admitted for free.
Placerville Speedway offers a number of amenities for race fans and their families. The Carl Borrelli Food Court dishes out a number of delicious items including the famous “jalapeno bacon cheddar corn dog” that debuted at the track two season’s ago. Many new souvenir items will also be on sale for the event including the brand new, limited edition Civil War Series Tee Shirts. This marks the first time in many years that a commemorative shirt has been produced for the traveling series and fans that desire one are encouraged to check them out upon arriving at the speedway.
For additional information on Saturday’s season opener or the exciting year to come at Placerville Speedway bookmark www.placervillespeedway.com. The track can also be followed on twitter where you can get news updates sent directly to your computer or cell phone by signing up for free at www.twitter.com/pvllspeedway.