By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations
PLACERVILLE, CA – The 2010 Red Hawk Casino Championship point racing season is set to begin this Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. After two preseason events, the quarter-mile clay oval at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds is ready for the weekly multi division program to bring thrills and spills to thousands of area fans.
With the associate sponsorship of Hoosier Racing Tires West, Riebes Auto Parts, Coors Light and Pepsi Cola, Winged 360 Sprint Cars will lead the roster with the likes of the fire breathing Limited Late Models and the always exciting Pure Stock division.
In the winged sprint cars, defending four-time champion car owner John Taylor and his Bullet Racing team are set to return in their quest for a record breaking fifth consecutive championship at Placerville. Last year Taylor won his fourth straight title with veteran car owner Colby Wiesz of Colfax behind the wheel.
This year, Taylor will field his competitive #35 with one of California’s young guns in the cockpit, Shane Golobic of Fremont, the 2009 Calistoga Speedway champion with numerous accolades in his young racing career that consists of quarter-midgets, midgets and sprint cars both winged and wingless.
“We are looking forward to a good year at Placerville,” said Taylor. “Colby and myself both wanted to do our own things and it gave me the opportunity to put Shane in my car for the Placerville championship. I’m confident he will do well here with our team.”
Last year Wiesz and Taylor ended the season with a 16-point advantage over C.J. Humphreys of Placerville. Scott Russell of Placerville finished in third overall over Andy Forsberg of Auburn and Justin Johnson of Shingle Springs all of which are expected to return for a run at the championship once again.
In the Pure Stock division, look for defending two-time champion Tom Tilford of Citrus Heights to return. Tilford has not commited to defending his title just yet. With a second child on the way and busy work schedule he will begin to the 2010 racing season and see where it heads. It could very well head to a third title if things get off to a successful start.
Last season Tilford returned with a second championship insight and the journey to get there was one of the most competitive seasons at the 45 year old dirt track. Throughout the year, Tilford raced side by side with Chico lady racer Heather Bartlett.
Throughout the entire season, Tilford and Bartlett remained first and second in the standings, swapping the lead point position several times during the year. Tilford won a total of eight feature events while Bartlett won four. The famed duo that earned national media attention throughout the year entered the final night a mere 8-points apart in a contest where a driver can earn as many at 45-points in a single night. In the end Tilford won the title by just 10-points over Bartlett.
“It was the most incredible season for us,” said Tilford. “My family encouraged me to come back and run for another championship. I never imagined it would have been like it was. Racing with Heather all season long like we did was great'”
In the Limited Late Model-Pro Stock division, Jerry Bartlett of Yuba City has announced he will defend his 2009 Placerville Speedway track title. Throughout the entire 2009 racing season, Bartlett developed one of the most controversial track rivalries in recent history at Placerville Speedway as he took on former champion Dan Brown Jr. of Nevada City. The two drivers battled to each checkered flag throughout the year and in comes cases beyond it.
In the end Bartlett edged Brown for his first Placerville Championship, adding to an already decorated racing resume. Bartlett is set to return in 2010 and defend his championship title. Brown is also expected to be a contender and attempt to reclaim his throne.
“I loved racing at Placerville last year and I’m ready to come back and defend my championship,” said Bartlett. “So I hope everyone is ready for some controversy because it always comes along with me. It’s part of the whole package, that’s why they call me Mr. Controversy.”
In addition to the title sponsorship of Red Hawk Casino, Placerville Speedway once again welcome’s a number of community businesses in 2010. Contingency sponsors for the year to come include Carls’ Jr. the victory lane sponsor at Placerville Speedway along with McDonald’s who sponsors the weekly hardcharger in each division. Food 4 Less is one of the tracks leading community contributors in driver and fan product awards along with Dirt Solutions who will sponsor the Limited Late Model Division in the year to come.
The front gates will open at Placerville Speedway at 5 p.m. on Saturday night. For additional information on the event and the season to come visit the track’s official website at www.placervillespeedway.com. Placerville Speedway can also be found by using twitter where race fans can get updates of upcoming events send directing to their pc or cell phone by signing up at www.twitter.com/pvllspeedway.
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.