From Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations
PLACERVILLE, CA – After a thrilling opener here last month, the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series will return to Placerville Speedway this Saturday night for another night of thrilling open wheel racing action at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The event will draw nearly 40 of the best 360 winged sprint car drivers from throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.
Saturday’s event will, be the seventh scheduled night of action during Placerville Speedway’s 2010 racing season presented by Red Hawk Casino, Hoosier Racing Tires, Coors Light, Pepsi Cola and Riebes Auto Parts. The event marks the third round of the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series, a campaign that is a true experience for any open race fan to witness regardless of where they race.
The 2010 Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Race Series is a traveling body of winged 360 powered sprint cars which competes at six different California tracks for a total of 15 events between March and October. The competitive tour brings together the top drivers from all areas of the state as the design of the campaign allows a competitor to compete for this coveted championship title while still being able to pursue a championship effort at their weekly track
This year, the Hoosier Tires sponsored series will compete for more than $240,000 over the year and nearly $25,000 in championship funds, barring any rained out events during the year. Additional contingency sponsors throughout the year are expected to exceed $30,000 in product awards as well. Next Saturday’s event will pay $2000 to win and $300 to start the A-feature and each Civil War event during the year will follow suit in such numbers.
Entering Saturday’s second event, Sacramento resident Herman Klein continues to hold the series point lead. Driving for car owner Dale Wondergem the driver known to his fans and colleagues as “Hang On Herman” bested a stellar field in the way of a feature event victory at the series opener last month in Placerville. In that event Klein held off a hard charging Brad Furr of Pleasanton and “The Shark” Sean Becker to the finish line to pick up a victory before a standing room only crowd which is typical at Placerville Speedway for these high profile races. Klein finished ninth in Petaluma two weeks ago.
Sitting just four points behind Klein is Becker, the defending two time series champion. Since the series opener Becker has been a regular entry at Placerville Speedway, competing in the both of the last Red Hawk Championship point races.
The Shark won the opening weekly program and fell victim to a pair of spins last Saturday night. This week, the former Silver Dollar Speedway and Golden State Challenge Series champion is ready to continue defending his title after a seventh place finish in Petaluma.
Sitting in third place is the driver known as “Mr. Excitement” Andy Forsberg of Auburn. Forsberg is a four time Civil War titlist and former Placerville Speedway track champion. The winningest driver of Placerville Speedway’s current times, Forsberg will roll into round three of the Civil War carrying the momentum of a victory at the third round in Petaluma. He recently finished second in a feature event at Placerville Speedway as well.
Furr is fourth in the standings and always a top contender at Placerville Speedway. The Pleasanton resident that is a former World of Outlaws’ regular is just 8-points out of the lead in the series and is trailed by Placerville resident Jimmy Trulli who just won his first feature event of the year at his hometown track last weekend.
Mason Moore of Princeton and his F&F Racing Team are sitting 6th in the point standings ahead of Visalia’s Steven Tiner and former two time series champion Mike Henry of Sacramento. Willie Croft is tied for the 8th position with Henry. Camron Mendes of Rohnert Park is 10th just ahead of the 2009 series Rookie of the Year Kenny Allen of Chico.
Although they are not in the top ten ranks of the series, many of Placerville Speedway’s top drivers are sure to be on hand. Placerville’s own Andy Gregg has confirmed his entry. The driver also known as “The Hurricane” recently finished second here at home in the point racing opener where he sliced and diced for nearly the entire race with Becker for the win.
Placerville’s Scott Russell is expected to return along with Justin Johnson and James Sweeney. Look for Shane Golobic of Fremont to be on hand along with the liked of Nicole Miller of Fair Oaks, Billy Wallace of Grass Valley, Billy Aton of Benecia, Cody Lamar of Elk Grove, Billy Strange of Rancho Cordova and many more.
Saturday’s event will begin with qualifying at 6:30 followed by heat racing and full feature events. Tickets will go on sale at the speedway box office at 5 p.m. Adult tickets will be $15, Juniors $10 and Children are $5. Ticket pricing excludes parking fees that are charged by the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
Saturday’s will be well worth the price of admission as the Civil War Series brings nearly 40 of California’s high speed rebels without a cause to the exciting Placerville bullring. The limited edition Civil War Sprint Car Series souvenier T shirts will also be on sale at this event while supplies last. Shirts can also be purchased on the series website in the souvenir section.
For further information on this upcoming event visit www.placervillespeedway.com or www.civilwarsprints.com. The Civil War Series is managed by Handy Racing Promotions Inc. in cooperation with the participating tracks on the tour including Petaluma Speedway, Calistoga Speedway, Silver Dollar Speedway, American Valley Speedway and Ocean Speedway. Learn more about this exciting traveling series at their official website today.