From Troy Hennig
Chico, CA — The Easter Bunny will make an early visit to the Silver Dollar Speedway this Friday night, April 22, at the Silver Dollar Speedway. During one of the intermissions, the kids in the attendance will be led back behind the main grandstand for an Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt for eggs will take place in the grass area located just outside the main entrance to the speedway. To add to the night’s celebration, kids 12 and under will be admitted free.
This night will also mark the 4th Annual Bill Brownell Memorial at the speedway. Brownell was a long-time business man in Chico that owned the original Honda Motorcycle store in town. Brownell was also one of the first investors in Cycleland Speedway. The race track has produced many of the racers than now compete at the Silver Dollar Speedway. Because of his influence in many young racers lives the speedway decided to dedicate a race in his honor. This year one of his best friends, Shane Scott, and the wonderful Withrow family has teamed up to help sponsor the event. Brownell enjoyed nothing better than being at the races every weekend.
The 4th Annual Bill Brownell Memorial, presented by Shane Scott and Withrow’s Motorsports will feature 410 winged sprint cars, street stocks, dirt modifieds and the Dirt Solution Limited Late Model Series.
The Wells Fargo Championship point race #3 presented by Riebes Auto Parts will have something for the whole family to enjoy. Come out and see local favorites Sean Becker, Brett Miller, Randy McDaniel, Mark Abouzeid, Phil Marino and the return of Heather Bartlett in the street stock division. Bartlett is only scheduled to make five races this year so don’t miss the chance to root on the famous pink #99. We will also have a booth this Thursday night at the downtown farmers market in Chico along with the Blaze 103.5fm and the Butte Humane Society.
The front gate will open at 6pm with racing scheduled to begin at 7pm. Adult general admission into the grandstands is $12.00 and junior and seniors are $10.00. Kids under the age of 12 will be admitted free.
Tonight there is also a prize for the adults. Team Relay for Life will be on hand representing the American Cancer Society. They are here to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. On this night, fans will get the opportunity to buy a ticket during the nights racing action for a chance to win a 42” Flat Screen HDTV. The drawing to win the huge flat screen television will be held after the first main event is completed.
Teaming up with the Relay for Life team is local racer Brad Bumgarner. The Chico based sprint car driver is heavily involved with the organization. Bumgarner will be on hand to help with the festivities when not behind the wheel of the family owned #88.
This season is a special year for the Bumgarner family as 2011 represents the families 40th year in motorsports racing. The family has always supported either sprint car dirt track or sprint car asphalt racing. For 40 years the team has been led by Brad’s grandparents Roy and Marna Bumgarner. What they started has trickled down to their kids, relatives and grandchildren. Last year the family celebrated in victory lane when Brad held off Sean Becker to win his first main event at Silver Dollar Speedway. When Brad hits the track there is usually the sound of a cow bell ringing from their section of the stands. What the Bumgarner family brings to the track is an old style feel of grass roots racing along with many years of nostalgia.
Phil Marino leads the street stock points after winning this past Friday nights race. Redding’s Scott Rogers sits only five points behind. However, the boys better beware. The defending two-time track champion Heather Bartlett is set to make her return this Friday night. Bartlett is looking forward to getting back behind the familiar #99.
The Dirt Solution Limited Dirt Late Model Series makes it first appearance of the year at Chico. The group is led by Auburn business man Tom Arbogast, who not only races but also is the title sponsor of the series. Dirt Solution’s proprietary blend is specially formulated to repel mud from sticking to any surface. Please visit www.thedirtsolution.com for more information about his product.
For more information about one of the biggest nights of the year please visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com