By Kaleb Hart
Alger, WA – Skagit Speedway kicks off their 60th year of entertaining families on Saturday night with four classes of action set to take on the 3/10 mile oval. This season is lining up to be a monumental year for the Alger, WA track as a host of recognizable veterans and new rookies are prepared to burn methanol and kick up some clay in pursuit of individual accolaides and season championships.
What makes 2014 such a promising season for both the fans and drivers is a fantastic schedule of events that gives drivers a chance to shine at some premium events while delivering entertainment dollar bang for the buck. For the first time in recent memory, Skagit Speedway and Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA have cooperated on scheduling, so that fans and teams will have no major conflicts on big events at either track. The highlight of the scheduling cooperation comes with the Summer Thunder Series 360 Sprint Cars, a traveling series between the two tracks featuring 8 total shows for enhanced purses every night.
The first of three scheduled fireworks nights is slated for the John Carroll Classic on May 24th. Skagit Speedway will host the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup presented by Jack in the Box featuring 410 Sprint Cars on June 26th, 27th and 28th. Dirt Cup kicks off a full slate of big events through the heart of the summer, followed by Mid-Season Championship night and Les Schwab Fireworks Extravaganza on July 5th. The Bob’s Burgers and Brew Summer Nationals featuring the 360 Sprint Cars runs July 25th and 26th and one month later, it’s a three day event featuring the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Cars beginning August 28th as they compete in the Monster Energy Meltdown.
Six different divisions will compete for season championships at Skagit Speedway in 2014, beginning with round one of the Foothills Toyota Racing Series this Saturday night. Kelsey Carpenter returns as reigning champion in the 360 division, with Derek Roberts and Colton Heath both eager to knock him off his newly acquired throne. The 410 Sprint Cars are wide open coming into 204 and it’s anyone’s guess who will reign supreme in the “Thunder and Lightning” division. Steve Parker won the Sportsman Sprint championship last year and returns with a brand new engine and renewed vigor to add another title to his already impressive resume. Zach McCabe, Tyler Fox, Cory Swatzina and a massive influx of rookie talent are promising to keep the Sportsman Sprints as “must see racing” every time they hit the track. Outlaw Tuners return to Skagit Speedway for their 10th season with Rick Young looking to repeat as champion over Brandon Berg, Freddie Vela and a whole host of drivers looking to call themselves champ. The Shipwreck Bead Modifieds are back for their second season of racing at Skagit Speedway with Craig Moore and son Kyler returning to the track for six nights of competition. The USAC Midgets also return in 2014 with five nights on the schedule and a healthy mix of veterans and rookies coming back this year.
Skagit Speedway’s 60th Anniversary Season begins Saturday night, April 19th with the 360 Sprint Cars, 410 Sprints, Sportsman Sprints and Outlaw Tuners competing in round one of the Foothills Toyota Racing Series. Ticket information as well as gate times and a full season schedule are available online at www.skagitspeedway.com or over the phone at 360.724.3567. Skagit Speedway – Where Families Come to Have Fun!