By Gary Thomas
Placerville, CA…California native and former World of Outlaws regular Paul McMahan will return to Placerville Speedway on August 27th and make his final career Sprint Car start back home where it all started.
It’s only fitting that McMahan makes his last call during “Legends Night” at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds facility. The 51-year-old driver began his Winged 410 Sprint Car career at Placerville Speedway in 1987 and captured his first main event win shortly after in June of that year.
The 1995 NARC Speedweek champion is set to climb back aboard the familiar Tri-C Machine No. 3c for his last start on August 27th. “This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now,” commented McMahan, who possesses 27 career World of Outlaws victories. “I knew that Placerville Speedway was where I wanted to finish things up at once I was ready. Placerville is where I cut my teeth in a Sprint Car and got my first win at. I look forward to seeing everybody out there. It’s going to be a special night for our family.”
Originally from Elk Grove, California McMahan began his racing career successfully in Quarter Midgets from an early age, before making the jump to Sprint Cars. During his time competing in California, he finished runner up in the Northern Auto Racing Club standings on two occasions, and once piloted Clyde Lamar’s Tri-C Machine to three consecutive wins at Calistoga Speedway, leading 90 straight laps in the process.
Always known as a strong qualifier, he was also voted the 1995 Driver of the Year by the Motorsports Press Association. McMahan tallied a NARC win at Placerville Speedway that same season aboard the Lamar No. 3c Sprint Car.
“We’re excited to have Paul McMahan finish off his racing career at Placerville Speedway during Legends Night,” said Promoter Scott Russell. “What Paul has done in his career from racing out here in California, to his many seasons with the World of Outlaws has been impressive. The McMahan family has been such a big part of the Sprint Car scene and we look forward to hosting #PaulsLastCall on August 27th.”
Legends Night has become one of the more anticipated events of the season and this year also doubles as the championship finale at the Placerville bullring. The Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks, BCRA Lightning Sprints and Vintage Hard Tops will all tackle the red clay at the spectacle. It is also the final tune-up prior to the “Nor*Cal Posse Shootout” double header on Labor Day weekend.
Adult tickets for Legends Night on Saturday August 27th cost $18 while seniors 62+, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8, while ages 5 and under are free. Purchase tickets online at https://www.eventsprout.com/event/points-race-16 or at the gate on race day.
Grandstand seating is general admission at each event, except for the reserved seats marked for season ticket holders. Please note if patrons sit in a reserved seat, they may be asked to move. Pit passes can be purchased at the pit gate or on Pit Pay to take advantage of the expanded seating area on the hill. For those who can’t make it Flo Racing will be providing live coverage.
The pit gate will open at noon, with the front grandstand gate opening at 3pm. Happy Hour is offered when the gates open until 6pm in the grandstands featuring live music along with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:30pm with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow.
The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. Take Hwy US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the Fairgrounds. The physical address is 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667. For more information on the Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com
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