[i Media Release from Handy Racing Promotions]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA -] A grader rumbles down the backstretch as the electronic scoreboard illuminates and the grandstand public address system bellows a series of tests through the air waves. Numerous fairground associates are busily cleaning up the effects of a long hard winter while concession workers stock hundreds of pounds of hot dogs, burgers and the ingredients for the infamous corn dogs. This scene has been commonplace at Placerville Speedway over the past week and thousands of race fans will reap the benefits of the fabulous teamwork in less than 48 hours.
It's time to go racing at the famed Placerville Speedway in grand fashion Saturday night as El Dorado County's only professional spectator sport begins it's 45th year of operation. The season opens with the much anticipated Hoosier Tires Civil War Series along with the Silver-Gold Series for the dwarf car divisions of California and Nevada.
Just days ago the quarter mile arena at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds sat flooded with runoff from winter rains, the snack bar empty, the scoreboard and stadium lights were dark and the track sound system was silent. Oh how things can change so quickly when forces collaborate with a mission in mind.
Over the past week the staff of Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated have put countless hours day and night into rejuvenating a winter beaten Placerville Speedway. Handy's team was joined in the battle by the crew of the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The two forces have worked together to bring the communities of El Dorado County a much needed boost in both entertainment and business revenue with re-opening of Placerville Speedway for another season.
"A week ago you may have looked at this place and wondered how a race would be possible in such a short time. It's been a very long, wet winter in the foothills," said Bill Sullivan of Handy Racing Promotions. "Alan Handy has always been the Doctor of Dirt when it comes to preparing this place and the staff of the El Dorado County Fairgrounds have been putting in long hours to get everything ready for a huge crowd Saturday. We are thankful for all the hard work from everyone."
The 2010 racing season brings back many old favorites Saturday night and many new features in the year to come. The Red Hawk Casino returns as the track's primary sponsor with the likes of returning sponsors Hoosier Racing Tires and Coors Light. Pepsi Cola has now become an associate sponsor of the championship year along with Riebes Auto Parts as they step up with sponsorship of both Placerville and Silver Dollar Speedway.
A number of community contingency sponsors have returned this season. Area businesses that have already committed to product sponsorship include Food 4 Less and Nugget Markets along with Carl's Jr Restaurants and McDonald's of El Dorado County and Rancho Cordova. Additional contingency sponsors are being negotiated with details of each being released in the coming days.
On Thursday afternoon a long line of chalk markings was clearly visible leading to the speedway box office as local fans had already begun their tradition of marking their place in line to purchase tickets as early as possible and insure a seat in what will undoubtedly be a sold out grandstand long before the green flag drops on Saturday night.
Late in the week local sign workers were completing sponsorship banners while the crew from Fuzion Filmz was dialing in their set ups to capture digital footage of all the great action. Numerous last minute touches continued on the facility, activity that will likely extend into late Friday night. It's official, the 2010 racing season has arrived in El Dorado County and the season is to be one of great competition.
Saturday's opener will host the fire breathing winged warriors of the traveling Civil War Race Series. This regional series for winged 360 cubic inch powered sprint cars will bring nearly 40 race teams to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, among them will be some of the most talented open wheel drivers from California and the Pacific Northwest.
Along with the popular sprint cars, more than 30 dwarf cars are slated to be in competition as the Nor Cal Dwarf Car Association kicks of 2010 with their Silver and Gold Series. This event brings the popular California series face to face with the top drivers of the Nevada area that compete in the popular DART Series in a four race series at three different California tracks in the year to come.
With the new season comes veteran drivers, defending champions and new faces. It's estimated that the friendly rivalries will entertain more than 20,000 spectators in the year to come. With the great attendance will come tourism to the area and revenues to the local businesses and the county fairgrounds. With local Saturday night racing like this, everyone in the community is truly a winner and it all starts this Saturday night.
The front gates to Placerville Speedway are set to open at 5 pm on Saturday. An early arrival is suggested as the anticipated season opener routinely becomes standing room only in quick fashion at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
Ticket pricing continues to be a great bargain for the entire family at Placerville Speedway for hours of great entertainment. Adult tickets for this special event will be $15, Juniors will be $10 and children are $5.00. Those five and under will be admitted for free. For additional information on this event and the entire 2010 schedule at Placerville Speedway visit www.placervillespeedway.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Mar 18, 2010
- Article Date: 3/18/2010