Recent GSC-BCRA event illustrates that El Dorado County is home to the big show
[i By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA –] Its no secret that Placerville Speedway at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds is known for it's passionate fans and some of the most competitive dirt track racing in California. This past Saturday night was living proof that the 45-year-old track carved in the hillside of "Old Hangtown" is truly a place where high speed thrills meet great family entertainment week after week.
With 20 Golden State Challenge Sprint Cars on hand and 19-midgets from the Bay Cities Racing Association there Saturday's program was fast paced in it's overall length. However, the evening produced a solid night of racing with California's crème de la crème when it comes to open wheel racing talent and countless moments of family fun in the grandstands throughout the night.
In the Golden State Challenge Series feature race, race fans witnessed a dogfight for the lead that lasted nearly 20 laps between two time King of California champion Jonathan Allard, Tim Kaeding and Kyle Larson. With each pass down the front stretch this slicing and dicing trio brought the fans to their feet as they passed.
When the checkered flag flew Kaeding celebrated in victory lane before a cheering crowd. A crowd that not only saw a great night of racing but thoroughly enjoyed themselves with various events in the grandstands throughout the night, great food and cold beer or soda. It was a perfect night of racing that concluded before the 10 o'clock hour.
"This was a perfect night of racing for everyone involved," said Alan Handy. "It shows us that a huge car count is not always required to produce an excellent night of racing. A great crowd saw a great race and we still got it all wrapped by before 10 p.m. which is great for the fans, especially the ones with children. I really want to thank everyone for their hard work in producing a well run race program."
Saturday's GSC feature was not the only spectacle at Placerville Saturday night. In the Bay Cities Racing Association feature event, Shannon McQueen made track history as the first woman to ever win a midget feature in the 45-year history of Placerville Speedway. The BCRA Midgets produced an action packed night of racing which is just a preview of what's to come when they return to the Gold Cup Race of Champions on Wednesday Night September 8.
In addition to the on track thrills, plenty of action took place in the grandstands at Placerville Saturday night. While fan activity such as "the wave' and the circa 1980's YMCA with the track's colorful flagman Ed Entz is commonplace at this party house of speed, on this night it's audience came together to help a family in need.
Back in January Placerville resident Scott Ragan was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 30-years old. The local resident is an employee of track sponsor Doug Veerkamp General Engineering and an avid supporter of the speedway. After months of grueling surgeries, Ragan is on the road to recovery but not without a pile of bills that aren't covered by medical insurance.
Saturday night the drivers of the Golden State Challenge Series took less than 10 minutes to enter the grandstands at Placerville Speedway with their helmets to collect donations for the Ragan family. In the end it was the dedicated Placerville fans that raised over $2100 dollars in donations.
This Saturday night the action returns to Placerville Speedway once again as the Red Hawk Casino Championship Series returns with four divisions of racing on Food 4 Less Night at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The winged sprint cars return with the likes of the Dirt Solutions Late Models and Pure Stocks. With the three track regulars will be the Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Car Shootout Series.
The grandstands to Placerville Speedway will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday night. All seats at the speedway are general admission and no reserved seats are permitted. Adult tickets are $12, Juniors and Seniors are $10, For complete point standings and additional information on Saturday's event check out www.placervillespeedway.com or call the track business office at (916) 969-7484.
- Bill Sullivan on Jun 09, 2010
- Article Date: 6/9/2010