[i By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA 6-30-10)]– It's the event the race fans have loved over the past several seasons, its Wild Winged Wednesday and in just a few days it returns to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds bigger then ever. It's the Who's The Fastest Cup event for 360 sprint cars this coming Wednesday, June 30th at Placerville Speedway.
In the past, this annual weeknight affair has been a rain make up race for either a Civil War Campaign or a Golden State Challenge event that was lost earlier in the year. This season, however, such a date was not required so Handy Racing Promotions and Riebes Auto Parts combined forces to bring the popular venue back to the schedule in a fashion far more grand than ever before, three grand to be exact. Wednesday's open competition event will pay $3000 to the winner and $300 just to start the feature event. The increased winnings include a $1000 bonus under the sponsorship of Riebes Auto Parts.
Last year, Wild Winged Wednesday was one that race fans and drivers will long remember. With threatening storms in the area, track management took a risk against Mother Nature. The end result was an exciting main event that saw multiple lead changes among California's top talent before a back drop of lightning surrounding the area. The checkered flag dropped just five laps short of the scheduled 30-lap distance and the thousands of spectators remained standing in the pouring rain cheering in delight as Auburn's Andy Forsberg celebrated while doing the "moon walk" on the rain slicked front stretch.
This Wednesday night, action is sure to be just as electrifying without the special effects of Mother Nature. The top 360 sprint car drivers from throughout California and perhaps the Pacific Northwest are expected to converge at the action bullring known as Placerville Speedway this Wednesday night. There's no stress of accumulative points, no need for one to be conservative to protect their position in the championship chase, it's all about the winnings on this high speed hump day.
"These Wednesday night shows are great," said Forsberg. "It always brings the best drivers together and some new faces to Placerville since it doesn't conflict with any other races around. The fans have always supported a mid week race at this place and we're looking forward to it."
Forsberg currently leads the point standings at both Placerville Speedway and the traveling Civil War Series. The four time Civil War Champion and former Placerville Champion has had his share of podium finishes on his home track this year but has yet to garner a feature victory here. Wednesday night, expect Mr. Excitement to be in the house looking for that elusive trip to victory lane.
If any driver knows how to win high profile races at Placerville Speedway, Sean Becker of Antelope does. Becker has won the last two Mark Forni Classic races here worth $5000 each, he is a former winner of the Tribute to Al Hinds that pays $3000, the annual Pacific Sprint Cup in Chico that also pays $3000 and he had two consecutive Civil War Championships to his name.
Sacramento's Mike Henry, a top runner in the Placerville Red Hawk Series and a former Placerville and Civil War Series champion is expected along with the likes of Mason Moore of Princeton, James Sweeney, Jimmy Trulli, Scott Russell, CJ Humphreys and Andy Gregg of Placerville are all expected with the likes of Justin Johnson of Shingle Springs. Fair Oaks lady racer Nicole Miller is a likely contender as well as opening Civil War race winner Herman Klein of Sacramento.
Additional likely entrants will include Jeremy Phillips of Arboga, Sacramento's Billy Butler, Trevor Canales of Roseville, Craig Swim of Orangevale, Billy Strange and Troy Machado of Elk Grove, Cody Lamar of Rio Linda, Stephen Tiner of Visalia and Chico's Stephen Allard. and many more.
Wednesday's event will utilize similar format and payout structure as the traveling Civil War Series. Gates will open at the regular start time of 5 p.m. Qualifying will begin at 6:30 followed by racing at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $15, Juniors $10, Children $5 and under six will be admitted for free. Watch for further information on this event in the coming days. For more information visit www.placervillespeedway.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Jun 24, 2010
- Article Date: 6/24/2010