Open competition event is all about putting all the cards on the table for $3000 victory
[i By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA –] While Placerville's winningest drivers and former champions are the subject of high expectations for Wednesday's bountiful open competition at Placerville Speedway, this special event could very well bring a new face to victory lane.
Wednesday is the return of Wild Winged Wednesday for the "Who's the Fastest Cup" at Placerville Speedway. This event will be a non-points race for 360 sprint cars and will pay a healthy $3000 to the winner courtesy of added funds from track sponsor Riebes Auto Parts. Each driver who simply starts the feature event will earn $300 for their efforts.
One driver who could very well steal the limelight Wednesday night is Chad Compton of Fair Oaks. Over the past several seasons Compton has steadily advanced his skills to a very competitive level in his family owned #69c sprint car. This year, Compton's stats on paper don't necessarily illustrate his success, but he has been a force to contend with throughout the year.
"We've been so close so many times this year and just had some weird luck get in our way but that happens to everyone," said 28-year-old Compton. "We are chomping at the bit to get that first win and maybe Wednesday night is when it will happen. It sure would be awesome if it did. This team really deserves it they have worked so hard and come so far."
Currently, Compton has started in six of the seven point races at Placerville Speedway this year. His record shows a MotoWear fast time award, a top five finish, a semi main event win and three heat race victories. However, the stats don't paint the whole picture for Compton's performance throughout the year.
"I owe my team a lot of credit this year and Dynotech Race Engines, they have given us about 40 more horsepower to work with and it's made a huge difference," added Compton, who is currently in his fourth full season of racing winged sprint cars. "There's going to be some tough competition though. It's a non points deal and we all like to race for more money so everyone is going to be running hard I'm sure."
If any driver has seen his share of heartbreak during the year, Compton is one of them. Earlier this season he has led a handful of events, including a prestigious Civil War race only to have lady luck turn her cheek on him at the most inconvenient time. Wednesday night, Compton could very well be a factor at Placerville Speedway in the event where nothing but money is on the line.
Another track regular who could steal the show is Placerville's own Scott Russell. Russell is currently second place in the weekly point standings at Placerville and has been in contention for the lead on several occasions, finishing in the top five three different times this year. Justin Johnson of Shingle Springs is another local contender that could very well bring an upset victory and outrun the names like Forsberg, Becker, Trulli and Allard, all of which have captured the headlines at Placerville throughout the season.
Look for Placerville's CJ Humphreys to be a likely contender Wednesday night as he too is looking for that elusive first win of the year. Last year Humphreys had three feature wins and one of his strongest season. Placerville's own James Sweeney is another driver looking to return to victory lane. Jeremy Phillips of Wheatland surprised the field with a Civil War victory earlier this year and is sure to be a contender along with a couple dozen or more of California's most talented drivers.
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 Andy Gregg of Placerville, Fair Oaks lady racer Nicole Miller is a likely contender as well as opening Civil War race winner Herman Klein of Sacramento. 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. Former Grass Valley resident Brad Sweet will be among the surprise entries as well on Wednesday night and more.
Wednesday's event will utilize the same format as a competitive Civil War Series race. Each driver will qualify, heat races will be 10-laps in distance and the feature event will be a 30-lap stretch. The winner will pick up $3000 and those who start the feature will earn $300. RPM Photo Art and Phil's Barber Studio has added $50 cash to fast time on Wednesday night as well and it's expected other surprise bonuses will surface prior tom the first green flag of the night.
Don't miss the action Wednesday night. The pit gate will open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Grandstands 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 29, 2010
- Article Date: 6/29/2010