High energy Civil War finale and fandemonium will highlight Placerville's last dance
[i By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Inc. Media Relations]
[b PLACERVILLE, CA –] It's the final race of the season when a new champion will be crowned at Placerville Speedway Saturday. The camaraderie among fans, teams and personnel will be electric and at the end of the night many will go their separate ways as winter approaches. But before you leave, don't forget to hug your flagman.Wait. Hug who?
It was a impromptu event in 2009 when a group of longtime race fans decided to hijack the public address system at Placerville Speedway and declare the final race of the year as "National Hug Your Flagman Night" to pass the time during a series of caution flags. What started as a simple friendly prank on Ed Entz, known as "Flagz" or the "Dancing Flagman" to his virtual army of endearing race fans and one angry guy, resulted in a YouTube sensation that made the headlines of numerous racing columns across the country.
"The racing that night was plagued with caution flags and accidents that delayed the race," was a comment posted online after the 2009 event by longtime race fan Mike Avilla. "But we had the most fun we have ever had in the grandstands at a race. Placerville fans are just the best."
Avilla was one of 418 people that lined up during the lengthy caution period to embrace the large, loveable flagman that is known for entertaining the fans at Placerville Speedway with his flashy custom made polyester uniform, his stunning dance moves and love for the fandemonium that makes Placerville Speedway the best Saturday night spectator event in Northern California.
"We're going for 500 this year, a new record," said Entz. "The fans at Placerville are the best. Winter is coming and we've got to get our dose of fan fun and keep everyone excited for next year. I hear the race is going to be pretty good too."
While the fun is sure to be plenty between events on Saturday at Placerville, the action on the track is sure to ignite as well. The 2010 Civil War Championship is down to the final race of the year and single digits separate the top three drivers from one another.
The Civil War Sprint Cars will be joined by the Midget Lites of the Bay Cities Racing Association on Saturday night as they too conclude their 2010 Championship season. The evening is sure to dazzle race fans of all ages and provide enough great family entertainment to satisfy race fans over the long winter ahead. The evening will also mark the return of the impromptu "Hug your Flagman" event that is sure to produce plenty of fandemomium that Placerville Speedway is so famous for.
On Saturday at Placerville Speedway, Adult tickets will be $15, juniors will be $10 and Children $5. Five and under will be admitted for free. The gates to Placerville Speedway will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday night. For further information visit www.placervillespeedway.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Sep 23, 2010
- Article Date: 9/23/2010