ANDERSON, California -- Finally, there will be racing. This Saturday night, after weeks of weather delays, Shasta Raceway Park will proudly present Opening Night, featuring all six of the classes that regularly appear at the 3/8s mile oval: The NASCAR Coors Light Late Models, the NASCAR Auto City Modifieds, the NASCAR Mini-Stocks, the Schmitt Equipment Sales Bombers, the Legends, and the Hornets.
After plenty of rest and time off, the drivers of the Coors Light Late Model division are ready to get back on track and begin the challenge of unseating Alan Pyszora as champion of the series. This year’s field should be packed with some outstanding drivers, including Rookie of the Year contender Eric Gannon, Jerry Nichols, and last year’s Win River 100 Super Late Model champion Steve Gannon. In fact, Steve and Eric are brothers who are hoping to follow in the footsteps of their father Roger Gannon who has won many NASCAR championships. Other Rookie challengers include Jason Browne and Kris Dresen. With Dresen and 2005 Most Improved Driver Pennie Ayers on track, there will be two females battling in the Late Models this year. Also set to be on track for this exciting series will be the Hirschbock brothers of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Last year, Randy won Sportsman of the Year, while Bobby won Most Inspirational Driver. This series should provide some heavy competition, especially with the late start to the season. The purse is also a great incentive, with a minimum of $5,000 going to the local winner, and $25,000 going to the winner of the Division.
The Auto City Modifieds will also be making their return to the track, and if last year was any indication, competition will be extremely tight. Only seven points separated the champion from second place last year, and things might get even more intense this year. Guy Young will once again return to the track where he currently holds the title of champion, with drivers such as Jack Epperson, Kelly Peacock, and Jeremy Ammon hot on his heels. Also ready for battle will be two drivers coming in from out of town: Norm Bouchier from Ukiah and Scott Sabel from Lakeport. The rookie class this year includes Cottonwood’s Dave Angle and Redding’s Kevin Brink. This series always provides a little bumping and banging, and at high speeds, sparks will fly.
In the NASCAR Mini-Stocks, expect yet another family rivalry to develop as the Stelt brothers make their return. Last year, the championship was decided by only one point, with Al just edging out older brother Dale during the last race of the year. Also making their return and looking to break up the happy family are Greg Sabourin, Scotty Murphy, and Paul Sabourin among others. Another close season is on the horizon.
After many months off, the Legends will surely be as lightning fast as ever and will provide some great action as rivals Micah Parmer and Zachery Kavert battle it out with drivers like Jason Schuppert, John Duckett, Jr., and Buddy Cox who were knocking on the door all last year. Young guns Derek Copeland of Anderson and Mackena Bell of Carson City, Nevada will also be participating in this event. In fact, there could be an increase in Nevada drivers this year with the closing of the track in Carson City. The season is starting late, and there will be a sense of urgency. These drivers want to come out and win, and that will make things very interesting.
The Schmitt Equipment Sales Bombers are returning to the track once again as well, with many familiar faces wanting to maintain their spot as the best in the field, and some new drivers ready to show what they are made of. Defending champion David Braund will be back once again, bringing family along with him. Sixteen year old Cody Braund will make his debut, and will face drivers such as Kyle Borden, Robert Pacey, and Brian King. This combination of youth and experience should prove very interesting all year long. Also returning will be fan favorite Randy "Showboat" File, Dave Lewallen, and Weaverville’s David Parks, among many others.
And last, but certainly not least, the Hornets will be making their debut. There are no points to worry about here, just good hard racing fun for the whole family!
This Saturday night, gates open at 4:30P.M., with qualifying starting at 5:15P.M., and racing starting at 6:30P.M.
Admission Prices:
Adults: $9.00
Students 13-18/Seniors 62+/Military: $6.00
Children 6-12: $4.00
Family Rate (2 adults and 2-4 children ages 6-12): $22.00
