SUPERMODIFIEDS, BCRA MIDGETS AND WESTERN LATE MODEL TRIPLE FEATURE AT MADERA SPEEDWAY THIS SATURDAY

The Vukovich Classic is run annually at Madera Speedway in honor of the legendary Bill Vukovich, a two-time winner (1953 and 1954) of the Indianapolis 500 from Central California and also three generations of the racing Vukovich family. Bill’s son Bill, Jr. and grandson, Billy III all ran in the Indy 500, both earning Rookie of the Year awards at Indy. Tragically Bill Vukovich was killed in the 1955 Indy 500 and Billy Vukovich III lost his life in a Sprint Car incident in 1990.

This special combination open-wheel/stock car program has something to offer for every type of racing fan including three big main events featuring the powerful Supermodified Racing Association 410 Modifieds plus the Madera’s own 360 Modifieds, Bay Area Racing Association (BCRA) Midgets and NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series Western Late Models. Also racing on this Saturday’s card will be the scrappy Legends of the Pacific and the always entertaining American Limited Stock Cars (ALSC).

Drivers from all over the Western United States will be heading to the central valley to test the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” this weekend, but Dinuba’s Troy Regier will be the odds on favorite when the fire breathing, 800 plus horsepower Supermodifieds battle it out in the 50-lap combination 410/360 Modified feature. Regier, with his stated goal of winning every race in 2008, has collected more than 70 career victories, including eight wins in the Vukovich Classic alone. Regier also grabbed the first place hardware in round #1 of the Super Saturday Series at this season back on April 5 at Madera.

There will be plenty of local talent in the 360 Modifieds also, including defending track champion Lance Tatro of Madera, Kenny Kinchen also of Madera, David Tuey of Bakersfield and Fresno drivers Kenny White and Donnie Large.

Large has been racing at Madera for over 20 years, amassing over 60 main event victories and two track championships in the Super Toyotas and Trucks. His daring exploits and aggressive style have thrilled the crowds over the years and earned him the well deserved title of “Mr. Excitement.”

“Racing against the 410’s is tough, but I know what Kenny (Madera track president Kenny Shepherd) is trying to do and I think it is the right thing for the crowd,” said Large. “I really enjoy racing at Madera. The fans and the camaraderie in the pits are great. I have a lot of friends here and we all help each other out.”

Large has experienced plenty of highs and lows in his years racing at Madera and he is extremely pleased by the changes he has witnessed since Shepherd rescued the historic track from being paved over for mall parking lot two years ago.

“I actually quit racing here for a bit, but when Kenny came back last year – I came back,” said Large. “I have a lot of respect for what he has done here. He finally has this place heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of it.”

Large will certainly have a big part in this Saturday’s Modified event, as he will be running two cars, one for himself and one for veteran Eric Selsby of Carson City, Nevada City. In two prior 360 Modified events this season Large fielded his second car for Fresno drivers Jeff Gardner and Jim Birges, both of who won in it.

“I hate having to try and beat my own car, especially because I haven’t done it yet,”

laughed Large.

Large, who picked up the racing bug from his father, is also grooming his son Donnie Large Jr. behind the wheel of a race car in the Super Toyota division. He is discovering that being a teacher is much harder than being a driver.

“It is tough and to be honest, I am probably not the best coach. I expect him to win right off the bat, but he has been around racing his whole life and he knows what he is doing,” admits Large. “With my son out there I feel like an old man and I am only 40! One thing I know for sure though – there will be a Large racing around here for a long time.”

The 2008 season points championship in both the BCRA Midgets and Western Late Models are extremely tight heading into this weekend’s Super Saturday event.

The ultra competitive BCRA Midgets have already produced four different winners in five events in 2008. Heading into this weekend’s event at Madera San Jose’s Nick Foster Jr. holds a narrow 20 point lead over Visalia’s Scott Nail. UC Davis student Kevin Morris is a close third and the legendary Floyd Alvis, the 73-year-old, seven-time BCRA champion out of San Carlos, sits fourth overall. North Carolina’s Sane Hmiel, a former NASCAR Busch and Craftsman truck pilot, won in the BCRA’s first appearance of the season on April 5.

The battle for the 2008 Madera track championship is even closer. Only four slim points separate current Western Late Model leader Kyle Gottula of Modesto from Joey Stearns and Ross Strmiska, both of Stockton, and Clovis’ Trevor Schlundt, the winner of both ends of the twin-50s doubleheader on April 26.

Thanks to a recent sponsorship from the Madera Auto Center, Madera Speedway is pleased to announce a drop in all non kid ticket prices for all Super Saturday race events by $5.00 per ticket. Ticket prices for this Saturday’s, May 10, show are now only $25.00 for adults, $23.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $20.00 for students, active duty military and juniors age 13-17, $5.00 for kids age 6-12 while kids 5 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A family pack ticket (two adults and up to two kids, 12 years old and under) is also available for the bargain price of just $55.00. VISA and MasterCard are welcome at window #3.

This Saturday Madera Speedway registration will begin at 9:00 AM, the pit gates will open at 10:00 AM, practice begins at noon, the grandstands open at 3:00 PM, heats and dashes will commence at 5:00 PM and the evening’s opening ceremonies will kick off main event racing at approximately 7:00 PM.

Madera Speedway will also hold an open test session Friday May 9, beginning at 1:00 PM. The grandstands will be open for free to anyone wishing to attend the practice.

The Madera Speedway is conveniently located at the Madera County Fairgrounds just off to the west side of Highway 99 at the Cleveland Avenue exit.

For more Madera Speedway information visit the track’s website at www.racemadera.com or call the Info/Race Line phone number at (559) 673-RACE and for information on the Madera Speedway Spectator Racing Series program go to www.spectatorracing.com on the web or call (209) 476-8123.

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