The staff of the Havasu 95 Speedway has spent an extremely busy, not to mention hot, summer getting everything thing ready for the grand opening of their 2008-2009 ASA sanctioned winter racing season. The track surface has been resealed, the entire facility has been spruced up, key personnel and sponsors are in place. The only thing left to do is pack the grandstands when the most scenic quarter mile paved oval in the southwest, located in beautiful Lake Havasu City-Arizona, officially opens its gates this Saturday night, September 20th. The season opener is being presented by Pitzer's One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating.
The Havasu 95 Speedway is going to open strong this Saturday with a solid combination of stock car and open wheel racing divisions. The fans will be treated to action from the speedway's ASA Street Stock and Factory Stock divisions in addition to open wheel action from the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series and the SuperClean Modified Racing Series.
The ASA Street Stocks will once again be the cornerstone of the Havasu 95 Speedway's schedule. But there's going to be something special added to this season for these drivers. By special arrangements made with the ASA they will be eligible to compete for points in the ASA National Championship Series. This is expected to add an extra level of intensity to a racing division that was already loaded with excitement last year.
Reigning track champion Rick Layman, who is extremely popular with the Havasu 95 Speedway fans, is expected back to defend his ASA Street Stock title. It's also expected that he's going to have his hands full with the competitive likes of Mike Sutterfield, Ralph Adams and Chip Campbell just to name a few.
The always fun Factory Stock Division is also going to be a major staple in the speedway's schedule this season and is a major reason why the Havasu 95 Speedway's grandstands are always so full. This is an extremely affordable entry level into stock car racing but most of all the competitors seem to be always having fun. The same can be said for the fans because this racing division totally redefines the old theory that says "racing is rubbing."
Dave Buntemeyer is expected back to defend is track championship and is expected to see season long competition from drivers Mark Berlant, Mike Harris, Scott Allen, Dave Allen and "Jumbo" John Thorp. It's also very likely that some of the division's lady drivers are expected to be major factors as well. Stephanie Fellish and Lisa Snell have already proven that they can hold their own with the boys on any given Saturday night.
The USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, and their high flying California Pavement Division, will also be a big part of the Havasu 95 Speedway's opening night. These open wheel midget racers are powered by a two liter Ford Focus ZETEC engine and they literally fly around the tracks they visit. Going into Saturday night Ian Millie leads the series' points standings however Brendan Langois, -24 points, and Alex Bowman, -27 points, are still within striking distance of a championship.
The grand finale Saturday night will be a special visit from the SuperClean Modified Racing Series featuring 22 cars running a 75 lap feature race. This outstanding regional touring series features some of the finest "left coast" driving talent manhandling their ground shaking, thunder making, open wheel modified cars. The pair to keep a sharp eye on during this 75 lap race are Andrew Phipps and Jimmie Ddickerson who will be arriving at the Havasu 95 Speedway Saturday 26 points apart in what has been a hotly contested championship run.
The Havasu 95 Speedway's opening weekend actually begins on Friday, September 19, with an open test and tune session for the race teams from 6 to 9 pm. This practice session is free to spectators and concession stands will be available. On Saturday the gates will open to spectators at 5 pm with the racing getting underway at 7 pm. Tickets for Saturday night are $12 general admission, $10 for seniors, $6 for children while children under five, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free.
For out of town race teams and fans visiting Lake Havasu City, the Days Inn is the official motel of the Havasu 95 Speedway. They offer top flight accommodations and very reasonable rates. They also have fresh coffee ready for you early in the morning when you need it the most. Call 928 855 7841 for reservations.
For more information about the Havasu 95 Speedway's opening night, as well as their 2008-2009 winter racing season, call 928 716 6634 or visit their website at www.havasu95speedway.com.
