The long winter wait is finally over as the 2009 Madera Speedway racing season will take the green flag with the 20th Annual Smokey Hanoian Classic on Saturday, March 21st. This very special NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series program will feature five divisions of action packed racing plus a spectacular FIREWORKS extravaganza to celebrate the new season.
"In 2008, Jeff Belletto earned the prestigious honor to be called Madera track champion in a classic Western Late Model battle with Stockton’s Joey Stearns that went down to the last lap of the last race of the season."
The Western Late Models (WLM) will be featured in Twin-50 lap features. In addition, the American Limited Stock Cars, Modified Super Toyotas, Toyota Sedans and the always-exciting Hornets will all be taking on the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” this Saturday.
The 2009 Madera Speedway schedule could perhaps be the biggest and most ambitious in 50 plus year history of the legendary track. Track President Kenny Shepherd and Manager Pat Patnaude have put together a monster schedule of racing on 24 dates that will feature the powerful Western Late Models in 24 races spread over 14 dates.
“I am really proud of the diverse and exciting schedule that we have put together for this season,” commented Shepherd. “I think we will be putting on a great, quality show every week that will leave our fans eager to return to our track.”
In 2008, Jeff Belletto earned the prestigious honor to be called Madera track champion in a classic Western Late Model battle with Stockton’s Joey Stearns that went down to the last lap of the last race of the season. There will be plenty of competition looking to dethrone Belletto this season as “Young Guns” such as Kyle Gottula, age 22 of Modesto and Trevor Schlundt, age 18 of Clovis, return along with veterans such as Jeff’s father Harry Belletto and 2006 track champion Rick Thompson of Clovis.
Several other drivers will be calling Madera home this season including 22 year-old Drive for Diversity driver Katie Hagar, who recently relocated from Maine to Sacramento, will compete for Golden State Racing along with her teammate 2006 Stockcar Racing League champion Eric Schmidt of Roseville, former Baby Grand competitors Justin Wall of Oakdale and Josh Gomes of Manteca, Bobby Hodges, age 19 of Carson City, NV and third generation driver Nic Belletto of Modesto.
Back by popular demand will be the SRL Southwest Tour Late Models Series, which will be featured in the three round Holiday Classic Series on May 23rd, July 4th and September 23rd. The prestigious SRL Series will once again include distinguished drivers such as former Madera track champion and defending SRL champion Jim Pettit II of Prunedale, San Jose’s Dave Byrd, the sixteen time driving champion of almost every form of racing with wheels and Fremont’s Troy Ermish.
One of the most anticipated dates on this year’s schedule will be the Gerhardt Classic featuring the NASCAR Camping World Grand National Series featuring NAPA Auto Parts/Toyota 150 on Saturday, April 25th. Escalon’s Eric Holmes will be attempting to defend his 2008 championship from a bevy top drivers from throughout the western United States including 2007 champion Mike David of Modesto, Jason Bowles of Ontario and Brett Thompson of Jerome, Idaho.
Madera’s long tradition of open-wheel racing will continue this season as the SUPER Saturday Series returns for six very special events. These SUPER Saturday shows will feature a variety of open-wheel classes including the pavement pounding 410 and 360 Modifieds, USAC/BCRA Midgets, USAC Sprints, USAC Focus Midgets, NCMA Sprints, WRA Vintage Cars, and Legends of the Pacific.
There will also be plenty of other special events including three Enduros and three Demolition Derbies and three spectacular fireworks shows. Other fan favorite events such as Boots and Bikini Night, Hawaiian Shirt Night and the Halloween Pumpkin Bash also return in 2009.
Ticket prices for the Saturday, March 21st season opener are only $20.00 for adults, $18.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $15.00 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 $45.00. VISA and MasterCard are welcome at window #3.
Kenny Shepherd has also announced his own “racing” stimulus package for central valley fans. Any paying fan at the Madera season opener on March 21st will receive a FREE ticket to the Sunday afternoon, March 22nd opening day show at the Chowchilla Speedway!
Fans can also receive a $5 discount off an adult ticket for this Saturday’s program by joining the Madera Speedway Fan Club and filling out the form on the Madera Speedway website at www.racemadera.com. Fans will receive their discount plus other special items for future events via email.
On Saturday, March 21st, the Madera Speedway pit gates will open at 11:00 AM, the grandstands open at 3:00 PM, heats and dashes begin at 5:00 PM and the evening’s opening ceremonies will kick off main event racing at approximately 6:00 PM.
If you just can’t wait until next weekend’s opener, come on out for a sneak preview on Saturday, March 14th for the final preseason “playday” open practice. The pit gates will open at 11:00 AM and the cars will be on the track from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Admission is free and the concession stands will be open.
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.
