Following last Saturday’s season opening event, the Madera Speedway returns to action this Saturday March 28 with Madera Valley Inn Night. This huge seven division NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series program will feature the Western Late Models in Twin-50 lap mains.
Last Saturday 2008 HotWood Series champion Kyle Gottula, of Modesto, held off a stellar field of cars to start his 2009 season off in style to capture the opening night checkers. He will have his work cut out again as top valley drivers such as Trevor Schlundt of Clovis, Drive for Diversity driver Katie Hagar of Sacramento, Eric Schmidt of Roseville, Jacob Gomes of Manteca and Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV, will all be looking to unseat him.
In addition, the legendary racing Belletto family of Modesto is also expected to be on hand to make their 2009 season debut. Lead by 65-year-old Harry Belletto, the three generation effort will also include Harry’s son Jeff Belletto, the 2008 Madera track champion, and Nic Belletto, the son of Steve Belletto.
The American Limited Stock Cars (ALSC) will also be banging and clanging in a 30-lap feature. In 2008 the ALSC division produced an incredible 10 different main event winners and judging by last Saturday’s season opener, won by Modesto’s Dennis Saunders Jr., the division looks to be just as competitive in 2009.
This Saturday’s program will also include the Modified Super Toyotas, Toyota Sedans, the wild and whacky Hornets plus the WSRA Baby Grands and Mini Cups, featuring the racing stars of the future in 2/3 and 1/2 scale replica stock cars.
Ticket prices for this Saturday’s Madera Valley Inn Night program are only $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $10.00 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 $35.00. VISA and MasterCard are welcome at window #3.
In addition, fans buying a ticket to this Saturday’s Madera Valley Inn Night program can also get in for free to the Sunday afternoon, March 29, program at Chowchilla Speedway featuring the Western Modifieds, Super Stocks, Hobby Stocks and 4-Bangers.
So come out to the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” this Saturday, March 28th for some of the hottest, most exciting short track racing west of the Mississippi, join in the fun and get two great racing programs for the price of one!
On Saturday, March 28th, 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.
There will also be a special Test N Tune session at Madera Speedway on Friday, March 27. The pit gates will open at 2:30 PM and the cars will be on the track from 3:30 to 7:30 PM. Admission is free to the grandstands and the pit concession stands will be open. For additional information on the test session contact Track Manager Pat Patnaude at (209) 983-1689 (track), (209) 479-0056 (cell), (209) 983-0967 (fax) or email to ppatnaude@racemadera.com.
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.
