Madera Speedway is very pleased to announce that it will once again be partnering with HotWood Inc. of Lodi to present “HotWood 333” Series in 2009.
"These cars are expensive to run and finding sufficient sponsorship has become even more difficult with the downturn in the economy. I am glad that we can give the drivers and teams an opportunity to earn some additional prize money to help them out."— Les Scott
This special series for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Western Late Models will consist of three 111-lap races scheduled for April 11, August 1 and September 26 at the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West.” These three races will also count towards the Madera Speedway track championship giving them added importance.
“We are extremely excited to be working with Les Scott and HotWood once again. HotWood’s quality products and Les Scott’s special dedication to local racing make a perfect match for what we are trying to do at Madera Speedway,” notes Madera Track President Kenny Shepherd. “The HotWood Series creates a huge amount of interest and excitement for both the fans and teams.”
In addition to regular season prize money, the special “HotWood 333” Series will have an end of Season Series Points Fund payout to the top 12 drivers of $19,500 plus a separate Qualifying Points Fund payout to the top five drivers of $1,500 for a guaranteed series payout grand total of $21,000! The “HotWood 333” Series prize fund will be distributed at the Madera Speedway championship awards banquet on November 7.
“These cars are expensive to run and finding sufficient sponsorship has become even more difficult with the downturn in the economy,” commented Les Scott, President of HotWood, Inc. “I am glad that we can give the drivers and teams an opportunity to earn some additional prize money to help them out.”
Last season’s HotWood Series came down to the final lap of the final race as Kyle Gottula edged Stockton’s Ross Strmiska by one single point! The championship meant a lot to the 22-year-old, second-generation driver out of Modesto.
“Winning the HotWood last year was really a big deal for us. It is a real prestigious title to get,” explained Gottula. “The prize money helped us a ton. Without it I don’t know if we could have run the early races this year.”
The “HotWood 333” Series for this season will incorporate a unique point system designed to emphasis on consistency, strategy and qualifying. The point system is designed to emphasize consistency, strategy and qualifying. Laps completed and cars failing to transfer from semi mains will also earn points to allow teams to maintain their competitiveness throughout the three-race series. This unique format will allow a car failing to qualify for a race the opportunity to remain in contention for the point fund.
All normal Madera Speedway/NASCAR rules will be used to govern the “HotWood 333” Series. Cars/Drivers must take the green flag in all three races to be eligible for the “HotWood 333” Series prize funds.
"The 2009 HotWood championship could easily come down to the last lap of the last race again before many of the positions are determined and that is sure to pack the grandstands and the pits alike," adds Scott. "We're expecting this to be close to the end with realistic opportunities for long-shot high points finishers."
HotWood’s support for local racing has been a long and strong one. In addition to funding last season’s HotWood Series championship at Madera Speedway HotWood has been a long time sponsor of several drivers and teams including the legendary #74 Chevrolet Monte Carlo of Modesto’s Harry Belletto and #6 Chevrolet of Harry’s son Jeff Belletto, the 2008 Madera Speedway track champion.
HotWood Inc. is recognized throughout the Western United States as the leading natural packaged firewood brand for its quality and environmental friendliness. This commitment has grown distribution of HotWood branded products to several million packages annually. For additional information on HotWood products visit www.hotwood.com.
For additional information on the “HotWood 333” Series at Madera Speedway 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 Madera Speedway Info/Race Line phone number at (559) 673-RACE.
Detailed Prize Fund Payout for 2009 “HOTWOOD 333” Series at Madera Speedway.
3-Race Total Series Points #1 $5,000/Qualifying $500#2 $3,500/Qualifying $400
#3 $2,500/Qualifying $300
#4 $2,000/Qualifying$200
#5 $1,500/Qualifying $100
#6 $1,000
#7 $ 900
#8 $ 800
#9 $ 700
#10 $ 600
#11 $ 550
#12 $ 450
