The Havasu 95 Speedway will open its spectator gates this Saturday afternoon and present the fans with a full evening of ASA sanctioned racing. The most scenic quarter mile paved oval in the southwest, located in the Sara Park complex in Lake Havasu City-Arizona, will feature action from the ASA Verve Energy Drink Speed Truck Challenge Series, the ASA Street Stocks, Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Bandoleros.The special evening is being billed as Arizona Appreciation Night and is being presented by Big O Tires.
The ASA Verve Energy Drink Speed Truck Challenge Series will be treating Lake Havasu City fans to a 100 lap feature. Now in its 13th season this regional touring series for mid sized pick up trucks is having another banner year that features a wide mix of racing veterans and talented rookies. The series is extremely dedicated to developing the driving talent of future generations and is one of the few regional touring series that allows 14 year olds to race.
Last month the series opened its 2009 season with a 100 lap feature, in Blythe-California, won by series veteran, and reigning series champion, Darren Young. In direct comparison the series's second race, held last Saturday in Las Vegas, was won by teen driver Cole Cabrera. It's that diversity of driver age and experience levels that makes this series so special. This race will be videotaped for a future national television broadcast on the ION Network.
The fan favorite ASA Street Stocks will also be seeing action on this Saturday night at the Havasu 95 Speedway. Mr. Ralph Adams, who recently celebrated his 69th birthday last week, virtually has a lock on the division championship on the strength of his seven feature wins. Barring any unforeseen harsh racing luck Nathan Hovdal appears to be in great shape to take second in the standings. He's 80 points behind Adams but is also 68 points ahead of John Lewis in third. However the points gap between third and fifth is extremely close. There are only four points between Lewis, Ricky Maddox Jr who won the April 11th feature and Jim Carlo.
Like the ASA Street Stocks, the Havasu 95 Speedway's Modified Division is down to their final two events in the current winter racing season. The division points race has turned into a family affair. Chris Gerchman leads the standings based on five regular season feature wins as well as winning round one of the SuperClean Modified Racing Series held on March 28th. Family patriarch Larry Gerchman, no stranger to modified championships, is second in the standings followed by David Gerchman.
The Havasu 95 Speedway strongly supports its young drivers in the Bandolero Division which is strongly supported by Havasu Legends and Bandoleros, JJ&B Racing and Bando Stuff. It's championship night for the Bandolero drivers Saturday night and this track title could go down to the final lap of the main event. Tommy Kelley leads season rival Kyle Niquette by six points. Both drivers have two feature wins this year and it may take one of them to win a third race to wrap up this title.
The always entertaining Factory Stock Division is also on the schedule Saturday night. Jose Guevara has been on top of the points standings all season long and goes into Saturday night with a 54 point over "Jumbo" John Thorp. The real race here may be for second. Thorp has only a two point advantage over Scott Allen.
The theme for Saturday night at the Havasu 95 Speedway is Arizona Appreciation night. Fans who show a valid Arizona ID will receive a $2 discount on their admission ticket. The speedway's special events staff will also be busy supporting the local group known as Havasu For Youth an organization that works towards the future of Arizona.
The weekend begins on Friday, April 24th, with a test and tune session for the race teams from 6 to 9 pm. This practice session is free to the public. On Saturday race day the spectator gates will open at 4 pm with the racing beginning at 6 pm. General admission tickets are $12. Tickets for seniors, military personnell and the handicapped are $10. Youth tickets, ages 6 to 16,are $6 while kids five and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The speedway offers a family package for $25 which admits two adults and two kids. Fans can also enjoy the best seats at the track for $25 in the VIP section which includes free pizza and two drinks. Advance reservations for this section are highly recommended.
For out of town race teams and fans the Days Inn is the official motel of the Havasu 95 Speedway. They offer beautiful and spacious rooms at extremely affordable rates. Call 928 855 7841 for reservations.
For more information on Saturday's Arizona Appreciation Night, presented by Big O Tires, call 928 716 6634 or visit their website at www.havasu95speedway.com.
