Madera Speedway will return to action this Saturday, August 1st, with the 2009 “HotWood 333” Series for the 3rd Annual “Boots & Bikini Night” bash.
This Saturday’s 111-lap “HotWood 333” feature will be the second round of this very special three race series for the NASCAR Whelen All American Western Late Models. The opening round took place on April 11th and the series finale will be held on September 26 at Madera.
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 of $21,000 and an overall payout grand total of $50.000! The “HotWood 333” Series prize fund will be distributed at the Madera Speedway championship awards banquet on November 7.
The “HotWood 333” Series also incorporates a unique point system designed to emphasis on consistency, strategy and qualifying. The point system is designed to reward such accomplishments as laps finished and qualifying. It is also structured to allow a car failing to transfer from a semi main to remain in contention for the point fund.
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 driven by Modesto’s Harry Belletto and #6 Chevrolet of Harry’s son Jeff Belletto, the 2008 Madera Speedway track champion.
Golden State Racing driver Eric Schmidt, the 2007 All American Speedway champion of Roseville, won the opening round of the “HotWood 333” Series in a down to the wire thriller over the defending 2008 HotWood Series champion driver Kyle Gottula, age 22 of Modesto. Gottula, who has already accumulated six wins and the Western Late Model points lead at Madera this season, will be looking for sweet revenge.
They will have a host of challengers including the Bellettos, 2006 track champion Rick Thompson of Clovis, third generation driver Ross Strmiska of Stockton and Lake Don Pedro’s Matt Erickson.
Also taking on the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” on Saturday, August 1st, will be the American Limited Stock Cars (ALSC), Modified Super Toyotas (MST), Toyota Sedans and the wild and wacky Hornets. Atwater’s Jason Aguirre in ALSC, Chowchilla’s John Bowersox, in MST, Sanger’s Chris Lewis and 67-year-old Clovis rookie Dean Davison in the Hornets all hold narrow leads in standings as they battle for the honor of being called a 2009 Madera Speedway champion!
They may be called the “dog days of summer,” but it will be anything but that when the racing concludes and the action moves to the entertainment stage right behind the main grandstand where an open entry Bikini Contest, that will include a watermelon eating talent competition, will take place with a cash prize going to the winner. Also there will be a “best pair” boot contest with a pair of tickets to a future event going to the winner and live music provided by the band Controlled Chaos.
In honor of this very special event, any fan showing up at the track this Saturday in a bikini will be admitted for free. That is right - FREE!
This is a program that will keep you thoroughly entertained both on and off the track so come out to the home of “Short Track Thunder” this Saturday, August 1st, for more great summer fun at Madera Speedway!
Ticket prices for this Saturday’s “HotWood 333” program are only $15.00 for adults, $12.00 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. Also, join the Madera Speedway fan club for admission discounts and other special offers at www.racemadera.com.
On Saturday, August 1st, the Madera Speedway pit gates will open at 2:00 PM for the late models and 3:00 PM for the remaining classes, the grandstands open at 5:00 PM, opening ceremonies will begin at 6:50 PM, heats and dashes will commence at 7:00 PM and the evening’s will kick off main event racing at approximately 7:40 PM.
There will also be Test N Tune session at Madera Speedway on Friday, July 31st. The pit gates will open at 3:00 PM and the cars will be on the track from 4:00 to 8:00 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.
