The excitement is mounting and the final countdown is on. The Havasu 95 Speedway will officially open its gates to the public for the beginning of its 2009-2010 ASA sanctioned winter racing season this Saturday night, September 26th. It's also the start of new management for the speedway led by promoter Bill Rozhon along with members of his family.
The most scenic quarter mile asphalt track in the southwest will present its fans with a full evening of racing featuring the ASA Street Stocks, Bandoleros and Factory Stocks. Making the action even more exciting will be a special guest appearance by the SuperClean Modified Racing Series, a regional touring group comprised of high powered, open wheel, modified race cars.
The ASA street stocks are expected to once again be the lynch pin of the Havasu 95 Speedway's new winter season. Promoter Bill Rozhon is happy to announce that reigning series champion Ralph Adams will be returning to defend his title. Last year this ageless wonder took the young guys to school and was virtually flawless all season long. Last year Adams jokingly said his age was "34 times 2." He's had another birthday since that time so it's likely he'll have to change his victory lane age slogan to "23 times 3."
However there are some ASA street stock teams who may have a different point of view regarding Adams' effort towards a repeat championship. Chief among this group is Rick Maddox Jr, Rick Layman and Nathan Hovdal among other potential contenders.
The Havasu 95 Speedway is justifiably proud of their young drivers in the Bandolero program. These small, but very fast, cars are a perfect format to launch a driver's career at a very early age and the program is strongly supported by local businesses such as JJ&B Racing, Havasu Legends and Bandos and Bando Stuff. Reigning champion Tommy Kelly has already announced that he will be bringing his bright orange #69 Bandolero back to defend his title. Commenting on his Bandolero program Rozhon said "I'm very proud of these kids and the show the present for our fans. Our Bandolero count may be a little down this year but that's mainly because some of our kids will be moving up to bigger car divisions."
The speedway also has one of the strongest factory stock programs in the southwest. The car count in this division is extremely healthy and last year required B mains to set the line up for the A main feature. The factory stocks are fan favorites because of the no holes barred, racing is rubbing, style of competition. By the way, reigning division champion Jose Guevera has announced his intent to start the process for a repeat title this Saturday night.
Commenting recently on the factory stocks Rozhon said "I have a great group of guys in that division as well as girls. We have some of the toughest girl factory stock racers in the state. I'm very proud of that group and we have a lot of fun with them. There's a lot of the teams who camp out at the speedway and you can eat with them after the race. There has been some Saturday nights where the best food in Lake Havasu City was found in our pit area after the races."
Rozhon will be wearing two racing hats on opening night at the Havasu 95 Speedway. He, along with long time friend and colleague Greg Scheidecker, is also the co promoter of the SuperClean Modified Racing Series. Rozhon is extremely proud to be associated with this open wheel racing regional touring series and is very pleased they will be present for his opening night.
The series will be running the Sunoco Fuels 75. The race will feature 22 starters running for the $1,000 winner's check. The fans will be treated to 75 full green flag laps because the series does not count yellow caution laps.
The series is also bringing a two way tie in the points standings between drivers James Cole and Andrew Phipps. With only two races left in their season, the Havasu 95 Speedway race is going to be a major factor in this championship picture.
Not to be overlooked here is the presence of Lake Havasu City driver Chris Gerchman who is third in the series' standings and only 20 markers away from first. Gerchman is a pre race favorite to win the Sunoco Fuels 75 because he has so many feature wins at his home track including last year's modified track championship. He also won the modified title at the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway as well.
The official race presenters for the speedway's opening weekend will be the Mojave County chapter of Big Brothers-Big Sisters which is located in Lake Havasu City. Just like the national association, which serves over 5,000 communities, the Mojave County chapter provides mentor services to local children with the intent of creating and nurturing relationships between adults and children. The local chapter will be hosting an information booth located in the spectator midway behind the speedway's main grandstand.
The Havasu 95 Speedway opening weekend officially begins Friday night with a test and tune session from 6 to 9 pm. The practice session is free to spectators and a concession stand will be available.
On Saturday race day the spectator gates will open at 5 pm with the racing getting underway at 7 pm. General admission tickets for adults are $12 and $10 for seniors 55 plus, the handicapped and active duty military. Kids tickets are $6 for ages six to 16 while kids five and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The speedway also offers a family pack for $25 which admits two adults and two kids. Racing fans can also enjoy the amenities, as well as the best seats in the house, at the speedway's VIP section for only $25.
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 very affordable rates. Call 928 855 7841 for more information.
For more information about opening weekend, and the Havasu 95 Speedway's 2009-2010 winter racing season, dial up their official website at www.havasu95speedway.com or contact promoter Bill Rozhon at 928 716 6300.
