SAN BERNARDINO, California — The final month of the season at Orange Show Speedway promises to be one of the most exciting periods in recent history, with championships to be decided in seven divisions, a NASCAR Sprint cup driver making a Homecoming appearance and an all-star field assembling for a special Outlaw Figure 8 event.
It all begins Oct. 3, when the Super Late Models, Pony Stocks, Factory Fours, Stock Cars USA, Legends and Bandoleros assemble at the ASA-sanctioned quarter-mile. The Late Models and San Bernardino Pick-A-Part Street Stocks will wrap up their seasons Oct. 10, with the WRA Vintage open-wheel cars and a Train race providing support, and on Oct. 17 the Super Late Models will crown their champion on a program that includes the SouthWest Tour Trucks, National Midget Racing Association, Trailer races and a Demolition Derby.
The final event of Best in the West Racing’s inaugural year as the operator and promoter of the historic speedway will be the recently-added Outlaw Figure 8 event, with drivers from Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado and Washington expected to join the Southern California regulars for a pair of 100-lap races.
Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m. for all four programs, with an on-track autograph session from 6 to 6:40 p.m. and the first race at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors (60 and older), students 11 to 18 and military personnel with valid identification. Children 10 and under are admitted free. A Family Pack, which includes admission for four plus a hot dog and small soft drink for each person, is priced at $40.
Parking is $5, with entry through Gate 4 off Mill Street.
The Oct. 10 autograph session will be highlighted by an appearance by Sprint Cup driver David Gilliland. The former Chino Hills and Riverside resident will return to his Inland short-track roots by competing in the Late Model class, which will wrap up its season with a pair of 50-lap main events.
Gilliland, who lives in North Carolina, will be in the area to compete in the Pepsi 500 weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana Oct. 9-11.
Best in the West Racing owner Rick McCray is in discussions with other NASCAR drivers as well.
There’ll be a new man in charge for the final events at Orange Show Speedway. Veteran official Jim Overly has replaced Billy McCray as director of racing and will move from the flag stand he has shared with son Jason to the press box, where he’ll oversee the on-track competition and resolve any disputes. Overly began his new duties on Sept. 12.
Billy McCray, who was instrumental in the planning for this season, resigned to devote his attention to son Evan, who plays high school football and recently began racing in the Pony Stock class.
The season-ending Best in the West Racing Awards Banquet is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the San Bernardino Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $50 per person and reservations may be made by completing the form available at www.bestinthewestracing.com.
For information on sponsorship and promotional opportunities, please contact Best in the West Racing by telephone at 909-885-9000 or visit the new web site at www.BestInTheWestRacing.com.
For all other information, please contact Jim Short by telephone at 951-203-2649 or by e-mail at jimshort65@sbcglobal.net.
