PLACERVILLE, Calfiornia — In an effort to continue our strong community outreach within the county that supports local auto racing with open arms, Handy Racing Promotions and a number of race teams have partnered to represent Placerville Speedway in the 32nd Annual Hangtown Christmas Parade in historic Placerville on December 6th.
In 2009, Placerville Speedway underwent the management of Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated. As the local facility enters its 45th year of continuous operation at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds one of the biggest priorities it to continue with new community outreach projects such as driver meet and greets, car shows, etc. In the history of this annual parade that draws thousands, this will mark the first time Placerville Speedway will be a participant.
“When it comes to community outreach, an event like this is just a must do. We should have been doing it long ago but just didn’t have the manpower and resources to make it happen,” said Bill Sullivan, Communications Director for Handy Racing Promotions. “This year we have a good team of volunteers developing and a lot of drivers and cars that are going to join in.”
Placerville Speedway’s 2009 parade entry will consist of a large “float” featuring the track’s show car displayed in a holiday fashion along with additional support vehicles and staff followed by numerous race cars and teams in holiday attire and candy for the kids. Among the many officials participation will be flagman- starter Ed Entz, who is known as the “dancing flagman” at Placerville Speedway due to his strong role in making Placerville Speedway a “fun for families” facility.
Placerville Speedway pace vehicle pilot Morgan Peterson and his wife Sara have both been instrumental in constructing the float and locating the resources to do so. Peterson’s employer, Mountain Enterprises of Lotus, has donated the use of their diesel low bed hauler for the weekend.
“A huge thank you goes out to Morgan and Sara,” added Sullivan. “They helped with the Fourth of July Parade the past couple of years in Pollock Pines. We through this idea out there and they immediately took the reigns finding resources. We are very appreciative of the donation by Mountain Enterprises as well.”
Accompanying the official “float” will be numerous race teams, many with their race cars that will be rolling down historic main street in Placerville. Drivers and teams that have logged tentative plans to participate include stock champions Tom Tilford and Jerry Bartlett. Former rookie of the year Jared Vilt is planning to parade along with sprint car drivers C.J. Humphreys and Jimmy Trulli of Placerville former champion Andy Forsberg is expected as well as a pair of cars driver by Cameron Park’s Marc Mackay. The Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars will lead the display with numerous colorful coupes. Matt Land of the Capital City Midgets will be on hand along with his car that is featured on the cover of the December issue of Circle Track Magazine.
“When you plan something like this for the first time you never know what will happen, in this case the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Sullivan. “I want to personally thank each and every driver and individual that is planning to participate in this great event that benefits a great cause. We’re pretty stocked on cars but any drivers that want to suit up and come walk with us are more then welcome to. Bring it on; this will be fun for everyone.”
The 32nd Annual Placerville Christmas Parade begins at 1 p.m on Sunday, December 6th. Staging for the event will begin in the morning hours. This event will carry the theme “The Perfect Christmas Gift” this year, an appropriate title for the first year that Placerville Speedway becomes involved following a landmark racing season.
“We’ve already gotten a great Christmas gift this year; the support we received from the community during our transition in a year of tough economic times. “Now it’s time go out in the community and show our Christmas Spirit. The kids and families who know us will get to cheer their heroes. Anyone who doesn’t know what we do will surely follow suit and give us a try next year.”
While rolling car entries are limited, Placerville Speedway welcomes additional drivers and teams to participate in the event. Drivers and their teams can suit up, throw on a Santa hat and bring some candy for kids to join the fun. Additional resources for the float are still needed as well, including decorations and a portable music sound system. Anyone wishing to assist with the project should contact Bill Sullivan at bsullivan@placervillespeedway.com and provide an evening phone number for contact within that email.
