SAN BERNARDINO, California — It’s eight days until the racing season opens at Orange Show Speedway, an ASA Member Track, and those planning to attend should be ready for some changes.
Mark Shackleford, who won the 2009 Super Late Model championship, said he’ll put together the race car scattered across his shop in time for the 100-lap main event on March 20 and begin his quest for a third class title.
The Riverside (Ca.) resident also said he’s heard there’ll be a lot of Super Late Models on hand to help launch Best in the West Racing’s second season at the paved quarter-mile oval.
The questions are: Which cars, and with what drivers.
Shackleford (2 wins), Barry Karr (2), Toni McCray (1), Dee Cable, Frankie Gould, Jack Madrid, Jimmy Rouse Jr. and Matthew Hicks have indicated they’re planning to run full seasons and Andre Prescott is expected to return. But beyond that it’s new faces and guesswork.
Linny White, the 2008 champion who won 5 races but lost last year’s battle with Shackleford on the final night of the season, won’t be a contender. White, of Colton (Ca.), said he is taking at least a year off to concentrate on building his business, Who’s That Guy Chassis Works. But he plans to field cars for Tony Edwards and Brett Edwards.
Rob Kiemele, third in the point standings with 1 win, said he’ll be a part-time driver at best, citing a desire to spend more free time with his family. Kiemele, who owns Unlimited Landscaping, said he will provide some sponsorship for Team Too Pony Stocks drivers Adrianne Murlin and Robby Hornsby Jr. and possibly field a car for veteran Glen Cummings.
Cummings, of Highland, said he and Kiemele are talking, but his plans aren’t finalized. There’s also uncertainty about John Manke, Dave Scheidecker and others. But Kendall Scheidecker is planning to join the class and Shackleford said several drivers from other area tracks are rumored to be bound for Orange Show Speedway, too.
Joining the Super Late Models on opening night will be the Team Too Pony Stocks, Interstate Batteries Factory Fours, Budweiser Legends Cars and M.C. Erectors Bandoleros.
Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m., with an on-track autograph session from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the first race at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission, $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 $45.
Parking is $5, with entry through Gate 4 off Mill Street.
A season pass also will be available at the box office on opening night. The pass, which is good for all 29 Best in the West Racing programs including the seven special events, is $250.
