SAN BERNARDINO, California — With the successful opening weekends of the 2010 season behind them and no racing this Saturday, Rick McCray and his Best in the West Racing staff are using the Easter break to finalize preparations for two of the seven “special events” on this year’s Orange Show Speedway schedule.
The first of those will take place on April 17, when the SRL Spears Southwest Tour Series competitors make their debut at the ASA Member Track adjacent to the National Orange Show. The second will be May 8, when the USAC Western Sprint Cars, Ford Focus Midgets and Jr. Focus Midgets bring exciting open-wheel racing back to the historic quarter-mile oval.
There is a slight increase in admission prices for these special events, however. Adult general admission will be $15 and tickets for seniors (over 60), students 11-18 and military personnel with valid identification will be $13.
Advance tickets for the SRL Spears Southwest Tour race can be purchased by calling Best in the West Racing at 909-885-9000 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“I hope the fans understand why we need to charge a little more for the special events,” McCray said. “We’re trying to bring quality racing back to the track with different groups and give the fans something to look forward to along with our usual great weekly programs, but it takes money to do that.
“The costs for those special programs are at least double what they are for a normal event, but I think they’re worth it and I hope the fans agree. We’re doing everything possible to keep tickets and concessions affordable for everyone and I think we’re the best deal in the Inland Empire for family entertainment on a Saturday night.”
Racing at Orange Show Speedway resumes April 10 with the Super Late Models Interstate Batteries Factory Fours, Budweiser Legends Cars, M.C. Erectors Bandoleros and Stock OHV Karts being joined by the Western Racing Association’s vintage Midgets and Sprint Cars.
That program will set the stage for the visit by the SRL Spears Southwest Tour. The series began in 1985 as the NASCAR Southwest Series and has been run by the Stockcar Racing League since 2001. The list of past champions includes Dave Byrd, Jim Pettit II and M.K. Kanke, who won the 2009 title.
The current season got under way March 27 at All-American Speedway in Roseville, Calif., with Bakersfield’s Derek Thorn leading 26 rivals to the finish after 125 laps and claiming the $4,000 winner’s share of the purse.
The spectator gates at Orange Show Speedway open at 4 p.m., with an on-track autograph session from 5:50 to 6:30 p.m. and the first race at 7 p.m.
Parking is $5, with entry through Gate 4 off Mill Street.
Best in the West Racing’s promotions at Orange Show Speedway are sponsored by Lucas Oil Products, Budweiser, San Bernardino Pick-A-Part, Team Too Termite and Pest Control, JAM Sportswear, Interstate Batteries, MC Erectors, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Hoosier Tire West, KCAL 96.7 Rocks, Best Buy, Tri-City Towing, Pacific West Interiors (PWI), Luke’s Transmission, Print Depot, Riverside Mission Florist, Wayne’s Engine, Cal’s Towing, JP Striping, K1 Speed, Jerry’s Brake and Wheel, and Arrow Track GPS.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.
