The Havasu 95 Speedway will treat their fans to its latest round of the 2009-2010 winter racing season this Saturday night, April 17th. Known as the most scenic quarter mile asphalt oval in the southwest, the ASA Racing sanctioned speedway is located in the Sara Park Complex in Lake Havasu City-Arizona.
Two championships, in the ASA street stock and modified divisions, will be determined Saturday night. The speedway will also be presenting a 75 lap feature from the Lucas Oil Modified Series, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink as well as action from the fan favorite factory stock and powder puff divisions.
The ASA street stocks will be making their eighth and final appearance of the winter racing series. The same question presented at the beginning of the season still remains: who can beat Ralph Adams? The 69 year old Oak Hills-California driver now has seven consecutive feature wins, and 350 points, and basically just has to start the 35 lap feature Saturday night to claim a repeat from last year's track title.
Phillip Waterman holds down second in the standings with 304 points and is likely to secure the runner up spot Saturday night. But the big question is who is going to finish third in the final ASA street stock standings? Ricky Maddox Jr and Rick Zirges each has 284 points with Rick Bezansen right behind them only eight points away.
The resolution of the speedway's modified track championship will be a little more complicated. The speedway's regular modified division will be racing with the Lucas Oil Modifieds, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, in a special 75 lap feature presented by the well known regional touring series. A full field of modified teams will be vying for the 22 starting berths in the Lucas Oil Products 75 which pays $1,000 to win. The race will be a full 75 laps of green flag racing because the series does not count yellow flag laps. The race will also feature some of the finest open wheel driving talent from the western states area.
That means that the Havasu 95 Speedway's regular modified division will be participating in a race within a race to resolve the local track championship. To no real surprise the Lake Havasu City based racing Gerchman family are the principals in this championship run. Chris Gerchman, based on three feature wins, leads the division standings with 198 points. But he's only 12 points ahead of family patriarch Larry Gerchman and 22 points ahead of David Gerchman. With this trio racing 75 laps in a field of 22 modifieds, just about anything could happen Saturday to alter the final championship points numbers.
The fan favorite factory stocks will also be a featured highlight of this Saturday night at the Havasu 95 Speedway. The top five in the points structure are all feature winners led by local driver Scott Allen at 470 points. The driver rotation that comprises the Big O Tire team is second at 442 points while Shawn Deitch, Chris Weiss and O C Bob Berwick completes the top five.
On the surface it may appear that the points are somewhat spread out in the division's standings. However, it has to be noted that this is the factory stock division a racing format where anything can happen very quickly, and often does, that could change the points profile.
The speedway's powder puff division will also see action Saturday night. In three previous appearances Melanie Jackson has two wins and a second which places her on top of the division points standings. Christine Weiss is ten markers away in second and is followed by Shelly Orozco and Carol Lewis who is also a feature winner this season.
The Havasu 95 Speedway weekend actually begins on Friday evening with a test and tune session for the race teams from 6 to 9 pm. This practice session is free to spectators. On Saturday race day the spectator gates will open at 5 pm with the racing getting underway at 7 pm.
Ticket prices for Saturday are $12 general admission and $10 for seniors, 55 plus, the military and the handicapped. Kids tickets, for ages six to 16, are $6 while kids five and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. The speedway also offers a family package for $25 which admits two adults and two kids. Racing fans can also enjoy the special amenities of the speedway's VIP section, featuring the best seats in the house, for $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 toll free, 800 835 2410, for reservations which can also be made on line at www.thehavasuinn.com.
For more information about the Havasu 95 Speedway's racing programs dial up their official website at www.havasu95speedway.com or call promoter Bill Rozhon at 928 716 6300.
