MERCED, California — Two quarter-mile high-banked dirt speedways. Two consecutive nights of racing. Two 50-lap features for modified stock cars paying $3,500 to win. It’s the “First Annual West Coast Nationals,” which will be held at central California’s Antioch and Merced Speedways August 28 and 29, 2010.
"This race will bring credibility back to the California dirt modified division,” said Oval Motorsports, Inc. promoter John Soares. “We would like to see the best in the West - and from anywhere else in the nation - come here to challenge the best California drivers.”
Although California-bred drivers dominate the national racing scene, few racers east of the Rockies cross the Continental Divide to race against California’s up-and coming, local dirt-track talent. Soares hopes his tracks and the West Coast Nationals will be a showcase for local dirt modified drivers while providing an opportunity for top-notch eastern racers who seek a new challenge.
As an added incentive, the West Coast Nationals will award national DIRTcar points. The last time Soares promoted a national points-paying event was in June at Antioch, where cars from Oregon to New Mexico filled the pits. Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, NM won the event.
“The June event was so well received, and with the addition of Merced Speedway, we feel we can hit a home run with the West Coast Nationals,” Soares said. “The drivers from Oregon and New Mexico said they are planning to be here.”
Soares said sponsorship will “sweeten the purse” for the Nationals. He is posting $3500 to win, with last place collecting $300. Judging from the Antioch event in June, a large field of cars is expected. The format will call for heat races qualifying, with A, B, and C main events.
“Merced Speedway was left out for years-that won’t be the case any longer,” Soares said. “We have two top-notch facilities, with Merced having a 12,000 capacity grandstand. The California fans of modified stock car racing will get the racing they deserve.”
