MERIDIAN, Idaho — Some of the most recognizable names in Southwest Idaho racing have thrown their hats into the ring for Saturday’s Treasure Valley Gold and Silver Enduro 250 Encore.
The race, open to four-cylinder cars, is a follow-up to the popular 250-lap race run at ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway a week ago.
A contingent of Washington state drivers also will make their return, bumping the entry list to 67 for the Encore. The action starts at 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $3 each, and children 6 and younger get in free. Gates open at 2 p.m.
On Oct. 16, Regular-season Tates Rents Hornets champion Larry Hull III picked up the $2,000 winner’s share by outlasting 65 other drivers in the first 250-lapper.
Saturday, Hull is back to shoot for the repeat. Top prize this time around is $3,000 out of a total purse that could top $7,700.
But Hull will have some top-name competition this time around. According to the entry list, NASCAR regional driver Eddy McKean will make the trip from Jerome, Idaho. He’s the promoter at Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho, and he’ll be challenged by Meridian Speedway track partners Don Newman, who competed last week, and Adam Nelson, a third-generation promoter at the Meridian quarter-mile oval.
Top open-wheel drivers such as Johnny Geisler and Wyatt King of Meridian, Idaho, and Brandon Johnson of Caldwell, Idaho, have signed up. Leading ASA Modified driver Shelby Stroebel of Nampa, Idaho, will test his mettle in a Hornet, too.
Sedro-Wooly, Wash., drivers Ashley Lewellen and Ben Gunderson — both top racers on the dirt at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash. — are back, too. Gunderson won this year’s Outlaw Hornet championship at Skagit.
Drivers can take part in the Enduro test and tune from 4 p.m. to dark on Friday. A pre-tech will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call the speedway at (208) 888-2813 or visit www.meridianspeedway.com
