MONROE, Wa — April 14, 2011): This Saturday April 16, Fan Appreciation Night, it is the NASCAR Opener, at Washington State’s only NASCAR track, Evergreen Speedway. The Beacon Plumbing Weekly Racing Series features the newly revamped Speedway Chevrolet NASCAR Whelen All American Series Super Late Model Division for twin 50-lap features on the 3/8-mile paved oval. Included in the nights racing activities are the Les Schwab Tires NASCAR Whelen All American Series Street Stock Division 50-lap main, the Foster Press NASCAR Mini Stock Division 50-lap main, the NASCAR Super Figure Eight Division 50-lap main and the return to action Cub Scouts of America Hornet Division mains. When you add all the racing together including mains, dashes and heats there will be over 300-laps of racing at the ‘Super Speedway of the West’. There will be discounted tickets for the fans and at 4:30pm a special concert by the 56th Army Band called the ‘Heavy Left’ a rock group stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord.
"There are special discounted ticket prices for Fan Appreciation Night. "
Fourteen Speedway Chevrolet Super Late Models are confirmed for the opening races of the season. Some of the drivers to start their respective season and a chase for the coveted crowns of Speedway champion and the State of Washington NASCAR champion, include defending and 6- time Super Late Model champion Tom Moriarity (Monroe, WA), 2-time champion’s Shane Harding (Surrey, B.C.) and Naima Lang (Snohomish, WA), second in points the last two seasons Pastor Jeff Knight (Monroe, WA), second in points at South Sound Speedway last season, fifth place finisher at 2010’s ‘Richard Petty Driver Search’, making his rookie debut at ES is Tyler Allen (Bellevue, WA), Tom Hughes (Arlington, WA), Daniel Moore (Snohomish, WA), Michael Prudnick (Lake Stevens, WA), Fred Hall (Monroe, WA), Travis Blackwood (Everett, WA) and Mike Holden (Bothell, WA). The opening night for this division is very important with twin 50-lap mains and separate points for each race.
The Les Schwab Tires Street Stocks will have defending champion Lane Sundholm (Maltby, WA) returning to vie for a sixth in row championship. Some of the others that will be trying to dethrone the champion are Steve Ptacek (Bothell, WA), Brian Cottrell (Marysville, WA), Merlin Cook (Arlington, WA), Doug Davidson (Monroe, WA), Darrell Lutovsky (Everett, WA), Clark Casey (Bellingham, WA), Frank Cowgill (Shoreline, WA), Jim Foti (Edmonds, WA) and Joe Kneeland (Bothell, WA). This division will have a 50-lap main on the 3/8-mile rain or shine. If there is a repeat of the last few years the championship was not decided until the very end of the season.
Another division that the championship was not decided until the last race of the 2010 season is the Foster Press Mini-Stocks. Back to defend his championship and to make it three in a row is Kris Harris (Everett, WA). Those expected to be in the chase for the championship are Scott LaCross (Everett, WA), Joe Hobbs (Everett, WA), Jack McGeehan (Mukilteo, WA), Jon Roberts (Bothell, WA), Molly Helmuth (Seattle, WA), Rod Helmuth (Woodinville, WA) and Nat Barber (Monroe, WA) to mention just few of the many that will be racing this season.
Jake Repin (Monroe, WA), the 2010 Super Figure Eight champion, will be back to try and back up his first ever crown. Many time champion John Carlson (Snohomish, WA) will return along with other contenders such as: Seth Funden (Marysville, WA), Mike Middleton (Arlington, WA), Ricky Dietz (Arlington, WA), Doug Delfel (Clearview, WA), Bruce Wilson (Kent, WA), Shane Sawin (Clearview, WA), Steve Shoenfeldt (Marysville, WA) and Brian Gunderson (Maple Valley, WA). These thundering V-8 powered machines weave their way through the most dangerous intersection in the state, the X of the fast figure eight track.
Last week was opening night for the Cub Scouts of America Mt Baker Council sponsored Hornet division. This will be week two in their extensive season. Ken Moi (Woodinville, WA) will be aiming for another win and adding to his point lead. Over 30 cars showed last week forcing a 17-lap transfer main. Twenty Two cars started the A-main on the road course. Even more are expected for this week.
There are special discounted ticket prices for Fan Appreciation Night. Adults are $11, Juniors (13-17yrs)/Seniors (62+)/Military are $7, Children (7-12yrs) are $5 and 6 & under are Free. Front gates open at 4pm with the concert by the ‘Heavy Left’ from the 56th Army Band at 4:30pm. Come out and support our military. The racing starts at 6pm.
For pre-race tickets so you do not have to wait in the purchasing line call 360-805-6100 and for more information see the speedway’s web page at www.evergreenspeedway.com.
