TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Scattered clouds and warm, breezy weather welcomed fans back to the season opener at Magic Valley Speedway (MVS). MVS has returned as a NASCAR Home Track in 2011 rejoining the prestigious program at the urging of NASCAR. Also new for 2011 are the Pepsi Sprints and the tvgoldandsilver.com Thunder Dogs and the Quale’s Electronics Pro Hornets.
Competitors were eager to begin the quest for the coveted titles of NASCAR Whelen All American Series Champions in their respective classes. As Idaho’s only NASCAR Home Track, MVS will also be crowning an Idaho NASCAR State Champion in 2011 from its Mr. Gas Late Model class.
The return of the Mr. Gas Late Models featured many familiar faces and some new ones as well. Enrique Contreras III made a decision to join the feature division traveling from Mexico City each week! The 18 year olds first ever look at the track was Friday when he flew in and practiced. He was fast then and really enjoyed the track and its layout. In the main event Bobby Latham quickly took command of the race until “Mr. Excitement” Jeff Pohlman reeled him in. The last two laps had fans standing and cheering as Pohlman moved Latham out of the way coming out of turn four taking the white flag. His joy was quickly extinguished as Latham returned the favor in turn one and held on for the win. TJ Woodall rounded out the top three.
The Budweiser Super Stock two-time defending champion Kris McKean was ready to race in a backup car and was doing well leading the race when havoc ensued. The wild finish benefitted Daniel Shirley who had been put to the back of the pack on a yellow flag previously. He was motivated to race hard and was in position to grab a victory when McKean found trouble with Pehrson. Steve Edens was second and Allen Williams third.
“Hot Rod” Todd Audet returned to defend his title in the Brennan’s Carpet Pony Stocks and quickly established his continued dominance with a fine run to victory lane. Jeff Slocum finished second with Robbie Hyde third.
Project Filter has picked up the class sponsorship in the Street stock division in 2011 and the field included defending champion John Newell. However it was Kendall Woll who flat ran away, dominating the field. Chase Caraway was a solid second with Craig Nuthak third.
The new Quales Electronics Pro Hornets had McKean in a Gilligan Sandwich. Scot Gilligan led with Bob Gilligan third. McKean settled for second.
The new Quales Electronics Junior Stingers had really captured the crowd in 2010 and their return in 2011 was not a disappointment! “Racin” Jason Quale expertly threaded his way through the field to land firmly in victory lane.
Pepsi Sprints are a new, developing series to the track. These winged full size sprints feature a crate engine that mirrors the Mr. Gas Late Models and are the fastest race class that will run the weekly series at MVS in 2011…
tvgoldandsilver.com Thunder Dogs are another absolutely fun, wild and wacky series started in 2011 for the entry level racer who would like to become involved in racing fun in an affordable and unique way. The cars are “themed” rather than numbered and contact between cars is fully expected!
Up Next at MVS the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series will debut with its season opener at MVS the first of three appearances at the track in 2011. Along with the RMCS the Mr. Gas Late Models, Budweiser Super Stocks, Project Filter Street Stocks, tvgoldandsilver.com Thunder Dogs and the Quales Electronics Hornets and Junior Stingers. Kids will enjoy an Easter Egg hunt as well!
Fans can win a prize each race night by “checking in” on Facebook at MVS! Fans can also follow MVS on Twitter.
www.magicvalleyspeedway.com
