MONROE, Washington — At Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA, the annual Memorial Day Weekend Doubleheader is scheduled for the 27th and 28th of May. On Saturday it is ‘Whelen NASCAR Night at the Races’ featuring the ‘Big West Race #1’ for the Speedway Chevrolet NASCAR Whelen All American Series Super Late Models and the Open Motor Late Models for twin 50’s on the BIG Track the 5/8-mile paved oval. The Les Schwab Tires NASCAR Street Stocks will also be on the monster track for their main. In addition the 3/8-mile paved oval will be used by the Foster Press NASCAR Mini-Stocks for 50-laps, the Washington Midget Racing Association returns after a many years absence. The popular Stinger 8’s will be in action on the fast but tight figure eight track. Day two of the doubleheader is on Sunday for the big Extravaganza. The night will feature stunts by the Mr. Dizzy stunt team including a world record jump attempt, Boat Races, School Bus Races, Cub Scouts of America Hornet racing, big Demolition Derby all followed by a gigantic Fireworks Display. Both nights get going at 6pm with spectator gates opening at 4pm.
The first ever Big West race is scheduled for the 5/8-mile oval. This first of four race nights for the crate motor cars of the local super late model division and the open motored cars will race for the night’s purse money plus contingencies in twin 50-laps mains. There will be a monetary bonus if a driver can win both mains. After the scheduled races in the all new Big West series there will be an overall champion that will receive the super large trophy and champions money and contingencies. Some of the drivers expected are Pete and Shane Harding, Kelly Mann, Tyler Tanner, Mark Sundberg, Jim Risher, Jason Fraser, Travis Bennett, Naima Lang, Jeff Knight, Tom Moriarity, Tom Hughs, Daniel Moore, Travis Blackwood, Mike Holden, Tim Minister, Fred Hall, Michael Prudnick plus others.
The Street Stock division moves from their normal 3/8-mile oval out to the big track many say is almost too tough to tame. Current point leader for the 2011 championship, Lane Sundholm will be joined by Steve Ptacek and Brian Cottrell all locked into a tight battle for the season’s crown. The rest of the division racers are expected along with a few visitors.
Scott LaCross leads the chase for the 2011 championship in the Mini-Stock division. He along with close to 20-cars will battle on the 3/8-mile oval for 50-laps. Last week’s winner and defending division champion Kris Harriss will try to put together back to back wins.
The very fast opened wheeled midget race cars return to Evergreen Speedway after a long hiatus. They will race on the fast and challenging 3/8-mile. This traveling series has been a stepping stone for some of the northwest best racers. One that comes to mind is NASCAR racer Mike Bliss.
The night would not be complete without a figure eight race. The Stinger 8 division continues their chase to the title. Lance O’Grain is in the lead with Joselyn LaFleur and Sean Peters close behind. Another strong field of cars is expected.
On Sunday the Cub Scouts of America Hornet division is back in action along with Mr. Dizzy stunts, Boat Races, School Bus Races, Demo Derby and Fireworks. Another great point’s battle is underway in the tightly contested Hornet division. Newcomer to the division Cyril Greenawalt is leading the chase but is closely pursued by Richard Morgan Jr., Jamie Corbett and Troy Johnson.
Each night the racing begins at 6pm with front gates opening at 4pm. For tickets or more information call 360-805-6100. The speedway’s web page is located at www.evergreenspeedway.com.
