Over 100,000 coins will be poured onto the Mesa Marin front straight-away during intermission this Saturday night as Washington Mutual presents the Seventh Annual Gold Rush Day. This annual event has drawn thousands of children each year to Mesa Marin as the kids have their chance to pick up as many coins as possible before they disappear into the pockets of their fellow four to twelve year olds.
"The first year we held the event I was concerned that we would need to send our Safety Team onto the front straight before we started the next race to insure no coins were left on the track," stated Larry Collins, Mesa Marin General Manager.
"But the kids picked up every last penny in a matter of minutes, it’s an amazing sight." Collins added.
The competition for the evening features the Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series "Carl’s Jr. 100", the NASCAR Limited Late Models and the Chevron High School Racing Series.
The Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series is one of the most competitive touring series in western U.S. and compete at Mesa Marin on six occasions in 2001. Bakersfield’s own Jeremy Salamacha won the Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series event at Mesa Marin on June 2nd. Former Mesa Marin Grand American Modified Champion Dave Blankenship leads the point standings as the series enters this Saturday’s event.
Defending champion Gene Fife leads the Limited Late Model point standings, 482 to 466 over Brain Richardson. Richardson has closed the margin on Fife by winning three straight main events. Tom Devitt, Ron Daniel and Mike Riale round out the top five in points.
After four races for the Chevron High School Racing Series, Kern Valley High leads the championship race with 188 points, followed by North High at 180, Porterville High at 178, Valley High at 176, with Shafter and South High tied at 132.
Gates open at 5pm, with racing at 7:30pm. Adult tickets start at $9, with children 12 and under free. For more information phone 661-366-5711.
Carl’s Jr. Night at the Races
presented by
Best Western Inn and Washington Mutual
Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series
NASCAR Limited Late Models
Chevron High School Racing Series
Saturday, July 21, 2001
Mesa Marin Raceway
2:00pm Pit Gates Open
3:30 - 3:40pm Practice - High School Racing Series
3:40 - 4:00pm Practice - NASCAR Limited Late Model
4:00 - 4:30pm Practice - Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series
4:30 - 4:40pm Practice - High School Racing Series
4:40 - 5:00pm Practice - Limited Late Model
5:00 - 5:30pm Practice - Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series
5:00pm Spectator Gates Officially Open
5:40pm Drivers Meeting - Officials Trailer
6:15 - 6:30pm Qualifying - Limited Late Models 2 laps
6:30 - 7:00pm Qualifying - Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series 2 laps
7:00pm Toy-R-Us NAS-Trykes
Driver Autograph Session in Grandstands
7:30pm Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series Dash 4 laps
NASCAR Limited Late Model Dash 4 laps
Trophy presentation - all divisions
Heats and Qualifiers
Chevron High School Racing Series Main Event 15 laps
Washington Mutual "Gold Rush "
NASCAR Limited Late Model "Best Western 50"
JoRonCo Toss-a-Tire
Ultra Wheels Super Truck Series "Carl’s Jr. 100"
