MERIDIAN, Idaho — Sixty years ago, racing enthusiasts gathered to build and race on a dirt oval in Meridian.
This weekend, a new generation of dirt-loving racers will run on a new surface carved out of the infield at ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway.
Outlaw Karts will take center stage Friday and Saturday for Al Russell’s The Dirty Cup. Racers of all ages will compete in numerous divisions, including Pee Wee, Box Stock, Hot Rod, Jr. 500cc, 125cc, Open Flat, Desperados (500cc for drivers 30 and older), 250cc Midgets and 500cc Open.
Admission each night is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and children ages 7-11, and children 6 and younger get in free.
Access to the event will be through the pit gate. The main entrance will not be open.
The gates open each night at 5 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.meridianspeedway.com.
In preparation for the races presented by one of the track’s managers, crews have cobbled a high-banked 1/9th-mile dirt oval out of the remnants of the supercross layout in the infield.
The track was built in the north end of the facility, and winged karts will dominate the action with some familiar names – or at least family names -- strapping in for the ride.
Sara Henry, who raced a Domino’s Pizza Legend car in 2011; Mtn. Dew Winged Sprints driver Chris Ratterree, and Meridian Speedway pavement racers TJ Labronte and Dayne Amyx will compete in the 500cc Open class.
The track’s manager partner, Adam Nelson, will battle outlaw kart racing promoter Ron Ratterree and Travis Lively of Roseburg, Ore., in the Desperados class for racers 30 and older racing 500cc-powered winged karts.
The father-and-son duo of Charlie Ham Jr. and Charlie Ham Sr. hit the dirt in the Open Flat class. Junior raced ESI Express ASA Modifieds in 2011.
Kyle Alberding of Winston, Ore., who shares the same last name as the Meridian winged sprintcar record-holder, Andy Alberding, is entered in the 125cc class.
Former Jr. Stingers track champion Colton Nelson is listed as a competitor in the Jr. 500cc division.
Familiar racing family names appear in the Hot Rod 8hp class, including Daytona Wurtz and Preston Pisca. Dennis Wurtz II and Jentry Pisca both tasted success in pavement cars at Meridian in 2011.
Kamryn Ham of Boise, driving the family’s familiar No. 6, will compete in Box Stocks, and Alexis Pisca of Caldwell is entered in the Pee Wees.
