Clouds of smoke and spinning cars punctuated the end of Saturday’s NASCAR Elite Division at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Former teammates and rivals Jason Jefferson and John Zaretske tangled during the final lap, sending cars in every direction to avoid the collision. The upset knocked out Zaretske who had been in second place throughout the last third of the race.
The spinning cars were the culmination of a much-anticipated NASCAR Raybestos Series NW Tour race. It started with John Bender tearing out ahead of the pack and establishing a swift lead which he maintained to a triumphant finish. A red flag situation halted the race in the 63rd lap. Rick Suran bottomed out and tore his oil pan spilling fluid over the course. Crews quickly cleared the spill but another red flag had to be called twenty laps later when dust from the substance used to clean the spill obscured drivers’ windscreens causing unsafe track conditions.
Even before the race, an undercurrent of apprehension was apparent among some of the drivers and crews. The track was recently moved to the 3/8 medium banked oval. The smaller track is a new track to many of the drivers and everyone had their own thoughts about it‘s advantages and disadvantages.
Prior to the race, driver Joe Benedetti of Auburn commented, “I spun out for the first time in four or five years. It took us about ten laps before we figured out we were about 180 degrees from where we needed to be.”
Driver Robb Touchette who finished second in the race agreed to some extent, “I think it needs to be re-paved but it’s a great racing track and this is a great racing facility.”
But the comments either way didn’t bother track operator Mickey Beadle. He’s aware that many of the drivers are apprehensive of the smaller track for whatever the reason. The change in track has shaken drivers out of their complacency. What it means for the spectators is a chance to see a race with more skilled maneuvers.
“It’s the drivers that win and not the race cars.” Beadle said.
King 5 news anchor Dennis Bounds, who is a familiar figure at Evergreen, was positive about the change in track size.
“I think I’m a 3/8 fan now.” Bounds said after watching the race.
He was also awarded a plaque for Outstanding Contributions to the NASCAR racing and the Evergreen Speedway by promoter Mickey Beadle.
Final results of the NUPRECON “125” were John Bender of Snohomish with first place. Robb Touchette of Lake Stevens was second. Ed Watson of Mount Vernon placed third.
Almost as popular with the crowds as the NUPRECON “125” was the evening’s support show by the Hertz Hornets. Monroe crowds cheered and clapped as the battered swarm of yellow and black cars burst out from the start line and tore up the 1/5 mile oval. The entry-level class has almost a cult following.
Drivers Bill Hill of Kent, Dan Boudrieau of Marysville and Bill Wade of Stanwood finished first through third in the Hertz Hornets Main 1 on Saturday. Main 2 was taken by Darin Stordahl of Marysville with Gus Uribe of Lynnwood and Naima Lang of Lynnwood in second and third places respectively.
This is the second Hornet season for Darin Stordahl who placed first in the Hornets Main 2. “I like the Hornet racing because I just don’t have the time for anything else. I have two little kids. This way I can drive on weekends and not have to work on cars all week long.”
He acknowledges that the class is gaining in popularity.
“We have quite a large fan base,” Stordahl said, “It’s a little bit of paint and a little bit of pain. It’s lots of fun!”
Bill Wade, who placed third in the Hornets Main 1 race has been running this class for two years. “It’s cheap and fun,” Wade said.
