TRI-HOLIDAY CLASSIC #2 TO BRING OVER 50 LATE MODEL STARS TO ALTAMONT

Source: AMP Media Relations/sb
Date: 07/02/2008

TRACY, California – Altamont Motorsports Park presents the second round of the Tri-Holiday Series this Saturday evening, with over 50 late models expected to be in competition in two 100 lap features.

The Flashco SRL Southwest Tour 100 and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) 100 will share the bill in this action packed day at the fastest half-mile in the west.

Altamont’s popular American Limited Stock Car class will also grace the half-mile. Future Champions Development Series Late Models racing will take place on the quick quarter-mile, and Formula-4’s will attempt to tame the 1.1 mile road course.

The full slate of action is the second round of the Tri-Holiday Series, the sixth night of NASCAR Whelen racing, and eighth round for the Western Late Models. Saturday’s events also mark round four for the SRL Series and round five for Westcar Series.

Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton leads a roaring pack of Late Models into Saturday’s competition. Despite a NASCAR-best 28 cars per event average, Gilbert is averaging a fifth place finish in each of the seven rounds so far.

The Tri-Holiday Series is attracting the west coast’s top drivers. Gilbert will be busy with drivers such as former SRL champ Jason Fensler of Modesto, Big Dog Series points leader Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV, Wes Miller of Turlock, and former Irwindale champion James Weston of Goleta.

Not only will Gilbert be contending with a strong contingent of star drivers, he also has a tough points battle brewing. 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood is now fourth in the standings, fresh off a win on June 8th in the Big Dog event.

Third is Danville’s Tim Spurgeon, who tasted victory in Tri-Holiday round one on May 24th. Second in the points is 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor of Manteca who has been to victory lane twice in 2008.

Saturday’s Western Late Model event is the first of four straight weekends of competition, and a strong finish will definitely build momentum for the rest of the month.

The SRL Flashco Southwest Tour drivers have had their hands full with veteran Jim Pettit of Prunedale, who leads Cottonwood’s Craig Raudman by a hefty margin entering Saturday’s races.

The two former NASCAR Southwest Tour champions have also been challenged by Goleta’s Greg Voigt. Troy Ermish of Fremont and 2004 Altamont track champion Todd Bammer of Pleasanton round out the top-five in points. Sacramento’s Josh Combs leads rookies in sixth.

In the American Limited Stock Car division, Slammin’ Sammy Solari has won three of the four races held so far. But a look at the points standings shows that a very consistent Richard Harper of Stockton is a scant four points back from Solari coming into this event. It was announced that the ALSC division will remain on the half-mile the rest of the season. It is to be seen how this will affect the points battle or if this will allow some other drivers in the series a shot at victory.

An exciting new division will be competing on the quick quarter-mile. Future Champions Development Series is a ground-breaking Late Model division for drivers ages 14-16. Carson City, NV’s Cameron Millard has proven to be a quick learner in the 400 hp cars, but Colby Potts of Manteca is also a threat. Tyler Thomas of Penyrn will be making his return to the series on Saturday.

Rounding out Saturday’s competition will be two 10-lap events for the Formula-4s. Bob Wilson leads the way on the heels of four wins through the first eight races. The twin bill on the road course for these stock four-cylinder cars is always exciting to watch.

Saturday’s activities begin at 8 a.m. with pit registration opening. SRL Flashco Southwest Tour cars begin practice at 9:30.

Spectator gates open at 12 p.m. with qualifying slated for 1 p.m. The first feature rolls off at 3 p.m.

Competitors are reminded to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. due to county regulations. Track management thanks everyone for their support.

Ticket prices for Saturday are $25 for adults. Seniors, youths 9-16 & military with I.D. are $20, and children eight and under are free. A family package with two adults and two youths is available for just $65.

Event schedules and track information is available on the track website.

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