LUCAS OIL I 10 SPEEDWAY TO RESUME WINTER BLAST RACING THIS SATURDAY
BY DAVE GRAYSON
Following a hiatus for the holiday season and to allow for a slight increase in night time temperatures, the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway will launch the second half of its Winter Blast Racing Series, presented by Next Era Energy Resources, this Saturday night February 2nd. The quarter mile paved oval is located at the Colorado River Fairgrounds in Blythe-California. Local race fans need to note that this particular event will have an earlier than usual starting time. The spectator gates will open at 5pm with racing getting underway at 6pm.
This three hour night of affordable racing is sponsored by Domino's Pizza and will feature high flying action from the Gene Price Late Model River Series along with the speedway's street stock, factory stock and women's factory stock divisions.
Sponsored by the famed Parker-Arizona race car fabrication shop, and the home of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champions for the past two seasons, the Gene Price Motorsports Late Model River Series is a dual track championship hosted by the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway and the Havasu 95 Speedway. Going into Saturday night's race, Blythe driver, and two time series champion, Mike Sutterfield is on top of the championship standings with 168 points based on a consistent feature win and three top five finishes. Jim Putnam is ranked second with 144 points but that only because he missed the first race of the season. Since that time, Putnam has scored a win, a third and a second place finish. Elias Garland is third in the standings with 140 points followed by Ron Daniel, who won the first race of the season, in fourth at 134 points.
In the speedway's street stock division it's all been about the Almquist so far during the Winter Blast Racing season. Kirk Almquist, with three consecutive feature wins, leads the championship standings with 150 points. However, he only holds a ten point advantage over Steve Almquist who has a trio of top five finishes. Rick Boone, also with three top fives, is third in the standings with 134 points.
The speedway's fan favorite factory stocks will be bringing a tight, too close to call, points battle to the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway Saturday night. Ethan Miller leads those standings with 56 points based on two consecutive feature wins. However, it's only a four point advantage over Tom Nordell also a feature winner this season. Still very much in the division's points profile is Michael White who holds down third in the standings only ten points away from the leader.
Speedway General Manager and Promoter Greg Scheidecker was very pleased to recently announce the renewal of the partnership with Next Era Energy Resources as the sponsor of his Winter Blast Racing Series. Headquartered in Juno Beach-Florida, the famed energy company stands out as a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable resources and is among the nation's most disciplined competitive power generators. The company derives approximately 95% of its electricity from clean and renewable fuels such as wind, natural gas, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power plants in operation across North America, including 13 plants in California.
"We are thrilled to announce the renewal of the partnership between Next Era Energy Resources and our speedway," Scheidecker said adding "not only are they producing our country's future energy needs, while also protecting our environment, they are also active in the local communities they serve. Here, at the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway, their sponsorship provides us the opportunity to provide special kids themed programs for our young fans as well as fan friendly special evenings such as our one dollar sodas and hot dogs campaigns."
Scheidecker also noted that auto racing is a natural venue for Next Era Energy Resources' programs. They also have a partnership with the International Speedway Corporation and are the official renewable energy provider at the Daytona and Homestead-Miami Speedways in Florida. They will also be returning as the official sponsor of the February 22nd NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Daytona.
General admission tickets for Saturday's Domino's Pizza race day are $10 and $8 for seniors, military personnel and the handicapped. Teen tickets, for ages 13 to 17, are $5. Palo Verde High School students can receive a one dollar discount by presenting their ASB cards. Kids tickets, ages 6 to 12, are $3 while kids five and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. The speedway also offers a budget friendly family package which admits two adults and two kids, 17 and under, for $20.
For out of town race teams and fans the America's Best Value Inn, located at 850 Hobsonway, is the official motel of the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway. They offer beautiful and spacious rooms as well as a special racer's rate of $69 plus tax. Mention the discount code: Lucas Oil. Call 760-922-5145 for reservations which can also be made online at www.americasbestvalueinn.com .
For more information about the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway's Winter Blast Racing Series, presented by Next Era Energy Resources, dial up the official website atwww.i10speedway.com.