Spring Challenge Presented By 98.7 The Bull On Deck For SSP
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Ken O'Neil)
Banks, Oregon- Sunset Speedway Park will be quite busy this coming weekend as the 1/4-mile clay oval hosts the Spring Challenge presented by 98.7 The Bull on Saturday May 23rd and Sunday the 24th. Classes racing both nights include the Northwest Extreme Late Model Series, Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, 4-Bee's and both classes of Micro Sprints.
On Saturday folks from 98.7 The Bull will be out in full force bringing their pop up tent, handing out giveaways and more. Also the Bud Light Girls will be in attendance throwing out t-shirts and once again doing interviews for the “Up For Whatever” promotion. A friendly reminder that you must be twenty-one or older to participate in the interview. Be sure and check it out but don't forget to come back on Sunday for another night of great racing.
The Northwest Extreme Late Model Series will visit the “Banks Bullring” for the second time on Saturday for their third race of the season. Joey Tanner has been victorious in the first two races of the season in two different cars. A good car count is expected for both nights.
In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds there has yet to be a repeat winner this season. Collen Winebarger, Mark Carrell, Jeff Lovell, and most recently Rob Ireland have been able to put their mounts in victory lane. Craig Cassell has finished second in all four races. Will this weekend be his chance to get the win?
The Street Stocks have had four races and have produced two winners. Tony Catalano and Brian Roden are level at two wins apiece headed into the weekend. There are plenty of other drivers hoping to finally get their first win of 2015 including defending champion John Ireland.
The 4-Bee's will be coming from a week off and will be raring to go. Chris Batalgia has recorded three wins this year already while William Wolfe has won once. There a few drivers that have sniffed victory this year including Nathan Owen and Bob Ferree.
Both the Open and Restricted Micro Sprints will be up for a big weekend. They will be competing for a larger than normal purse on both nights courtesy of PGH Excavating and will have prizes handed out courtesy of R.S. Race Products, Speedmart Inc., and Vahlco Race Wheels.
There has been just one point event for both classes. Chance Crum won in the Opens and Ashleigh Johnson was the winner in the Restricted ranks. Colby Thornhill was triumphant in a non-points exhibition event last Saturday.
Pit Gates will open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates open at 4:00, and racing starts at 6:30 each night. Tickets for both races are Adults $13.00, Seniors/Military/Juniors (13-18) $10.00, Youths (Ages 12-6) $5.00, and Children under the age of 5 are FREE and a family pass will be offered for two Adults and up to four Youths for just $35.00. For more information log on to http://www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com.