SSP Gets Back To It After Week Off; 7th Annual Doug Walters Classic/Maletis Night Next
By Ben Deatherage
Banks, Oregon- After a week off for the annual Banks Barbecue Weekend Sunset Speedway is back to it for the 7th Annual Doug Walters Classic which is also Maletis Night at the races. This race is ran in honor of former owner and operator of SSP Doug Walters. The Late Models will race for 67 laps which also honors Walters' longtime number. Also in action is the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and 4-Bees. The Budweiser IMCA Modifieds will race for 57 laps, 47 laps for the Street Stocks, and the 4-Bees will go for 37 laps.
The Late Models will feature both the Northwest Extreme Late Model Series as well as some of the regulars of the Super Dirt Late Models from Willamette Speedway in Lebanon. This is the first time since 2009 that the Super Dirt Late Models have been apart of the Doug Walters Classic, which was a DIRTcar Northwest I-5 Tour sanctioned event. What has remained the same is that Doug Walters' son, Greg, has won every single ran in memory of Doug.
Greg Walters already has two wins against the Northwest Extreme Late Model Series at the “Banks Bullring” in 2015. The same can be said for Joey Tanner who also has two victories. Jason Johnson and Dave Walters each have paid a visit to victory lane once.
Mark Carrell is still on top of the win list for the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds with his three triumphs. Jeff Lovell, Rob Ireland, and Jesse Williamson are two-time winners while Doug Lockwood, Bubba Foster, and Collen Winebarger each have one win.
Brian Roden has had an incredible season with five wins to his credit in the Street Stocks. Arnie Case is closing in on him as far as wins are concerned as he has gotten three this year. Tony Catalano is the only other multi-feature winner, with two, and defending champion John Ireland has just one.
Finally the 4-Bees has pretty much been dominated by Chris Batalgia. Batalgia has five wins in the current campaign and is looking for more. Recent newcomer Damion Owen has taken fans by storm with his three wins this year while William Wolfe has been equally impressive with his two wins. Travis Koch and Captain Turnabout are the only two drivers to have won once this season.
Pit Gates will open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates open at 4:00, and racing starts at 6:30 each night. Tickets 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. Log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com for the latest news and information about SSP.