SPRINT: Twin Cities Speedway Gearing Up for 1999 Civil War Series Opener
8 March 1999
JOHN PADJEN MOTORSPORTSCALIFORNIA SPRINT CAR CIVIL WAR RACE SERIES
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 1999
Improved seating likely to be complete for March 20 event
MARYSVILLE, CA - The officials of Twin Cities Speedway in Marysville, California have been taking advantage of the recent clear weather to prepare for the much anticipated season opener of the 1999 Hoosier Racing Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series which is scheduled for Saturday, March 20.
The California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series is a traveling sanction body dedicated to 360 cubic inch powered sprint cars. The series treks to five different California tracks including Marysville, Placerville, Petaluma, Antioch and Silver Dollar Speedways between the months of March and October to compete in a total of 13 events. Drivers competing in the CSCCWRS are awarded accumulative points and well as earnings for their success in each event that takes place which posts more that $10,000 in nightly purse money. Additionally, the series posts a $20,000 championship fund which is divided up accordingly to the top ten point earners at the conclusion of the newly sponsored Hoosier Racing Tires series.
Last year at this time, Twin Cities promoter Mel Hall had become the first California race promoter faced with the challenges of El Nino as his 1/4 mile clay oval sat beneath several inches of water. Such is not the case this season, however, as mother nature has begun to take a cooperative turn, allowing Hall and his staff to began preparation of this facility located in the heart of the north state.
"It's nothing like it was last year, that was a season start I'd like to forget about," said Hall. "We have a little bit of pumping to do this year, but it's virtually nothing compared to that ordeal last year. We're just keeping our fingers crossed that the rains continue to let up and we can start off on schedule."
One of the biggest improvements that Hall hopes to have complete in time for the Civil War opener will be newly constructed bleachers. Anyone who has attended a "crowd capacity" race in Marysville before is well aware that such an improvement is well deserved. Currently, the grandstands at Twin Cities can seat approximately 1200 spectators with very little elbow room. The newly constructed bleachers will consist of 15 widened rows and will seat approximately 2000.
"This is an improvement that's long overdue out here," said Hall. "It's something I've wanted to do since I've been promoting the track and we're finally able to do it. Everything is set to go, we just need a few straight days of good weather so we can tear down the old bleachers and pour cement for the new ones. After that they tell me it only takes a couple of days to erect the set up so we hope to have it complete in the next week or two."
Last season, a total of 125 different drivers representing all four of the Western States competed in the Civil War campaign. The average number of entries per event was 49, a number which is expected to increase this season with the Hoosier Tires Championship which is more than two times that of previous years.
Topping the entry list for the March 20 event will be Rio Linda's Roger Crockett, the defending Civil War champion. After driving his fathers #11 mount and Roger Hendersons #7n last season, Crockett will return in 1999 aboard the Wright Construction owned #35 machine that was piloted by Tim Kaeding last season.
Among the 50 or more drivers that are expected to join Crockett at Marysville later this month are Shane Scott of Chico, runner up in 1999 Civil War point standings, Chad Riolo of Roseville who finished third overall ahead of Grass Valley's Jeff Halleib and Billy Wallace. Two time Civil War feature event winner and Placerville track champion David Robinson Jr. is expected along with former Marysville champions Mark Hall and Jeff Young to name a few of the expected entrants.
The pit gate is scheduled open at 3:30 for the March 20 event. The main grandstand will open to the public at 5:00. Time Trials are scheduled to begin at 6:30 with the first heat race kicking off at 7:30 p.m. For ticket prices or further information contact Twin Cities Speedway. Information on the Civil War Series can also be obtained by contacting the office of John Padjen Motorsports or at www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com.
Hoosier Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series
Official 1999 CALIFORNIA SPRINT CAR CIVIL WAR RACE SERIES SCHEDULE
March 20 Twin Cities Speedway, Marysville April 24 Petaluma Speedway, Petaluma May 1 Placerville Speedway, Placerville May 30 Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico June 12 Twin Cities Speedway, Marysville July 3 Twin Cities Speedway, Marysville July 16 Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico July 24 Petaluma Speedway, Petaluma July 31 Placerville Speedway, Placerville August 14 Antioch Speedway, Antioch Sept. 15 Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico (Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational) Sept. 25 Placerville Speedway, Placerville October 2 Twin Cities Speedway, Marysville
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