TRACKS: Four fastest cars going for 4 laps & $1000 at Irwindale
2 May 2000
Irwindale, Calif. - - This is going to be good! Fans on hand Saturday, May 6 at Irwindale Speedway will see the first running of four very special events; the first "Food 4 Less Fast 4 Shoot-Out", a 4-lap dash for cash featuring the 4 fastest-qualifying Food 4 Less Super Late Models all going at it for a $1000.00 winner's payoff (that's $250 bucks a lap!). Sounds to many like one race that no body in the place will be sitting down for! Of course the "F4LSLMs" will also be running their regular 30-car feature main event for points and prize money as well. An already tight points battle is afoot in the Food 4 Less Super Late Models with the top two drivers separated by a single digit. Opening night winner Greg Voigt from Goleta leads with 189 points but really can't feel too very comfortable in the lead with Bakersfield's Dan Holtz right behind him nipping at Holtz's Simpson hightops at 189. And, North Hills' young quickster Ben Walker still well and truly in the hunt in third at 172. And, April 1 SLM race winner Charles Utts from Camarillo is right there too with 124 points as is Palmdale's David Brandon with 110. With 50 giant economy size points on the table for first place, either of the two could easily jump right into contention at the drop of a checkered flag! Last year's champion, Rod Johnson of Saugus has had a very bumpy start with his new family-owned team, but don't count this seasoned charger out just yet, he enjoyed being the champ and his father and he would both like to make it two in a row. Everyone racing in every one of Irwindale Speedway's five NASCAR weekly racing divisions is well aware of what a single position on a single night of racing can mean to a season's point battle. Last year two disivisional titles were decided by two points! That two point difference is the difference between finishing tenth and eleventh in one race! Making their first season appearance at Irwindale Speedway on May 6 are the always quick, always entertaining, Mechanix Wear Speed Trucks. A "spec"-type class, every aspect of these racing trucks is very strictly controlled in order to keep costs down and racing close. Successful drivers of those machines will be the ones who are best at chassis set-up and driving skills, not just the ones with the fattest wallets. The Mini-Stockars are coming too! Exact ½-scale replicas of full-size "Cup" cars, these colorful machines always swarm onto the Irwindale 1/3-mile with gusto. The Mini-Stockars are a one chassis, one motor, "controlled" class as well. Being best in classes like these can oft times be the mark of "a driver to watch". Short track fans are particularly good at that kind of "star search" and will have a fine crop to look over this weekend at Irwindale Speedway. Last but far from least on the May 6 bill are Irwindale's own NASCAR Mini Stocks. Bob Reed from Riverside is leading the points chase with Gil Gillis (Simi Valley), and Terry Limberopoulos (Bellflower) only two points each behind. Fans are urged to come out early (the ticket office opens at noon and grandstands open at 4:00 pm) to enjoy a free car club car show, live band, watch the qualifying races, and take their choice of the best seats in the house from which to enjoy the races. Staying "late" nets fans an extra treat, a visit to the Pit Area and a chance to get photos, autographs, and an insider's "close-up and personal" look at the teams and equipment that put the night's racing show on. Tickets for the May 6 event (as are all upcoming Irwindale Speedway events through Turkey Night 2000) are available by phone at (626) 358-1100, online at www.tickets.com, and at the on-site box office.