Carmichael returns to Placerville Speedway July 4

PRESS RELEASE
PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY, PLACERVILLE, CA.
FROM THE OFFICE OF HANDY RACING PROMOTIONS INC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 , 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: BILL SULLIVAN: sullivanimages@sbcglobal.net     
      
Placerville’s Walt Carmichael returns to the wheel for July Fourth Spectacular
 
US Army presents special night that concludes with giant fireworks display
 
PLACERVILLE, CA – For many of today’s young drivers Placerville’s Walt Carmichael was an inspiration in local stock car racing before and long after he retired from fulltime competition in 1993. This Saturday night, the former five-time stock car champion will return to the driver’s seat for the US Army Race for Freedom at the Red Hawk Casino sponsored ASA Sanctioned Placerville Speedway. 
            Carmichael will be behind the wheel of the number one Late Model-Pro Stock owned by area resident Bryan Carnett. The competitive car is the secondary car for Carnett’s son, Forryst Carnett who will also be in competition aboard his recently refurbished #10 car.
            Since his retirement more than a decade ago, Carmichael has not been a stranger to auto racing near and afar. Following his retirement from driving and completing his career as a firefighter, he has traveled to many races alongside his wife, Gaye, a Motorsports journalist who covers all levels of auto racing including NASCAR, the World of Outlaws and much more. 
            Two years ago, Carmichael returned to Placerville Speedway aboard his familiar 1959 Ford but it wasn’t to be competitive. Carmichael returned to join fellow drivers to pay tribute to their fallen colleague, Ed Scheidel, who had past away after illness. 
            This, Carmichael returns for more than trip back in time. After getting a taste of speed in a drag car several months ago he is ready to charge towards the front once again.
            Carmichael attended a gathering hosted by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcaster Association back in January with his wife and had the opportunity to compete in a drag race on the Pomona Drag strip against other guests of the affair. In the event, Carmichael finished fifth overall. Fifth, however, wasn’t good enough for the driver that was best known for his branding of ‘Hot Stuff Racing.�??
            “I was devastated because I wanted to win so badly,�?? said Carmichael. “Even though the fellow who won was a professional drag racer, I thought I could win it even though I had not drag raced since I was in my teens. I guess it’s just part of my competitive nature to want to win.�??
            Just a few weeks ago, Carnett made the offer to Carmichael to drive their car. After viewing the car, he proudly accepted and will return to the track on a night before one of the largest crowds of the year.
            “When I was offered this opportunity to drive the #1 Pro Stock it opened the door for me to have a second chance to get behind the wheel of a race car this year and another opportunity to try for a win.�??
            While Carmichael is extremely excited about his return to the track Saturday, many fans are sure to be just as excited. Teenagers who once cheered for Carmichael every Saturday night now populate the bleachers with their own children. During his tribute appearance two years ago, Carmichael’s appearance drew a standing ovation from the entire grandstands.
            “Walt Carmichael is a legend at this place hands down,�?? said Bill Sullivan, Director of Communications and announcer for Placerville Speedway. “My best friend and I grew up in these stands watching that guy win races and win championships. To have the opportunity to call a race with his name in the line up is truly an honor.�??
            Carmichael’s key to success as a driver was his positive outlook. Today, he maintains that witty sense of humor. When recently asked of his current age, he returned the answer in the form of riddle.
            “I’ll share something with you,�?? said Carmichael. “When I started racing the reason I chose the number 33 was because that’s how hold I was at the time. As far as I’m concerned, 33 is as old as I need to be.�?? 
            Regardless of where Carmichael places Saturday night, it will be night Placerville fans will surely remember
            Saturday night is a big night of race at Placerville Speedway with three divisions of race cars competing in the ninth Red Hawk Casino Championship point race. Joining Carmichael’s Late Model-Pro Stock division will be the winged sprint cars along with the very popular Pure Stocks. The evening is presented in part by the Placerville Recruiting Office of the US Army. 
Representatives from the US Army will be on hand Saturday night participating in the Independence Day festivities and providing many activities for youngster including a rock climbing experience and a virtual video game in the food court area. Race fans will receive complimentary American Flags upon arrival and over one hundred complimentary t shirts will be given away to lucky race fans. The evening concludes with a giant fireworks display featuring both ground and aerial displays presented by Handy Racing Promotions and the El Dorado County Fairboard.
The event all takes place with the annual “Family Blast�?? at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds featuring live music and many activities for families for separate admission. The gates to Placerville Speedway will open one hour earlier than normal at 4 p.m. with qualifying starting at 5:30. For further information on Placerville Speedway visit www.placervillespeedway.com. Additional information on the Family Blast can be found at www.eldoradocountyfair.org.