Auto Soccer at Toyota Speedway? YUP, this Saturday Night!

Auto Club Late Models Head Card
Outlaw Figure 8’s and Auto Soccer add to the fun!

Irwindale, Calif. - - Saturday night, May 1st at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale will be what one might call “ … A night of contrasts.”  

Even though it’s early in the 2010 racing season, the points battles are already well-engaged with the always-entertaining AUTO CLUB LATE MODELS leading the night’s list of close-up NASCAR short track action.

With the first two of a long 17-race series on the books Travis Irving from Long Beach comes into the night’s feature event only 2 points ahead of Canyon Country’s Rod Johnson Jr. (that’s 96 versus 94 for the numbers people out there).  

Chris Holloway starts the night in third place in the points chase, the Bakersfield driver carrying 86 points into the night’s show.  And then there’s the “spoiler”, last year’s divisional champ, Nick Joanides, currently 10th place in points with a first and a fourteenth … Will he race?  Will he pass on the race?  Right now your guess is as good as anyone’s … That’s why Toyota Speedway stages races.

Ryan Partridge comes into the KING TACO SUPER TRUCKS race with a perfect record (and a target on his back).  The Rancho Cucamonga driver has won all (both) of the KTST races so far, which must make the two guys behind him in the points chase really ready to pounce this week.  Monrovia’s Todd Cameron and Mission Viejo’s Matt Kimball both got second place finishes behind Partridge and trail him at 94 and 92 points respectively.  (Notice we said respectively, NOT respectfully … these guys both want Ryan running behind them.)

And, talk about your targets … Rich Delong has gone 3 for 3 in the  VISTA PAINT SUPER STOCKS.  DeLong, who hails from Santa Clarita has won all three of the VPSS races run so far this year.  He’ll really have his work cut out for him this Saturday night!

Adding oval track excitement to the night are the KEN PORTER AUCTIONS CLASSIC STOCKS, these are touted as budget-friendly machines but that doesn’t mean that they’re not as fierce a racing show as anything that runs at the Speedway.  This is a third-mile division, they run the (almost) flat inner oval at Irwindale.  Looks: easy, is: tough.  This track rewards handling over horsepower and Ken Michaelian from Lawndale seems to have that deal down pretty good since he’s collected all the first place points (150) so far.

After one race in the seven race 2010 season Bloomington’s “Barefoot” Billy Ziemann has the points lead in the PICK YOUR PART OUTLAW FIGURE 8’s.  His name is honestly come by.  A number of years ago (before folks had to take their shoes off to fly anywhere) Billy was set to represent the Speedway at the Figure 8 Nationals in Indiana.  He was stopped as he tried to board the airliner and told that he had to be wearing shoes … Somehow Billy was able to get out of line and find his uncle who had brought him to the airport.  Ok, you guessed it, his uncle drove home in his stocking feet and Mister Ziemann got on the airliner to Indy.

Just for fun (although you wouldn’t know that when the action starts) Toyota Speedway will close the night with AUTO SOCCER.  Serious Auto Soccer involves a 400-POUND, 5-FOOT TALL, STEEL “soccer ball”, 2 three to six-car teams, and two Paul Bunyan-size goal nets.  The rest is imaginable and the results are always “interesting”.   

SPECIAL FEATURE:  Saturday night’s races at the Speedway will once again feature exclusive Rooftop VIP Lounge seating at Toyota Speedway.  These are the best seats in the house, a close-up view of NASCAR racing that’s like no other track.  This deck is right over turns three and four, and fans have never seen NASCAR screaming right at them from this angle!  This exclusive limited VIP deal includes parking, admission, food … All for only $35.00.  

And … fans will be able to catch the night’s big ‘Cup race on giant screen TVs at the  “NASCAR viewing party” that starts at 4pm, while they’re enjoying a cold soda or grabbing a delicious bite.  Fans are advised to contact Toyota Speedway (626) 358-1100 to reserve tickets for their very special night at the races.

QUESTION:  What other high-quality consumer outdoor entertainment product has carried the same price for the past 12 years?   

HERE’S ONE: Since opening night 1999 Toyota Speedway at Irwindale has had the same affordable regular adult admission price, only $15.00.  

Oh yeah, children (bring all the kids, we love ‘em!) under 12 are always free, seniors pay only 12 bucks, and students under 18 are in for ½ price ($7.50). 

Toyota Speedway is located in Irwindale right on the 605 Freeway at the 210, just a few miles North of the 10, with acres of close-in parking, and 6,500 great seats, a super sound system, and a pre-race on-track autograph party every week at 5:45.   

It’s a terrific way for racing fans to enjoy exciting NASCAR entertainment almost every Saturday night from late March through mid-October.  Gates open at 4PM and racing starts at 7PM.

Tickets Saturday night and the entire 2010 NASCAR Home Track season at Toyota Speedway are NOW available on-line 24/7 at: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com. Or call: 626-358-1100