NASCAR Live and in Person: Toyota Speedway/Irwindale

Eight-Race Card Makes Saturday Night May 22 at 
Toyota Speedway a NASCAR Fan’s Dream Come True

Irwindale, Calif. - - You just can’t get more live, up-close, exciting, real NASCAR racing for your money than by spending a Saturday night at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale … And this coming Saturday night there is THE textbook example!  

Eight, count ‘em eight complete breath-holding rolling Green, Green, Green! starts, eight “three and four-wide” races on two different oval tracks, and eight high-adrenalin charges for the checker.  All in one night, and all for one price (kids under 12 free) and totally, completely, 100% guaranteed.

Toyota Speedway will present the above, and much more this coming Saturday night with ticket prices that have remained the same low $15 for adults since 1999 and with up-close, real NASCAR action that needs to be witnessed in person, in the stands, with the crowd and the smells, and the sounds, and without cutting away from the on-track action (ever!) for a slug of annoying commercials. 

And (please) get here early for the King Taco On-Track Autograph Session at 5:45PM where the “kids” (that’s you too) get to do something that you just can’t do sitting quietly at home no matter how big that TV screen is: meet the drivers in person, inspect their cars, talk to their crew members, wish your favorite well, or perhaps find a new favorite on your own, at your own pace, without the help of anyone.  Be your own “pit reporter” ask the questions the YOU want to know.  In other words: get in the game only scant minutes before the engines roar.
  
That said: here’s the race line-up and who’s looking good and who’s trying the hardest. 

At one quarter of the way through the 20-race 2001 Pepsi Super Late Models the top five in points are all grouped within 18 points of each other with Las Vegas driver Justin Johnson a top the leaderboard with 224 point all of which have come from consistently high finishes (and one win) in the first five races.  

Ryan Reed, second-gen driver from just over the Grapevine in Bakersfield has a 2-point lead over young Dusty Davis (216 – 214) from Las Vegas who’s, as they say, “on a roll” after winning the last two Pepsi shows at the Speedway.   Fontana’s Randel King has not won a race yet in 2010, but his consistency has put him right there tied with Davis at 214, and Ryan Partridge (who’s be scorching the King Taco Super Races in his spare time … winning all four those races so far) is only a few clicks back in 5th place, coming into this event at 206.

Remember, Saturday night’s double card of two Pepsi Super Late Model races in the same night is an excellent opportunity for any of the above to pull clear of the others and/or for someone not mentioned in the preceding ‘graph to slam on by them.  The fact are: there are 100 points available for the Pepsi-sponsored premier regular weekly stock car division at the Speedway and somebody’s gonna get ‘em.  As usual, the ultimate “reality” show is on the track, no script, all as it happens action, no predictions.  Hey, you’ve just gotta be there in person!

In the small-but mighty Justice Brothers Mini-Stocks it’s a two-way battle between Sunland’s Daryl Scoggins and Riverside’s Jacob Rogers.  Scoggins has won two races of the four run and Rogers has one that’s the 14-point diff between first and second in this one.

The Echo Equipment Legends Cars are the place where so many young guns have made their first marks and these guys are carrying on that great tradition with Brent Scheideman of Alta Loma currently on top in the points chase with 192. Twenty points back, Granada Hills’ own Mark Lungerick has 172, and Rick Clark, from Bakersfield trails ten back in 3rd at 162.

How close is close?  How the top three within 10 points?  That’s how it boils down in the Langer’s Juice S2’s.  Identical rides, tires, motors, chassis, transmission … everything alike.  The only difference is the driver here in these “spec” machines.  Built to keep costs in line, but NOT to dull the competition, these cool machines are quickly becoming the crowd’s favorite.  Another Las Vegas driver has been “lucky” Irwindale, that’s Roman Lagudi from Glitter Citty who has yet to win a race but leads the points by 10 (180-170) over his next two closest pursuers Dylan Lupton from Wilton, California and Kendall Lopez from Independence.  You’ve got to count back all the way to 7th place in points to find a race winner, and this guy, Speedway regular since year one, Kenny Smith from Oak Hills has come on strong with two consecutive wins in the new division, has Smith got another quick pick up the sleeve of his driving suit?  Come on out on Saturday and find out for yourself, instead of reading about in the Sunday paper and wishing that your been there.

In the Jan’s Towing Bandoleros yet another second generation driver, Trevor Huddleston from Agoura Hills has a narrow lead over two young guys who come into the night locked in battle over 2nd place.  Ryan Cansdale, from Laguna Beach and Christian McGhee from La Verne both have 130 points to Trevor’s 134.  Close enough for you?  Young Trevor is well-recalled from his earliest days at the Speedway when his Dad drove and he cheered him on wearing a specially-tailored little driving suit.  Now his dad Tim still races but also gets to cheer his son on and do it along with 4,000 excited fans!

Adding to the eight-ring racing show on Saturday night are two touring divisions:  The ASA Speed Truck Challenge and the Drivetech Late Models.  Both divisions have been crowd favorites at the Speedway and both bring their own brand of action to the track that they call:  “LA’s Half-Mile Super Speedway”.

Can’t do any much of the above just sitting home watching. NASCAR is the real, live excitement of being part of the action right at the track and Toyota Speedway at Irwindale has been providing that for 12 year now … YOU are invited to join the fun … See you Saturday!

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.  

LET’S TALK MONEY: Ok, how about this for “family friendly”?  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). 

BE THERE:  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.   

TWO WORDS: LIVE NASCAR:  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.

GET TICKS:  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




NOTE: WHEN DOES THIS AREA GET ITS OFFICIAL NAME?  IF GOOD PLEASE INSERT IN COPY AT LEAST THREE TIME AS APPROPRIATE.
ADD: NASCAR VIEWING PARTY SEE THE CUP RACE ON THE BIG SCREENS AND ENJOY THE LIVE RACES FROM THE “BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE”   Located directly above Toyota Speedway’s tough turns 3 and 4, this superb new viewing area combines the ultimate in hospitality and luxury with the thrills of close-up NASCAR racing only a few short feet away! 

This is plush seats, delicious food, great company, and a spectacular view of the racing that almost puts you in the driver’s seat. You’ve simply never seen NASCAR from this angle. Imagine 20 snarling stock cars coming straight at you, slamming on the brakes, then clawing their way around the banking directly below you three and four wide, all trying to be the first to nail the throttle and rocket away toward the Start/Finish line. That’s the view, every race, every lap, all evening long! This is where the track action is red hot! 
Best of all, the Rooftop is exclusive and affordable. There’s complimentary food and beverage service from 4 until 10PM, and multiple big screens TVs that this Saturday will carry the Sprint Cup race live! Why DVR the race or stay at home, when you can enjoy the races at the races with one of the best seats in the house! And it’s only $35 per person for a special night of unforgettable NASCAR. 

Seating is limited (we’ve only got room for about 80 special guests up there) so reservations are essential: call (626) 358-1100. There’s also a full bar upstairs (of course alcoholic beverages are not included in the admission, sorry!). 

This is NASCAR luxury viewing with all the perks at a bargain price. We hope to see you and your party "UPSTAIRS" at the Rooftop VIP Lounge this Saturday night! 

By the way, the entire Rooftop may be reserved for that very special birthday, corporate event, or block party. Contact Mary Gonzales at the Speedway (626) 358-1100 x 210 to book your (VERY) special night at the races!