Drag Racers To Heat Up Track In ‘Ignitor’

The trail that leads to the 1997 NHRA Division Six Drag Racing championship begins this weekend at Boise’s Firebird Raceway when the track hosts its traditional “Ignitor.” And, as usual, Spokane will be well represented.

About a dozen drivers may participate in the 26th annual event.

Perhaps the busiest of them all will be Todd Hoerner, who, against the advice of his father, Rod, has decided to campaign two cars - a new dragster in Super Comp and his Ford Probe in Super Gas.

Veteran northwest sportsman racer Mike Ferderer of Tacoma proved a two-car operation could be a success when he won divisional titles in both Super Comp and Super Gas in 1996.

Brian Tibesar of Coeur d’Alene is a leading contender in Super Comp after finishing fourth in points a year ago.

The area’s biggest group at Boise will be in the Super Gas. Jeff Mann was a close second to Ferderer in the class last year, with Todd Hoerner finishing third.

James Arsenault, another top finisher in division points, would like to repeat his successes of a few years ago when he won back-to-back national event titles at Sears Point. Long-time bracket racer Dave Holmes hopes his new Mopar motor will power his ‘63 Plymouth to a victory.

Moving up from Super Street to Super Gas is local soft drink executive John Preston, who’ll campaign a brand new T-Bird. Preston got his season off to a good start by winning the Super Pro bracket at Spokane Raceway Park’s season opener last Sunday. Also new to the Super Gas ranks is Justin Jones of Spokane.

Following the Firebird opener, the divisional series continues with events at Seattle (April 25-27) and then moves to Canada for races at Mission Raceway (May 2-4).

Motocross Hare Scramble at ORV

The Spokane County ORV Park opens its 1997 season this weekend with practice on Saturday and competition Sunday.

“We’ll have the track open for practice for motocross riders, sand drags and whatever on Saturday,” said park manager Darrell Triber. The only part of the facility that will not be open will be the go-kart track, which opens the following week with a track cleanup.

Sunday, the park will host a Hare Scramble for motocross bikes.

“A Hare Scramble is like a cross-country race for motorcycles,” Triber explained. “They’ll race around the perimeter of the park.”

Gates open at 8 a.m. with racing at 10 a.m.

Pit stops

The points races begin for real this Sunday at Stateline Speedway. Hobby Cars, Compact Streets, Street Stocks and Fever Fours kick off the season, which begins with time trials at 1 p.m. Spectators can save $1.00 on admission by bringing a roll of toilet paper. The toilet paper will be donated to the Post Falls Food Bank… Spokane Raceway Park also had a successful season opener last Sunday and runs its second points race this Sunday. Perennial Street Eliminator champion Jim Clark won his opener, as did Jody Peterson in Pro Eliminator. Brett Hordemann had his dragster out to do some tuning and set both Low E.T. (6.987) and Top Speed (197.48). On the oval track, defending Fever Four champ Tom Dry got off to a strong start by winning the main event. Regular bracket racing is featured on the drag strip, with Hobby Cars, Fever Fours and MiniTrucks on the oval track this Sunday at SRP. Gates open at 10. Racing starts at 1:30 p.m.