Weekend racing across the region will fill the need for speed from dirt fans to asphalt. Check out a sneak preview of racing at Spokane County Raceway, Stateline Speedway and Sunset Speedway.

By Doug Pace

The Spokesman-Review

This weekend’s race schedule holds a tremendous opportunity for fans to see drivers of all types and calibers, from late models to midgets at Spokane County Raceway to modified stars including Tim Sawyer at Stateline and of course dirt go-karts at Sunset Speedway.

 

One highlight to SCR’s show will be the debut of West Coast NASCAR star, Jason Jefferson, who will be driving for car owner Dean Boever in the late model division.

 

Jefferson has made starts in what is now NASCAR’s Nationwide Series has won on the NASCAR Camping World West Series, NASCAR Northwest Elite Division and was the first driver in a Dodge to win a NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event the year the manufacturer returned as NASCAR supporter.

 

Boever worked for Jefferson’s father, George, in the 1980s and was quick to jump at the opportunity to put Jefferson behind the wheel of his Dodge Charger.

 

Also scheduled to race Saturday night in the late model division will be season-opening race winner, Dan Garber, Andy Brown, INSSA champion Dave Garber, Ryen Tarr, Braeden Havens, Rusty Webb and many others.

 

While some may head to SCR for the late models, another attraction will be the first appearance at the half-mile this season for the Washington Midget Racing Association.

 

WMRA action is a thrill and definitely worth the price of admission for its close racing and ultra-quick lap times. Scheduled to appear on the WMRA card will be Evan Margeson, who won the May 16 event at South Sound Speedway, Pat Bliss, brother of NASCAR Nationwide Series star Mike Bliss, Mitch Hoffes who is a National Champion Quarter Midget driver that has moved up to the full-size machines and Ben Petter who sits in second place in the chase for the 2009 WMRA points championship.

 

Ticket and other information is available at www.spokanecountyraceway.com

 

Over at Stateline Speedway the Northwest Modified series takes to the track for their annual Gary Miller Memorial 100.

 

Tim Sawyer will be out to make it two wins in the series first three races. Chris Ochs, who won the season’s second points race and defending Gary Miller Memorial 100 champion, Zig Grunert, will be out to stop Sawyer.

 

A strong mix of Northwest Mod drivers including those from Wenatchee will be out to race in honor of Miller who was a founding father of the series. Also on tap at Stateline will be Early Stocks and Hobby Stocks. For more information log onto www.raceidaho.com

 

Spokane Chrysler will sponsor this Saturday night’s racing action at Sunset Speedway. The one-fifth mile clay oval hosts its third points race of the season.

 

Jagger Jennen leads the JR. I Clone karting class by eight points over Al Jennen with Riley Alaya holding down third place in the championship standings.

 

Defending Jr. I Animal champion, Jarid Pickens has a 29-point lead over Lucas Bird with Bryce Rupert rounding out the top-3.

 

Two-time Jr. II Animal champion, Joe Bird, leads Corey McGuire 23 points in the chase for the 2009 championship with Harley Kellogg in third place.

 

Adult Clone Engine points leader, Ed Marks is in front of Todd Havens by 20 points heading into the third race of the season with Derek Knopp rounding out the top-3. Adult Modified points leader, Larry Christen is just 10 points ahead of James Townsend heading into the weekend with Ashley Varner and defending division champion Nick Nereaux tied for third place.

 

For start time and other information regarding Sunset Speedway log onto their website at www.sunsetspeedway.org

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