Srp Sets Alternative Truck Race

Northwest motorsports

Race fans still expecting to see trucks race on the Spokane Raceway Park oval track will get their wish.

While it may not be the scheduled American Race Truck Series, a group of mini-truck racers are promising a good alternative.

The A.R.T. Series, based in Phoenix, Ariz., reportedly got bogged down in a fight over engine builders and was unable to produce enough race-ready trucks for its northwest division and cancelled its schedule in the region.

Now, using a formula that a few weeks ago drew a big crowd of Street Stocks, local mini-truck drivers will try to duplicate that success when they stage an invitational race Saturday at Spokane Raceway Park.

The secret? Offer a big prize to the winner.

With $1,000 to win, the largest purse offered locally for a truck class race, organizer Ted Morris said interest has been strong. While he’s not promising they’ll all show, Morris said a group of 15 mini-trucks from the Seattle area indicated they were going to be here. “We’ll see who shows up,” Morris said.

Envious of the interest - and the dollars - SRP’s Fever Four drivers are trying to put together a companion race Saturday, with a $500 payday for first place.

For more info, contact Morris at (509) 922-5000 or (509) 891-0690.

Drought-busters?

Will a Spokane-area driver finally be able to break into the Interstate Superstock Series winners circle?

You’ll be able to find out Saturday night when Stateline Speedway hosts the 11th race of the 1998 series.

Through five races this year and another five last year, the late-model series has been dominated by visiting drivers. Terry Halverson of Wenatchee has been the most successful, winning three races, including two this year. Points leader Kim Wennerberg, also from Wenatchee, has two wins, one this season.

While winless, L.T. Jones of Coeur d’Alene has been the most successful local driver and is in fifth place in points. Racing is set for 7:30 and also includes the Old Time Racers.

Tickets going fast

Stateline promoter Joe Doellefeld reminds fans that they should buy their tickets early for the season’s second big demo derby, September 26th. “This will be just like the July show, except the fireworks will be bigger,” Doellefeld said.

Traditionally, the July Demo sells out quickly and Doellefeld said he expects the same to be true. Advance tickets are available only at Trustworthy Hardware in Post Falls.

Demo derby set for Northport

Northport International Raceway’s season is moving toward its conclusion next weekend when the track will present a demolition derby on Sept. 5 and season championship the following afternoon.

According to racing association president Carlene Wells, interest in the demo derby is really strong with a large number of cars coming out of Canada.

Wells also noted that a special two-day pass is available for $12.50, saving $3.50 over the regular daily admission. For info, contact Wells at (509) 684-1702.

Pit stops

Winona Beach Resort at Waitts Lake will have outboard hydroplane racing Sept. 12-13. Time trials will begin at 10 a.m. with racing from noon to 5 p.m… . The NASCAR Northwest Tour runs its second race in three weeks this Saturday at South Sound Speedway near Olympia.

Streaks

Mark Wakefield made it four straight wins in Spokane Raceway Park’s Hobby Stock class last Saturday. … John Preston protected his points lead in the Spokane Pro Gas Association by scoring his third win in four races last Saturday at SRP. Tom Manfred won his first Modified Gas race the same night… . Rob Vest has six Hobby Stock wins in his last seven races… . A tire rule violation has cost Jeff Zimmerman another Northwest Modified race victory and put Ephrata’s Steve Lovitt into the winner’s circle. That’s two in a row for Zimmerman who also got knocked out of first place in the August 8th race after a scoring error. Stan Cafferty won that race.