Motorsports Complex plans hectic weekend

For a race fan this weekend, being at the Spokane Motorsports Complex in Airway Heights will be the equivalent of being a kid in a candy shop.

The off-road vehicle park is going to be abuzz with activity at almost every corner with chances to both watch and participate.

Two forms of go-kart racing – one on asphalt and another in the dirt – as well as American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) motocross are all part of the activities that take place Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, fans can try their hand (and feet) at racing go-karts as the Spokane Kart Racing Association will host its annual promo race, beginning at 9 a.m.

This is a way for new people to actually drive a race-ready kart with a minimum investment. There is no pit pass fee charged on this event, but a $10 per-person fee will be collected for anyone who drives a kart.

The promo race kicks off the 2005 season for the Spokane Kart Racing Association. SKRA has 10 points races scheduled for this year at the 5/8 -mile road course.

In addition, SKRA will host an International Karting Federation (IKF) race on June 11 and 12. That event will bring in kart racers from across the northwest to compete.

Info: Bob Thompson 924-6755 (days), 928-0915 (evenings); Greg Ressa 325-2646 (evenings); or www.Spokanekarting.com.

In the afternoon at Sunset Speedway, the 1/5 -mile dirt track, the season opening race takes place and features outlaw karts in a variety of classes ranging from age 8 to adults. Racing begins at 2 p.m.

Info: Jason Stoddard 509-994-4193 or Todd Havens 509-993-9010

AMA cycle national this weekend

Motocross takes a national presence when Extreme Motorsports presents one leg of the 2005 AMA Thundercross Championship Series on Saturday and Sunday at the Motorsports Complex in Airway Heights.

Riders from all over the country will be racing for national points championship and a $9,000 in pro pay-out. In addition, riders will be seeking factory support from the major motorcycle manufactures and cash contingencies

Racing starts Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Gate admission is $10 with kids 5 and younger free.

Info: www.extmotorsports.com or 218-2014.

The ‘Pink Lady’ returns

Ask any fans of racing in the 1950s and they’ll probably recall Edsol Sneva driving the “Pink Lady.”

One of Ed’s many racing sons, Blaine, has revived the family tradition of driving this century’s version of the “Pink Lady.” The Northwest Modified version of the car made its debut last Sunday in fine fashion by winning an open-comp modified main event at Yakima’s Apple Cup.

“It’s got the same paint and the same number (64) as the ‘Pink Lady’ my dad did so well driving,” said Blaine Sneva. “Dad didn’t know about it. We surprised him.”

Because the Northwest Modifieds were rained out of their opener at Stateline Speedway, Sneva missed qualifying for Sunday’s Yakima race and had to start in the back of the pack of nine cars. By the mid-point of the race he worked his way into the lead and never looked back.

“It did pretty well for being right out of the box,” Sneva explained about the new, never-before-raced, open-wheel car.

Sneva gets a chance to try to extend his win streak on Sunday afternoon when the modifieds try out the half-mile at Spokane Raceway Park. With time on the big track at Yakima under their belts, Sneva and Colville’s Dave Weaver (sixth at Yakima) might have a little advantage over the rest of the field.

“We ought to be good,” Sneva said.

SRP racing, which includes racing on the drag strip as well, begins with gates opening at 10 a.m. and racing at 1:30 p.m.

Kopp sweeps at Pasco

Joe Kopp continues to prepare for the second race of the 2005 AMA flat track series by riding when and where he can locally.

Last weekend the Mica rider swept a pair of TT races in Pasco.

“It’s pretty fun when it happens like that,” Kopp said. “I almost have to ride harder at these local races than when back east, just because these local guys want to beat me so bad – they seem to really make me work for it when at home.”

Kopp, the 2001 AMA Grand National champ will resume his quest of another title May 21 at Route 66 Raceway at Joliet, Ill.

Pit stops

Spokane Raceway Park has one more afternoon of Sunday drag racing featuring International Imports and the aforementioned N.W. Modifieds. SRP’s drag program moves to nights next week, while the oval action does not go under the lights until May 7. … Stateline Speedway continues its effort to fill the shelves of the area food bank by offering another $2.00 discount on general admission to anyone bringing a four-pack of light bulbs. The delayed season opener for the N.W. Late Model 4s, as well as the N.W. Pro Trucks and Hobby Cars are on the program. Time trials begin at 6 p.m.

Streaks & stats

Rich Hatton has made the most of what little racing activity that has taken place at Stateline Speedway by winning back-to-back Road Runner main events. … First it was dad, Brad Tidrick, and now son B.J. Tidrick’s name has been etched onto the perpetual trophy at last Sunday’s 39th Annual Apple Cup at Yakima Speedway. Brad Tidrick last won the race in 1988.