Late Models would be viable replacement
There’s concern over the future health of high-level, late-model racing in the Northwest with news earlier this year that 2006 would be the last for the NASCAR Northwest Series.
If one were to look at what the Late Model Challenge Series has been doing, however, those fears would be greatly lessened.
The LMCS makes one of two visits to Spokane this season Saturday night at Stateline Speedway and pit space promises to be at a premium if the first two races of the season are any indication.
“We’re looking at a 26- to 28-car field,” said the LMCS’ Jerry Losch. “I expect about 22 of our regulars and four to six of the locals to come out.”
The series opener at Wenatchee drew 34 cars and a record 40 entries showed up at Yakima.
Saturday’s field should see Wenatchee winner Troy Conrad of Tacoma and defending champ Mike Zamora of Kennewick lead the way against local challengers like Shelby Thompson, Kevin Richards, Dave Garber and Andy Brown.
Work is ongoing to find a replacement for what many still call “The Tour” for 2007. A number of track operators have been meeting to develop a new premiere series, but with the LMCS it might already be here.
“I used to consider ourselves an intermediate level program, a stepping stone for local guys to move up and go to the tour,” Losch said. “At this time, I believe with the caliber of the teams and the competitiveness, I’d say we’re right there with the NW Tour.”
Losch is hardly happy that the tour is ending after 22 years and is quick to point out “it is unfortunate that NASCAR is giving up on its regional touring programs. I believe there is enough room to have two premiere programs in the Northwest.”
Also on Saturday’s racing program will be the Winged Sprints and Hobby Cars. Time trials begin at 6 p.m.
Gasaway on fire
Spokane’s Burt Gasaway and his Spokane Racing Karts entry swept the IKF World Formula class for the third time this season.
Driving a GT Kart at Tri Cities last weekend, Gasaway has not lost a race in regional and Gold Cup racing. Gasaway qualified on the pole and won all three heats to win his third trophy of the season.
Gasaway gets to finally race at home next week when Spokane hosts the next Gold Cup on June 10-11.
Pit stops
Racing returns at Northport Sunday with Modifieds, Street Stocks and Fever Fours competing.
Racing begins at 1 p.m.
•Spokane Raceway Park will present its 14th edition of the All-Star Chevy Show on the drag strip, while Sportsman Superstocks take to the oval Saturday. Gates open at 3 p.m. with racing at 7.
•Rain postponed the Yakima 125 NASCAR Northwest Series race Saturday. It has been rescheduled for June 17.
Streaks and stats
While rain washed out most all racing across the Inland Northwest last Saturday, the clouds bypassed Spokane Raceway Park where Blaine Sneva made it three main event wins in as many Northwest Modified Series races. … J.R. Schnabel engineered a daring last-lap pass to beat Joe Kopp of Mica, Wash., in the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship Grand National Singles race at Springfield, Ill. Next up for Kopp is a June 17 race at Syracuse, N.Y. … Wyatt Anderson of Spokane just returned from Lodi, Calif., where he won both the 65 DTX and 65 modified classes at the AMA Amateur West Coast Nationals. Anderson will travel to DuQuoin, Ill., in July for the Grand Championships.