Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Doug Pace: Spokane Speedway lights up

Doug Pace

Spokane Speedway, also known as the house that AMA champion Joe Kopp built, continues its preparation for this season’s pair of open practices set for April 26-27 and its first points race scheduled for May 3.

The flat-track motorcycle facility enjoyed a memorable season in 2013 with several events televised regionally, including a race featuring some of the AMA’s top professional riders.

Along the way, Kopp worked hard to provide a solid surface for racing. Schedules featured Wednesday night excitement and continued growth in the youth divisions.

As part of Spokane County’s ORV complex, Spokane Speedway provides much of its own funding for facility improvements. Kopp has done much since taking on the leadership role of the track, including increased sponsorship from local business and improvements in rider amenities.

One struggle has been lighting the track. Using portable light machines similar to those found on highway construction projects has proved costly and time-consuming. With six of 10 events held during the evening, a permanent solution to the track’s lighting needs has been Kopp’s goal during the offseason.

The speedway’s layout needs 14 light fixtures to blanket the racing area with sufficient light, Kopp said. As of last week, a donation boosted the goal of having permanent fixtures in place by the track’s first night race scheduled for June 18.

“We got the poles donated to us by Gary Hite, while Kevin McRae offered his equipment to move them to the track and Star Rental provided forklift services to move them around,” Kopp said.

Kopp is anxious to get the permanent lights in place.

“For the last couple of years, I’ve been transporting the portable lights,” Kopp said. “This is a huge process, as you have to haul them to the track, point them in the right direction the night before. You usually can’t set them until around 10 the night before a race in early summertime. On race day you have to take them all down and fuel them all back up and get them to the rental store first thing the morning after we race. It’s been time-consuming with at least eight trips back and forth (from Kopp’s Mica home) each day you need to work with them.”

Once the lights are in place, one simple motion would be required to make everything work.

“It will be nice to flip one switch and all of the lights come on, are pointed where they need to be and are ready to go,” Kopp said.

Completing the goal of lighting the facility by mid-June will take a few more items.

“We still need a few more lights, some wiring and installing and some volunteers to get it all done,” Kopp said. “If someone’s interested in helping, our track would sure appreciate it, that’s for sure.”

Sunset Speedway adds new class for season

Inland Empire racing starts this weekend as Sunset Speedway kicks off its season with oval kart racing in their Modified, UAS Sportsman and Clone divisions for adults and juniors.

New for this season will be the addition of the UAS Sportsman class. The division allows for a mixture of motorcycle engines and the more common karting Animal motor to run in the same classification. Weight breaks are offered to someone running the KT-based motorcycle motor. The minimum starting age for drivers is lower (14) than Sunset’s Modified class (16).

Championships in the Junior divisions will be wide open as several drivers have moved to racing Stateline Speedway’s Bandolero class. Reigning Adult Clone champion Shawn Glander has indicated he’ll be focusing on other endeavors, which should open up the championship race in that class.

One class that should provide consistency is the Modifieds, as champion Mark Tedrow returns to defend his championship. He will be tested by Karl Schmitz, last season’s points runner-up.

Racing starts with qualifying set for 11:30 a.m. followed by trophy dashes, heat racing and main events.