‘Night of Fire’ to light up Spokane Co. Raceway

Spokane County Race- way’s Night of Fire drag racing event returns this weekend with the fan-favorite Nitro Top Fuel Dragster shootout against one of the fastest Jet Cars in competition.

Also on the slate will be Nitro and Alcohol Funny Cars, Wheelstanders, Alcohol Dragsters, Jr. Dragsters, Sportsman, Pro and Super Pro divisions. Drivers in all classes will be racing for over $20,000 in prize money during the three-day event.

Coming on the heels of a successful first-ever IHRA National Event, SCR’s Night of Fire continues a solid first season under the new sanctioning body. The track is offering a free Sunday admission if you go today and Saturday.

Tonight the drag racing action will be under the lights, which provides some of the most stunning images in all of motorsports as the racecars light up the night’s sky with exhaust flames coming out as they roar off the starting line. Saturday and Sunday will be day races, and with temperatures expected to be cooler than in recent weeks, speeds on the quarter-mile should be some of the fastest of the summer.

As an added attraction for Saturday’s racing, the half-mile oval will hold a full schedule of events, including the Northwest Modifieds, Pony Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Road Runners.

Stateline battles

Stateline Speedway enters its final month of the racing schedule with plenty of tight championship battles.

Saturday night features the Dr. Pepper Ten Late Models, Bandoleros, Hobby Stocks and Legends. The event marks the final race of the season for the Legends. Hobby Stocks, Bandoleros and Late Models aim for the championship races on Aug. 22.

Hobby Stocks division points leader Aaron Nevers looks to solidify his lead, but just behind are Joel Schrader, Matt Miller, Mark Loudin, Aaron Clanton and Mike Burghard. Just 32 points separate Schrader in second place and Burghard in sixth.

Alex Bartlett holds a slim six-point lead on Haeden Plybon heading into the Bandolero race with third-place Daniel Watkins just a point behind Plybon. Jess Havens and Bailey Babin round out the top five.

In the Dr. Pepper Ten Late Model division, David Garber has an 11-point lead on last year’s top rookie, Corey McGuire. Also in the hunt is 2014 champ Justin Popple, who trails Garber by 16 points. Eric Chaney and Rob Vining are tied for the fourth spot, 39 behind the leader.

Todd Witham has led the Legends division all season. Brooke Schimmel, Ryan Krause and Jaelen Pace all have Witham in sight, which should make a thrilling main event in Saturday’s finale.