Keeping Pace: I-90 challenge invades SCR’s revived Super Oval

The Inland Empire’s final chance for fans to take in big-time late model racing action is Saturday at Spokane County Raceway as the Tri-Track Super Late Model Series makes its final appearance of the season in the region with the I-90 Challenge.

The 32-car field is loaded with three past NASCAR regional champions (Garrett Evans, Gary Lewis and Pete Harding) and three current drivers on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series (Gracin Raz, Braeden Havens and Blake Williams).

Rick Nelson, Joey Nelson, Joe Doellefeld and the SCR Super Oval staff has resurrected the track’s full-time oval racing program.

“These guys have done a great job to get things turned around there at SCR for the oval,” said Havens. “I know that for myself it’s nice that the track is back to running full time because the half-mile is close to our shop. There will be some tough drivers in this weekend’s race but we’re ready to defend the home turf.”

For Williams, who has had a remarkable season just one year after a serious automobile accident, the chance to run at SCR can add to his 2015 success.

“We had a good run last weekend (second at the K&N Pro Series West), have scored a win already on the Tri-Track Series (June at Stateline Speedway) and have been solid every time we go to the track,” said Williams. (After the accident) I’ve learned to appreciate things even more and this year has been really great.”

This weekend’s race, a format of 90 green flag laps with no cautions counting in the running of the event, was the concept of Doellefeld. He has been advising Nelson and his staff on many aspects of race track operations. Along with the I-90 Challenge, the track will host the Road Runners and Pony Stocks, and will have a post-race concert.

“If people haven’t been out to the track this weekend is a good event to take in,” Nelson said. “We’d like to show people all of the things that have been done at the oval to make the racing great for the fans and the race teams.”

Sprint boat racing

American Sprint Boat Racing returns to Webbs Slough for the final time this season with Saturday’s racing featuring Modified, 400 and Unlimited teams. The Slough, located near St. John, has evolved into a premier facility on the circuit with its rolling hillside seating area, camping section for weekend travelers and the popular Show and Shine event in the downtown area.

Sprint boat racing pits a driver and navigator against the course. No side-by-side competition takes place. The best time wins. The boats produce more than 1,000 horsepower and have a roll bar over the driver and navigator.

Race fans can camp at the Slough without a reservation tonight and Saturday. The event starts at 5 tonight with the Show-and-Shine event on Front Street. Spectator gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday with qualifying at 10.

For ticket and other information go online to webbslough.com.