Pace: Stateline kicks off night racing schedule
Stateline Speedway cranks up its Saturday night racing schedule for the first time in 2016 with a full slate of action in four of its most popular divisions – Late Models, Legends, Hobby Stocks and Bandoleros.
Leading the charge will be a strong field of late-model drivers out to claim a $1,000 paycheck to the main-event winner. Expected to compete are three of last season’s top five drivers in the final championship standings – Justin Popple, Rob Vining and David Garber, along with division regulars Russ Osborne, Braeden Havens and many more. With the track’s growth in payouts for the 50-lap main events, the late-model division is expected to see even larger car counts in 2016.
Over the last two seasons the championship battle in the division has come down to the final race of the year with Popple winning both titles. His chief rival in that time span, Corey McGuire, is taking time off to focus on his family, which may open the door for a new challenger to Popple’s hopes of a three-peat.
Aaron Nevers has been among the leaders in the Hobby Stock division for several seasons including the 2015 campaign where he earned the championship over Joel Schrader. Two years ago Nevers just missed a championship by one point to Reesen Tarr and along the way the driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet has tallied victories and consistent top-5 finishes from week to week. This year Nevers will again have his hands full as Schrader, Mark Loudin, Aaron Clanton and Mike Burghard look to improve on strong runs in 2015.
The Legends should see improved car counts, as several of the track’s Bandolero drivers are moving into the division as rookies, including Alex Bartlett, Jess Havens and Haeden Plybon. When added to a strong group of returning veterans this may be one of the most competitive classes at Stateline. With $250 offered to the main-event winner and a solid payout for starting a Legend’s division main event, the class has come far since it was added five years ago.
While several of the Bandolero division’s top runners are progressing towards Legend car racing, some still have the equipment to compete in the popular youth class.
One driver who will be running exclusively in the Bandolero class is past division winner, Bailey Babin. The Sacagawea Middle School student earned the 2013 championship, to go with a third- and fifth-place finish in her first three years of points racing. With some of her competitors aiming to run multiple classes in 2016, Babin may benefit from her continued focus on the Bandolero division.
Others to watch include Braeden Dodson, James King and newcomer Kasey Kleyn, whose father Mitch may be racing in selected late-model events when his schedule allows.
For more information on this weekend’s events at Stateline Speedway, log on to raceidaho.com
Go-karts at Sunset
Sunset Speedway holds its first points race of the season on Saturday featuring dirt go-karting in the Junior and Adult divisions.
The one-fifth mile clay oval continues its tradition of early season day races leading into its strong schedule of evening events. As karting gains popularity in the region Sunset has benefited with action in two youth classes and several options for adults.
Like its neighbor, Spokane Kart Racing Association, there is no charge to watch races from the grandstands at Sunset Speedway. A fee is collected for entering the pit area, but the facility does open its pits at no charge once the racing program is concluded.
Located on the grounds of Spokane County’s ORV Park, this weekend offers fans the opportunity to see racing at Sunset as well as motocross action at the Airway MXP complex. Both tracks will be in operation throughout Saturday with motocross racing continuing on Sunday.