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MARCH
5, 2008 ---
It is going to be in the 70’s with sunny skies (if the National Weather
Service is even close to right) at Marysville Raceway Park for the final Play
Day of the 2008 preseason. The event is scheduled for Saturday March 8th. All
divisions of racecars are invited to participate. The gates will open at 9AM and
practice sessions for every class will continue until about dusk. Car and driver
will be only $20 for the entire day with pit passes priced at only $5. The
grandstands are FREE to all spectators or interested parties. A hearty welcome
to all will be extended by promoters Kathy and Paul Hawes for the final test
& tune session as the venerable ¼ mile gets whipped into shape for the 40th
Anniversary season.
Among the many finishing touches likely to be completed by Saturday include the
new catch fencing in the turn 1-2 area. Look around while you are here. I think
you’ll like what you see. It’s still a bit of a work in progress, but
promoter Hawes is confident that all will be in place by opening night. Promoter
Hawes also told this observer that major changes in the PA system speakers is
rapidly headed toward reality. Quality speakers with excellent tone and bass
responses will enable the announcers to be heard easily throughout the
grandstand area.
***IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVERS: Don’t forget that the racecar
show scheduled for Saturday morning March 22nd will pay 50 championship points
toward the 2008 class championships. All racers who enter their cars into the
show will be awarded. The show will be staged at Les Schwab Tires in Linda. The
facility is but a mile or so from the track. The points will become permanent
when the driver joins. Remember that if you intend to compete for championship
points (and take advantage of the 50 points available at the car show) you must
join before event #4 on the MRP calendar. NOT EVENT #4 IN YOUR CLASS BUT EVENT
#4 ON THE CALENDAR. You must have your paperwork and your fees paid before the
APRIL 12th Fallen Racer Memorial Event. Please notify the promoters or this
observer if you intend to run for Rookie of the Year in any one of the 4 primary
divisions.
The beat goes on: In other news, Ricky the Racer (MRP’s new mascot) is in high
gear, revving up for the season ahead. Promoter Hawes will introduce the furry
raccoon to children of all ages on opening night March 22nd. This observer
learned that a number of prominent MRP personalities have tried on the costume,
but I am not at liberty to say who.
Promoter Hawes also noted that additional security is in place for the upcoming
season. Police and security guards will cruise the parking lot all night long
with a flashing blue light or gumball machine atop the vehicle. Two concerns and
maybe others are addressed with this innovative approach to fan and property
security. Of course, any personal incident or disagreement occurring in the
parking lot can be firmly and immediately attended to. Then, any vandalism or
other criminal act can also be immediately dealt with. The security force will
also be there to assist fans in the parking lot as necessary during the course
of the evening’s proceedings.
In addition to the new security measures, promoter Hawes is attempting to secure
a tram and associated cars. The tram will safely transport fans to the front
gate and eliminate the, sometimes, lengthy walk to the gates. The reverse, of
course will be true after the final checkers have fallen on a program. Fans will
be transported back to their vehicles in a like fashion. Innovative thinking
like this will make MRP a very fan friendly place to be.
Racing at Chico this weekend? Good luck to all the drivers who will be competing
in this week’s Mini Gold Cup at Chico. If things don’t go right on Friday
and you break or bend your car, bring it to MRP Saturday morning and test it for
Saturday night’s events.
Don’t forget this one: The Western All Stars Super Late Model extravaganza is
on for April 26. Do not miss this show. Visit http://www.westernallstars.com/ to
have a look at some of the fantastic racecars that will challenge MRP
Something to say?: Drop this observer a line at raceproducer@yahoo.com . Were
looking for great racing stories from MRP’s glorious past. Got a great memory
or story? Let’s hear it!! If you email it, we’ll print it (within the
parameters of good taste and humor).
Put www.marysvilleracewaypark.com on your “favorites” button on you
computer. Watch this site for press releases, updates and complete results.
Note: Please make this observer aware of any names that are misspelled or
incorrect. The text is based on information we have at the time of its release.
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