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MARCH
10, 2008 --- It is going to be a gas at Paul and Kathy Hawes’ Marysville
Raceway Park this season. The 40th Anniversary Season kicks off on Saturday
night March 22nd featuring all 4 primary divisions plus the Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.
The 5-division blowout will be staged under glimmering lights on the lightning
fast, newly configured ribbon of clay. The Winged Sprint Cars and the companion
Wingless Sprint Cars will headline the show. The MRP Street Stocks and Mini
Stocks will also be on the ambitious card.
In advance of opening day a great field of cars was on hand at the final playday
of the winter. Winged and Wingless sprinters turned in laps all day long. Midget
racers of nearly every description, from Ford Focus Midgets to 600 Modified
Midgets, laid down some pretty impressive laps. The fendered friends of MRP
showed up in vast numbers. Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Modifieds and a couple of
serious late models took turns around MRP.
Even as the practice sessions went on the Hawes crew was hanging catch fencing
and working feverishly throughout the day. The color and the spectacle of live
auto racing action at MRP took shape Saturday. The fever pitch that the 40th
Anniversary Season promises seemed to fill the air. A great “mid 70’s” day
greeted all the participants and this observer was impressed with the number of
SPECTATORS that showed up.
The beat goes on: 3-time MRP Winged Sprint Car Champion Korey Lovell showed up
with his potent #71. Lovell took a few laps…adjusted a bit and promptly hid
#71 in the hauler from that point on. Guess he quickly found out what he needed
to know. This observer asked Lovell if he was back to try for a 4th MRP driving
title. “Yep, I know what I need to know…and Paul is going to get really
tired of writing me checks. Now, I guess we’ll go snowmobiling.” Lovell said
with a smile. It’ll be good to have the #71 back in the field this year…2004
Winged Sprint Car Champion Mike Monahan was an interested spectator on Saturday.
Monahan was heavy on the praise for promoter Hawes, remarking repeatedly about
the efforts being made and the money being spent. The “Madman” from Sparks
didn’t say much else except, “See you in two weeks.” Monahan’s absolute
hammer down style is a real crowd favorite…Cort and Brandon Dozier were
curiously absent from the day’s events…Marysville’s James Foster took some
pretty impressive laps in his new RED #3 Mini Stock. Foster, who has won often
and in spectacular style has what appears to be a serious ride for 2008. If the
quick speedster can keep his head on straight he could be the odds on favorite
for the MRP Mini Stock title…Joel Giusti, however didn’t share that opinion.
This observer talked with Giusti, and, aside from having a squeaky clean new
driving suit, his Championship attitude was in focus all the way. When asked
what his plans were for the season he simply told me that he was intent on
bringing home a 2nd MRP title in his familiar #17. Giusti can do it…Jamey
(with an “ey”) Ollar was turning some quick laps early on in his rapid #8.
Here’s another serious contender should he decide to make all of the shows.
Ollar’s #8 in the hands of Jeremy Hawes last year finished in the top 5 (2nd?)
in a Street Stock race in last year’s concluding event…“Fearless”
Phillip Shelby was all business getting his eye-catching #86 dialed in for
opening night in the Wingless Sprint Car class. As tentative as Shelby was in
his debut performance in last year’s final Wingless Sprint Car Race, he was
that aggressive on the track on Saturday. The 2-time MRP Street Stock Champion
was impressive when he started to take some serious laps in anger. Mom, Tammy,
was justifiably proud when I spoke to her in the pits early on. It seems only
yesterday that Phillip showed up in a well-used Mini Stock to take his first
laps at MRP. It was also pretty cool to see 2007 Mini Stock Champion Lisa Shelby
getting some time in in her Street Stock. As Phillip jumped to the sprinters,
Lisa has jumped to the Street Stocks. Could be a pretty interesting year for the
Shelby Clan…Saw “Bad Billy” Knoop cruising through the pits with kids all
over his quad. He wasn’t interested in commiting to championship aspirations,
but, he did say he was ready. Ready for what?…Jerry Bartlett showed off his
newest hot rod, a great lookin’ Late Model! Hey, J.B what about the
sprinter…speaking of sprinters, Jeremy Hawes will be back to contest the full
season in Wingless Sprint Car competition AND occaisionally try on a new Winged
Sprint Car with a FORD motor. Promoter Hawes confirmed that the new “Flyin’
Ford” could be ready by mid season. The wingless “Flyin’ Ford” with
(Jeremy) Hawes at the wheel will run all the programs. This observer is anxious
to see what the result will be when the younger Hawes actually runs a full
season…2007 Rookie of the Year Eddie Gardner was back on Saturday turning some
impressive laps in his familiar #3 …Saw Mark and Sandy Hill and was saddened
to find out that their plans for 2008 include only a limited schedule for
racing. Time is getting close for the new arrival...It was good to see
“Dangerous” Donny in the seat again... Sacto’s John Anderson was clicking
off some fast, consistant laps in Bill Felver’s black #12. Anderson could
easily be a contender for the title if he runs all of the shows. Anderson’s 7
wins in MRP Wingless Sprint Car competition make him a favorite every time out.
It’s rumored that E.J. Dolner is behind the engine program there. Dolner was
instrumental in Patrick Russum’s championship run last year…Here’s one for
you. Tim Barnes was fast. Don’t count this guy out when it comes to
championship aspirations. Looks like Barnes may finally have the backing he
needs for a run at the title…Ricky the Racer (MRP’s new mascot) was in the
pits and shaking hands. The friendly raccoon was one of the big hits of the day!
Something to say?: Drop this observer a line at raceproducer@yahoo.com . Were
looking for great racing stories from MRP’s glorious past (or present). 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).
***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.
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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