Boots, Bikinis and NASCAR Racing at Madera Speedway
Madera Speedway will kick off four Saturday nights of “Hot August Nights” racing this Saturday, August 2nd with a big NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series program on “Boots & Bikini Night”!
Highlighting this Saturday’s program will be the Western Late Models as they do battle in the round #4 of the HotWood 750 Series in twin 75-lap features. The six-division program will also include the American Limited Stock Cars, Toyota Sedans, Hornets, Modified Super Toyotas and a special Spectator Racing Series event.
After getting off to a lightning fast start to the season by racking up five win and ten top five finishes in ten Western Late Model starts, second generation driver Kyle Gottula of Modesto, went into a mild mid season slump. He righted the ship last Saturday with an exciting victory over veterans Harry Belletto of Modesto and Dave Byrd of Monterey.
As a result, Stockton’s Joey Stearns now holds a slim three point (862-859) lead over Gottula in the “Chase for the Championship” battle for the 2008 track championship at Madera. Jeff Belletto, Harry’s son, also remains firmly in the hunt with 853 points.
The special HotWood 750 Series championship encompasses nine Western Late Model races on six dates spread throughout the season at Madera. After five races, Gottula holds a 168 to 143 point lead over third generation driver Ross Strmiska, age 22 of Stockton with Stearns, Byrd and Jeff Belletto rounding out the top five.
Although the rock steady performance of Clovis’ Howard Holden this season has resulted in a solid lead in the American Limited Stock Car points by a 416 to 333 margin over Dennis Saunders Jr. of Modesto, the division remains very competitive. In the last four races Holden, Saunders, Coulterville’s Matt Erickson and Atwater’s Jason Aguirre have all posted wins.
The battle between Fresno drivers Stan Hankins and Jason Kerns for the Toyota Sedan season championship seems destined to go down to the wire as the two drivers have traded victories all season long, each registering four apiece. Only a single DNF by Kerns has given Hankins the edge in the points by a 253 to 227 margin.
After David Boyko, of Tollhouse, grabbed the win in the Hornet season opener back on March 29th, the class has completely belonged to defending class champion Miles Humphreys. Following his third place finish in that race, the 68-year-old racing great grandpa out of Clovis has racked up seven consecutive victories.
Randy Fleming Jr. has been just as dominant in the Modified Super Toyota division. The hometown ace will be looking to match Humphreys’ streak by picking up his seventh straight win this Saturday.
Once again there will be plenty of entertainment both on and off the track this Saturday. While last weekend’s “Kids Night” program was geared for the youngsters, this Saturday’s “Boots and Bikini Night” program will be an evening of fun with an adult theme.
The Spectator Racing Series promises to be a cat fight on wheels as the Coors and Miller beer girls of Valley Wide Beverages will take on the track’s own beer gals in a 15-lap feature.
After the racing concludes the action will move to the entertainment stage right behind the main grandstand. There will be an open entry Bikini Contest with a $500 prize going to the winner, a “best kickers” boot contest with a special prize and – back by popular demand - the locally based Mike Robbins Band will be performing from 7:30 to 11:30 PM.
To encourage everyone to join in on the festivities, all race fans that come out to Madera Speedway this Saturday wearing a bikini will be admitted for free!
Ticket prices Saturday, August 2nd only $20.00 for adults, $18.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $15.00 for students, active duty military and juniors age 13-17, $5.00 for kids age 6-12 and kids 5 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A family pack ticket (two adults and up to two kids 12 years old and under) is also available for the bargain price of $45.00. VISA and MasterCard are welcome at window #3.
This Saturday, Madera Speedway registration will begin and the pits will open at noon, the grandstands open at 3:00 PM, trophy dashes will commence at 5:00 PM, and the evening’s opening ceremonies will kick off main event racing at approximately 6:45 PM.
Also mark Saturday, August 9th down on your racing calendars when Madera will host Super Saturday #5. The program will include the powerful 410/350 Supermodifieds, Grand American Modifieds, Legends of the Pacific plus the WSRA Mini Cup and Baby Grands.
The Madera Speedway is conveniently located at the Madera County Fairgrounds just off to the west side of Highway 99 at the Cleveland Avenue exit.
For more Madera Speedway information call the Info/Race Line phone number at (559) 673-RACE and for information on the Madera Speedway Spectator Racing Series program call (209) 476-8123.
