PRESS RELEASE, PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY , PLACERVILLE , CALIFORNIA
FROM THE OFFICE OF HANDY RACING PROMOTIONS, INC.,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MAY 30,2009
MEDIA CONTACT: BILL SULLIVAN: [email protected]
Walker takes Placerville GSC victory; Wild Winged Wednesday up next
Media Release form Handy Racing Promotions Inc.
PLACERVILLE, CA – Since he returned to California with the Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series, there has been one track that has long eluded Los Angeles driver Tyler Walker; Placerville Speedway. Saturday night that all changed for the former NASCAR Wheelman as he led every lap of the 30-lap feature event at the ASA Sanctioned track sponsored by Red Hawk Casino.
"We always have done well at this place. We do well in qualifying and in heat races but whenever it came to the feature it just seemed like we could never put 30 laps together," said Walker after celebrating in the Carl's Jr. victory lane, still sore from a crash I in Calistoga last weekend that cost him the series point lead. "Tonight we finally put those 30 laps together and got one here and we're on our way back on track I think. I just have to thank everyone that works so hard on this team."
Walker claimed a clean sweep in Saturday's program, winning everything but the fast time award during the GSC's second season visit to Placerville and 12th segment of the tour. After winning his heat race he started on the pole of the 6-lap dash which he led every lap to claim the victory and earn the pole position for the feature race.
From the waving of the green flag, Walker distanced himself from the field in the 30 lap feature race until late in the event when lapped traffic and a hard charging Jonathan Allard nearly stole the victory in the final moments.
"I got caught up in the lapped traffic and I knew they were coming," said Walker . "This is one place you have to have your game on when it comes to lapped traffic because your going to have to deal with it no matter what. I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us tonight. Come back here Wednesday night and watch us again. We'll be here and will be having some fun for sure."
Walker was referring to the upcoming "Wild Winged Wednesday" event that was added to the Placerville Speedway schedule following an early season rain out. The event features the Civil War Sprint Car Series and a handful of drivers on hand Saturday night are planning to return for the midweek event.
Allard started the feature event in the sixth position Saturday night and overtook second and third place runners Bud Kaeding of San Jose and Placerville 's Andy Gregg late in the race to bid for Walker 's lead. At the checkered flag Allard finished just inches behind Walker in second place while Gregg scored his second GSC Podium finish of the year at his hometown track.
"I gave it everything I had out there tonight but I just didn't have enough," said Allard. "We had a great car tonight and its always great to run here in front of all these fans. We may be back on Wednesday night as well. My team doesn't have a 360 motor right now but I've been talking to a couple people and I may be here in something else. I hope it all works out."
For Gregg, Saturday night marked his second podium finish of the year. The local fan favorite paid tribute to his crew chief and his wife who both celebrated birthdays this past weekend. Gregg too will be one of the many top competitors on hand Wednesday.
"I wanted to win for them tonight but I'm happy to be here in the top three again," said Gregg. "I just want to thank all the fans for coming out here tonight to watch us. I'm looking forward to Wednesday, we'll be back here for that event and the point race on Saturday night."
Bud Kaeding of San Jose finished in fourth. Kyle Larson finished in the fifth position Saturday night after starting 11th. Roger Crockett of Medford Oregon made his first appearance here since his of season kidney transplant. Crockett was gearing up for "Wild Winged Wednesday" as well. In doing so he claimed a sixth place finish. Brent Kaeding was the McDonald's Hardcharger of the night, driving from 15th to seventh place.
The GSC Sprint Cars were joined on Saturday by the Bay Cities Racing Association who raced together with the Capitol City Midgets in a twin feature event. Justin Grant of Ione drove to victory in the BCRA division.
Grant was challenged throughout the race by Bud Kaeding. Kaeding started seventh, charged to second place and then stalled out after a collision in traffic and went to the rear. Kaeding rallied back from the rear of the field to close in on Grant in the final laps. Grant captured the win followed by Kaeding who was the McDonald's Hardcharger of the event.
David Prickett finished in third followed by Nick Chivello and early leader Randy Pankratz. In the Capitol City Midgets category, Rick Young of Shingle Springs took home the victory as they raced within the ranks of the BCRA competitors.
Action continued this Wednesday night at Placerville Speedway with the big Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series in a special weeknight showdown. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with qualifying at 6:30 . Don't miss California 's best 360 drivers as an outstanding field of entrants is expected for this event. Further information can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.
