September 30, 2008   Peoria, AZ    Doug Gabbard

Excitement builds for the 20th Annual Modified DESERT CLASSIC November 20, 21 & 22, 2008

Two divisions of racecars will take part in the 2008 version of the famed race with the  Modifieds headlining the weekend of racing along with the Modlites. The Modifieds will be running under the Barnett Modified rules in which IMCA cars are legal in this year’s 20th annual race.

A recap of last years annual shoot saw Eddie Martin of Stillwell, Oklahoma, one of the most successful modified and stock car drivers, starting inside row two, and had the lead coming out of turn 2 on the first Lap. By Lap 17 Martin hit lapped traffic, and Jack Sullivan got back by him. Lap 20 Jeremy Payne made it a three car battle for the lead in HEAVY lapped traffic. Going into turn 1 on lap 21, Jeremy drove in deep and passed Eddie Martin and Jack Sullivan. Jeremy clipped the infield tire and broke a tie-rod (sp) in the process which forced him to the pits. With Payne pit side, Jack Sullivan regained the lead, but on lap 24 going into turn 1 he, hit a rut, and his left front tire went flat forcing him to the pits.
Eddie Martin would now inherit the lead with Arizona standout Jay Foster in hot pursuit. While trying to reel in Martin, Jay Foster clipped the same tire Payne hit earlier. The result would also be the same....he too broke a left front tie-rod (sp), and his night was done.
Lap 35, Terry Phillips moved past Arizona sensation Jason Noll who was running 2nd, and was looking to try and reel in Martin who had a comfortable lead 'till the races final caution would come out on Lap 37. With Martin and Phillips nose to tail on the restart, Phillips made an attempt to get by Martin. Martin would have none of it, and went on to grab his 4th overall Desert Classic victory. 

The opening night of the 3 day classic will feature a practice on Thursday November 20th from 5 to 9 pm. The practice will be open to all racecars and the cost is $20 for car and driver, $10 pit passes with free grandstand entry for all spectators.

Friday night November 21st the gates open at 4pm with racing getting underway at 7pm. The format will have qualifying on tap for the Modifieds and the Modlites with heat races and qualifying main events taking place. Both divisions will see a predetermined number of main event finishers from Friday night locked into the finals of the 2008 Desert Classic on Saturday night.

Saturday night November 22nd the gates open again at 4pm with the last chance races starting at 7pm to get the balance of the field for the A-main event. The 25 lap Modlite and 40 lap Modified Desert Classic will close out the weekend’s racing.

The Modlites will be racing for $500 to win and $175 to start with non qualifiers from the B-main receiving $50.
The Modified portion of the Desert Classic will pay $3000 to win and $300 to start the main event. $100 will be paid to the non qualifiers in the B-main event for the Modifieds.

Entry forms for the 2008 Desert Classic are available online at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com
or by clicking here – http://canyonspeedwaypark.com/mdc.html. Please check the website or call 602-258-RACE (7223) for more information.