Olson finishes top-ten on hot night at Elma



ALK Promotions, June 30



A week after his sixth place finish at Skagit Speedway’s Dirt Cup, Mitch Olson had another strong outing Saturday night at Grays Harbor Raceway. The Puyallup, Wash. driver guided the Mike Olson No. 98m Shark-powered KPC sponsored by SC Fuels, Pro-Vac, Olson Bros. Excavating and PRS Group to a top-ten finish in regular 360 sprint car action at the 3/8-mile, high-banked clay oval.



Weather was not favorable to racing, though no rain was involved. An early summer heat wave was on throughout the Pacific Northwest and Elma, Wash. was no exception, with the temperature peaking at a record 94 degrees Saturday. Through no fault of the track prep team, the extreme heat resulted in a very dry slick track that saw little passing, which was the complete opposite from other races held at the track earlier this season.



Running under the ASCS format, which utilizes the pill draw to determine heat race line-ups, Olson ended up starting on the poll of the third heat race, which he easily won. His margin of victory was two full seconds over Jared Ridge. His point standing was also good enough to qualify him for the six-lap trophy dash.



In the 30-lap feature, the track was bone dry and was difficult for drivers who weren’t regulars at Grays Harbor Raceway. According to Olson, his tires even sealed over and was like smooth glass when you run your hand over it. Despite the difficulties, Olson managed a tenth place finish in the 20-car field.



Olson plans to put the 410ci motor back into his Kent Performance Chassis this week and head to Skagit Speedway, where had a strong showing at Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup. Olson was twice a winner at the 3/10-mile, high-banked clay oval in Alger, Wash. last year. Both victories came with the 360ci motor under the hood in Northwest Sprint Challenge Series events including the opening night of the Skagit 360 Nationals. Olson was also one of only five different drivers to win in 19 NSCS events last season, en route to a second place finish in the standings.



Olson expects to race at Skagit Speedway several more times this season, including when the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series rolls Washington at the end of August.



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Mitch Olson’s sponsors

SC Fuels

Pro-Vac

Olson Bros. Excavating

PRS Group



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Grays Harbor Raceway - Elma, WA: http://www.graysharborraceway.net

Skagit Speedway - Alger, WA: http://www.skagitspeedway.com