7/22/2011
Sprint Source
National race to bring fair amount of gold into the business community of Old Hangtown
By Bill Sullivan/ Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations
PLACERVILLE, CA (7-23-11) – It’s becoming quite the buzz in El Dorado County, the upcoming Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series Bullring Nationals presented by K&N Filters at Placerville Speedway on July 29, 30th. While this event will bring racing of the national level back to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds for the first time in more than 20 years, it will also bring with it a boost to the local business community that benefits from the patrons of the quarter mile dirt track that has been in operation here since the summer of 1965.
“Placerville Speedway has great support from the community and the businesses in the area, it always has and that is one of the reason’s it has been so successful,” said Alan Handy, promoter of Placerville Speedway. “This is a very big undertaking for us but its going to bring something back to this community that it has not seen in many years. We hope our venture really helps boost the local business community that caters to the race fans.”
Between the months of March and October, many businesses in El Dorado County see a significant boost in their profits each Saturday has competitors and spectators travel from all areas of the county and up the Highway 50 corridor en route to the dirt track that has been entertaining families for nearly 50 years now. In a matter of days it will become apparent that big time racing is returning to the small community of Placerville as professional race teams roll into town to prepare for the first nationally ranked race here since 1991 when the World of Outlaws made their last appearance at Placerville Speedway.
Since that time, the high banked bullring has been starved for the big names of the sport due to a combination of rising sanction fees, conflicting schedules and a lack of adequate seating to accommodate an event of such magnitude. After a lot of brainstorming, hard work and funding, Alan and Diane Handy are bringing something to Placerville Speedway that will supersede any and all previous events to ever take place here, including that unforgettable Outlaws event all the way back in 1991.
“This is the best of the best,” added Handy. “Emmett Hahn has done a great job building the ASCS into what it is today. We met last winter and made this event happen. It seems everyone in town is talking about it already and we are looking forward to putting this community back on the racing map nationally.”
With the Inaugural Bullring Nationals less than a week away, the small town of Placerville and its surrounding communities have businesses that are plastered with event posters. Local marquees are lettered with details of the coming event and Handy has launched a local advertising campaign with area newspapers, internet and social media that is the biggest one in the history of Placerville Speedway. Additional seating has been brought into Placerville Speedway to accommodate the expected patrons and the buzz in the community is becoming as loud as the roar of the sprint cars that will assault the high banked oval next week.
Over a regular race season, past statistics show that Placerville Speedway brings more than 20,000 patrons into the community annually. Almost all of those attendees patronize the local eateries, gas stations, grocery stores and more. For this event, the influx of revenue into the community is greater than ever. Area hotels are already seeing an increase in room reservations and local restaurants in the vicinity of the track are gearing up with extra staffing to prepare for the increased traffic. Handy has also brought in additional staff himself for the two-day event for concession help, security needs and support to his regular staff of track officials. In tough times, the sport of auto racing is not only bringing the biggest green flag to El Dorado County, it is also putting some extra green in the pockets of those who need it.
Placerville Speedway is already home to some of the most talented 360 drivers in California and the Western States. However, on this particular weekend those talented locals are going to be joined by the elite drivers of the sport. Names like Shane Stewart of Bixby, OK, New Mexico’s Johnny Herrera, Jeff Swindell of Bartlett, TN, four time series champion Tim Crawley of Benton, AK, the legendary Gary Wright of Hooks, Texas, defending champion Jason Johnson of Eunice, LA, Brady Bacon of Broken Arrow, OK and many more that will go up against the best of the west and Placerville Speedway’s favorite top drivers. This is more than the race of the decade coming to Placerville Speedway, it is perhaps the biggest in the history of the track..
However, the upcoming Bullring Nationals isn’t just about the high octane drivers from the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour, it will be an experience like no other with a menagerie of activities at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds for race fans and teams throughout the two day affair. The special events are sponsored by Stymeist Auto Body and Thompson's Auto and Truck Centers of Placerville.
On Friday night after the races a huge post race party will in the Forni Building next to the speedway. This event will feature a free concert and dance after the checkered flag waves to the music of the The Pick Ups. Ice cold beer and soda will be on tap along with the Active 20/30 club tacos that are loved by thousands each year during the county. Mechanical Bull Riding will be on the venue and much more as race fans have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the some of the best race drivers in the nation.
On Saturday a pre race festival will take place on the grounds as well with a “Bloody Mary Morning” and breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until 11 followed by a concert on the green by the pick ups and pre race lunch featuring the delicious 20/30 club tacos. Corn Hole tournaments are slated that offer cash winnings and trophies, a classic car show is being assembled that will award the best of show and an autograph session featuring local drivers and the National ASCS touring pros including Tim Crawley, Tony Bruce Jr., Zach Chappell, Wayne Johnson and more.
Numerous camping reservations have already been made at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. In the coming days look for the area to become a small city of professional race haulers, recreation vehicles and most importantly, populated with the fans of the greatest sport in the nation.
It’s the Inaugural Bullring Nationals at Placerville Speedway, it's more than a racing event it's an experience that will become a memory of a lifetime so get your tickets today! Two day tickets are currently on sale for $55 that get you into both nights of racing. All seating is reserved for this event so advance purchase is suggested and can be done by calling (916) 783-DIRT. For camping reservations for the two day event call (530) 621-5860. Watch www.placervillespeedway.com for further information in the coming days about the Inaugural Bullring Nationals.
Article Credit: Bill Sullivan/ Handy Racing Promotions Media
Submitted By: Bill Sullivan
