4/25/2019
Willamette Speedway
Willamette Speedway Kicks Off 2019 With Doubleheader Weekend; Highly Anticipated UTV Debut On Sunday
Willamette Speedway Kicks Off 2019 With Doubleheader Weekend; Highly Anticipated UTV Debut On Sunday
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Doc’s Photos)
Banks, Oregon- Despite having to make a mid-week audible from racing last weekend to just putting on a practice, Willamette Speedway still managed to be the only track in the valley that had cars on a race track. The historic 1/3-mile clay oval looks to formally kick everything off this weekend to begin the 2019 campaign. The Valley Wide UTV Shootout Series makes its debut ?on ?Sunday, April 28th. Saturday, the 27th,has a full card of racing on tap including Super Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Super Sports, Sportsman, and Street Stocks.
“Despite all the wetness we’ve had we were happy to get our practice in last Saturday,” commented Willamette Speedway General Manager, Michael Short, “but we’re thankful of all the positive feedback we got from all the racers that appreciated all of our effort we put in to make the practice happen.”
A lot has happened over the offseason. The new management team has spent countless hours working on the facility, applying for several work permits, updating the woman’s restroom, and constructing the Victory Lane Arcade. The Victory Lane Arcade is an area where Kids Club members can play classic coin operated video games under the main grandstands.
On Saturday tickets are $14.00 for Adults, Seniors (62+)/Military/Juniors (13-17) $10.00, Youths (6-12) $5.00, and Kids (5 or Under) FREE. A Family Pass (2 Adults and up to 4 Youths) is offered for $35.00 while Pit Passes are $30.00 each. Pit Gates open at 1:00, Front Gates 3:30, and Racing at 5:00. General Admission for the UTV event on Sunday is only $7.00, Youths (6-12) $5.00, and Kids (5 or Under) FREE with Practice at Noon and Racing at 2:00 PM.
Joey Tanner reigned supreme in the Super Late Model ranks and posted four main event victories. In 2018 Grey Ferrando managed to collect the championship title while Dustin Cady posted the most wins, at seven.
For the Sportsman class Ryan Emry had a great campaign winning the title and the most races, at five. The same could be said in the Super Sport ranks as Doug Elkins dominated with seven victories and the championship. In addition to winning the IMCA Stock Car crown Dakota Godard doubled up last year with his Street Stock title. Although Godard won the war it was Justin Evans who won the most battles with six visits to victor lane.
Please keep in mind that we are still in the wet season in the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to continually to check the website/Facebook page for weather updates. For more information on upcoming news and information be sure to check out www.willamettespeedway.org or the track’s Facebook page.
2019 Willamette Speedway Sponsors
Bud Light
Peterson Machinery
Buzz Mitchell Farms
Crockers Cars
Les Schwab Tire Centers
Pepsi Co.
Scofield’s Karts & Parts
Boulder Falls Inn
Big Sky Landscaping
Lassen RV & Chevy
KGAL SmartTalk 1580
James Gang Pizza
Hoosier Racing Tires
FinishLine Graphics
Northwest Trucking Academy
Shriners Hospitals For Children
Knot Hole Market
Bar S Motorsports
Doc’s Photos
Albany & Eastern Railroad Company
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage
