4/25/2019
Sunset Speedway Park
Vinny Villeggiante New Sunset Speedway Park Flagger
Vinny Villeggiante New Sunset Speedway Park Flagger
By Ben Deatherage
Banks, Oregon- Sunset Speedway Park will have a new flagman atop the stand in 2019 and his name, Vinny Villeggiante. Despite this being his debut season at the “Banks Bullring” he is no stranger to flagging or the facility. Vinny has spent the last three years in the same capacity at River City Speedway in St. Helens under the tutelage of Wes Sayre.
“I’m very excited to be apart of the team at Sunset,” commented Mr. Villeggiante, “over the winter I knew that Sunset needed a flagger and I reached out to Bob (Valencia). I really like Bob’s vision for what he has for the track and I’m just happy to be on the crew and help out.”
Villeggiante originally hails from the Bay Area of Northern California, Sonoma County to be specific. His father Sam was a professional flat track motorcycle rider in the 1950’s and competed against Joel Leonard and Dick “Bugsy” Mann.
Despite his motorcycle background Vinny was a competitor in the Street Stocks at Petaluma Speedway. He eventually would wrench for some notable names including all-time Calistoga Speedway feature winner LeRoy Van Conett, former USAC-Western Midgets champion Johnny Cofer (father of defending BCRA Midget champion/Kage Kart standout Maria Cofer), and car owner Paul Torzilli.
Vinny made the move up to Oregon a little over twenty years ago. He had a successful tenure on the crew of Tim Pyle’s midget team for nine seasons where together they won several titles with the Northern Outlaw Midget Association.
“Racing is like my family, I love it so much. Once those cars are on the track my number one priority is to make sure everyone is safe at all times.”
Sunset Speedway Park opens up the 2019 campaign on Saturday, April 27th for the Bobby Morley Memorial. Classes racing include Street Stocks, IMCA Modified, IMCA Sport Mods, Pure Stocks/IMCA Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars, and 4-Bees.
Pit Gates open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates 4:00, with Racing kicking off at 6:00. Tickets are $13.00 for Adults and Seniors/Military/Juniors (13-17) $10.00. A Family Pass (Two Adults and up to four Youths) is offered for $35.00 while Premium Seats are available for $25.00 each.
SSP would like to remind folks that we are still in the wet parts of the year in the Pacific Northwest and check the track website and Facebook page for updates. For more information log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com.
2019 Sunset Speedway Park Supporters:
FinishLine Graphics
Jim’s Thriftway
RockAuto.com
Budweiser
Speed Shift TV
Tommy’s Transmissions
Schram Brothers Excavating
Rockstar Energy Drinks
Speedmart Inc.
Hoosier Racing Tires
Sunset Park
Pick-N-Pull Self-Service Used Auto Parts
R.S. Race Products
Maletis Beverage
Jackson Industries
98.7 The Bull
Bud Light
Pepsi Co.
City of Banks
Checkered Flag Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating
Bridgeport Logistics
PGH Excavating
Highway Heavy Hauling
Deering Management Group
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage
