Yakima Speedway champion, Owen Riddle, is considered by many to be
the top challenger to Harding's run of success in the event. Riddle was
runner-up in the 2011 Montana 200 to another Apple Cup entry, Shane
Mitchell. Both drivers were posting strong finishes late in 2011 until
the Fall Classic season-finale at Yakima stymied their success. Riddle
broke a motor early while Mitchell also struggled to a finish outside
the top-25 finishers
Qualifying will be a premium as late model teams will be out to set
themselves up for a strong starting position in one of two heat races to
determine the final starting line-up for the 125-lap Apple Cup main
event. For the first time in the history of the race all final starting
positions will be determined by the finishing position of a driver in
his or her respective qualifying heat race.
Also racing this weekend will be INEX Legends, the West Coast Promoters Street Stocks Series, Sportsman and Pure Stocks.
In the WCPSSS division past Fall Classic winner, Chris Hart, returns
to the No. 69 Ford sponsored by Tidrick's Quality Transmissions.
Defending WCPSSS champion Mel Patnode has entered his No. 04 VanAmburg
Enterprises Chevrolet with fellow WCPSSS veteran Gary Flammang also
expected to contend.
Sportsman champion Buck Noel Jr. will have his hands full as young
guns Lucas Valdez and Kyler Conduff look to challenge for Apple Cup
glory.
In the Pure Stock division Chris Marang, Rob Allen and Greg Gargett
will be out to net Apple Cup glory but expect Tim Breshears and Cody
Denton to be in the mix as well. All five drivers finished the 2011
season as the top-5 points drivers with Gargett claiming the
championship.
Past Yakima Speedway late model champion, Scott Walker, will be one
to watch in the INEX Legends division along with local stars Garrett
Sisk and Chance Overholt.
Apple Cup weekend gets underway Friday with an open practice session
from 11 to 5 p.m. Followed by a full morning practice schedule on
Saturday. Opening ceremonies for Saturday's event at slated for 1 p.m.
with racing to follow. The 46th Annual Apple Cup presented by Columbia
Asphalt is set for Sunday with opening ceremonies again scheduled for 1
p.m with over 275 main event laps scheduled in five divisions
highlighted by the 125-lap late model shootout.
For ticket and other information call Yakima Speedway's fan hotline
at (509) 248-0647, log onto yakimaspeedway.us or find Yakima Speedway on
Facebook.