SKAGIT SPEEDWAY FOUR FOR FOUR



Photo Credit Robert G. Hunter



(Alger, WA) 5/3/12  by Kelly Hart

It’s been a few seasons since Skagit Speedway has gotten in more races and playdays than fallen victim to inclement weather but so far the 2012 Foothills Toyota Racing Series has managed to get every race off on schedule.

Last weekend the track team chased the weather; even enduring one small shower and slight delay, but managed to get the entire evening of races in the book. The delay happened before opening ceremonies and racing action and weather threatened the action late in the night but the rains held off until most everyone was on the road towards their home.

Action on the track has been fast and furious as usual with early season point standings showing good car counts and very competitive racing. In the 410 Sprints Brock Lemley in the Bob & Lori Scott 7s car has the lead over Chad Hillier and Travis Jacobson. Only 20 points separates the top 3 after two point races. More cars are expected out in the next few weeks with some past track and open competition show champions behind the wheel. Add to this defending Champion Jesse Whitney out while recovering from injury and things are looking to heat up quickly.

Canadian driver Trevor Turnbull is holding the point lead in the 360 Sprints ahead of last weeks’ winner Michael Harris and Kelsey Carpenter. Alan Munn is fourth with Bud Ashe having a strong season beginning holding down 5^th. The 360 class was expecting to see veteran Rod Perkins in the field this week but engine delays are pushing back his debut a few more weeks.

In picking up where he left off in 2011, defending Sportsman Sprint Champion Derek Roberts is leading the point chase, with Cory Swatzina and steady Clayton Sibley closest in points. Second year driver Tyler Fox has started strong and sits in fourth place followed by Cale Brooke.

Just two points is all that separates the defending Championship car of Freddie Vela and Rick Young in the Outlaw Hornet division. While Vela is out after early season surgery the car is being capably driven by former Champion Greg Hibma. Matt Powers, Wade Swatzina and Cliff Ballenger run third through fifth and rookie Bren Futrelle is rocking the class with a 6^th place standing early in the season.

All four divisions see action this Saturday night May 5^th at ASA Member Track Skagit Speedway. Gates open for spectators at 5:30 p.m. with racing following opening ceremonies at 7:00 p.m.. For more information on the track, race dates, ticket prices and camping go online to www.skagitspeedway.com .