Dan Beaver
Western DIRTcar Public Relations
520.249.8486 / dbeaver@DIRTcar.com
A 10-race Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Model Series touring schedule will anchor weekly racing programs at five Oregon tracks and offer a dirt late model program that is unparalleled in the region. In fact, there will be so many races in the area that a Northwest late model racer could compete for the top spot in national points in addition to two regional championships.
“In the history of dirt late model racing in the Northwest, in the past it’s been difficult to get all the promoters together and not run against one another,” said Brian Crockett, promoter of Cottage Grove Speedway, “so the opportunity to do that this season is pretty encouraging.”
Cottage Grove, Willamette Speedway, Southern Oregon Speedway, Sunset Speedway, and Coos Bay International Speedway will combine to offer at least 30 events in the region, which gives Oregon racers an excellent opportunity to race for up to three different points’ funds. Racers competing in DIRTcar sanctioned late model races will receive national points, Pacific Coast regional points, and in the case of the 10-race Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Model Series events, a touring championship as well.
That has local racers pouring over schedules and making plans for 2011. Mark Carrell won the 2010 DIRTcar UMP West Late Model honors last year, and he’s looking to defend his title. “The competition in the Western states is really good. I’m thinking we will have a pretty good year.” He said. “I’m looking forward to getting this year rolling.”
“Since there aren’t any dates that conflict, we can hit a lot of the races and our intention is to run as many of them as we can and go after the regional deal,” said John Duty, another winner at Cottage Grove in 2010. “With all these races up here now, it gives you more options because you can run locally and still get DIRTcar points.”
There is a lot of incentive to run for the Pacific Coast regional points’ championship, with $6,000 in posted awards and $2,000 going to the champion. This raises the stakes considerably in the region and elevates late model racing in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada to another level.
“In the state of Oregon, if you want to run a late model race, you can run every Saturday and several times during the year, you can run a couple of days in the week,” Crockett added.
“The spirit of cooperation in this region is unparalleled,” said Chris Morgan, Director Western Operations for DIRTcar. “The promoters benefit by drawing the best drivers to their tracks on a weekly basis, but the real winners are the fans. With all of these tracks running alternating schedules, they get a chance to see their local favorite take on some of the stiffest competition from the neighboring tracks, and that adds another level of excitement.”
Adding to the anticipation this year is a title sponsorship announcement. VP Racing Fuels has signed on as the official associate sponsor of the entire Northwest late model region, which increases exposure for the brand and racers alike. “We are excited to build on our success with DIRTcar and grow our presence in the Northwest region. Our late model plus fuel is the choice of late model racers across the United States and we look forward to working with the great racers of Oregon,” said Bruce Hendel, director of Western operations for VP.
“There is some great talent in Oregon and it’s great to give them the kind of all-inclusive program they deserve,” said Morgan. “Along with several race dates still to be determined and a full-blown program that will soon be announced for the Western All Star DIRTcar Late Model Series, these guys are going to get a lot of track time in 2011.”
In addition to the Oregon events, many of the region’s best late model racers will support the California-based Western All Star DIRTcar Late Model Series, which will host 15 races, nearly half of which do not conflict with their events.
2011 Schedule
April
2-Cottage Grove
9-Willamette
16-Cottage Grove
23-Southern Oregon
30-Willamette
May
7-Cottage Grove
14-Willamette
21-Southern Oregon
28-29-Willamette (I-5)*
June
4-Willamette
18-Willamette
July
1-Southern Oregon
2-Willamette
3-4-Cottage Grove (I-5)*
9-Cottage Grove
16-Southern Oregon (I-5)*
23-Willamette
30-Sunset
Aug
13-Willamette
20-Coos Bay
27-Cottage Grove
Sep
3-4-Willamette (I-5)*
5-Cottage Grove (I-5)*
10-Cottage Grove
17-Willamette
23-24-Southern Oregon (I-5)*
*Northwest I-5 DIRTcar Late Model Series
Schedule is subject to change, so always check with the racetrack as you are making your plans.
Contact: Dan Beaver
Western DIRTcar Public Relations
520.249.8486 / dbeaver@DIRTcar.com
Twitter: @DIRTcarWest
Chris Morgan
Director Western Operations
World Racing Group/ DIRTcar
805.637.1426 / cmorgan@DIRTcar.com
