Message from the Promoter
Well, if you had told me a year ago that I’d be promoting a sprint car series, I’d have laughed and told you to lay off the race fuel fumes. Yet here I am, proudly wearing the Promoter hat (and maybe a fire suit for those extra-heated race nights).
When a handful of drivers came to me with the idea of reviving the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Series in California, my first thought was, “You all are absolutely nuts.” But the more I thought about it—and after chatting with my husband and a few seasoned RaceSaver vets—I did what I always do when I fall in love with something: I went full send.
Why RaceSavers? Why Now?
Let’s face it, not every driver is going to be the next Kyle Larson, Corey Day, or even Tony Stewart. (Those guys have more laps under their belts than Brian has had Pepsi’s in the past week.)
Jumping straight from a kart or Super 600 to a 360 or 410 sprint car is like going from tricycles to turbochargers. The RaceSaver class fills that much-needed gap. It gives drivers the seat time, experience, and big-car feel—without mortgaging the house. The engines are durable, the rules are consistent, the fuel costs are lower, and the smiles per dollar? Through the roof.
Let’s be honest, “saving money” and “racing” don’t usually belong in the same sentence. But somehow, RaceSavers make it work.
The Journey So Far
Since stepping into this role, it’s been a whirlwind of phone calls, texts, emails, late-night brainstorming sessions, and probably more energy drinks than my doctor would recommend. But we did it: 16 races at 5 tracks, from Santa Maria to Antioch.
Of course, there’s been one big bump in the road—losing our longtime home track, Kings Speedway in Hanford. That closure hit hard. But with hope, hustle, and a little help from our friends at Quick Change Liquid Energy (shoutout to Mike Mitchell and Randy Wright!), we’ve put together a traveling series that’s got heart, horsepower, and a whole lot of potential.
Race Night Reality Check
Our season opener at Merced Speedway on March 29 was a big one. RaceSavers hadn’t run there since 2021, so the pressure was on. My personal goals? Good car count, good show, and good vibes.
Well, jackpot! Fifteen drivers committed weeks ahead—and every single one showed up. If that’s not a promoter's dream, I don’t know what is.
Now, as for race night itself? Let’s just say it was a little controlled chaos, as per usual. I was wearing both Promoter and Director of Competition hats, while my husband Brian, who usually handles tech and DOC, was asked to be livestream camera guy. Meanwhile, our two kids—Brandon and Austin—stepped up as officials and rocked it, even though they were tossed in the deep end. (Proud mom moment!)
We had radio issues, lineup glitches, and a few… “creative” calls on my part. But we got the 25-lap feature done in just over 23 minutes—which, if you know the 25-lap/25-minute rule, is a win in my book.
What’s Next?
Next up: Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Raceway Park on April 12. Adjustments are being made—on my end and the drivers’. I always set personal goals for each race, but I keep them to myself (not even Brian knows). All I’ll say is: we’re gonna keep learning, keep growing, and keep having fun.
I invite everyone reading this to come out, support not just the RaceSavers but all the classes running, and enjoy a great night of racing. Check out the cars in the pits, and grab you a Quick Change Liquid Energy!
A Few Thank-Yous (Because This Ain’t a Solo Act)
To “my guys” – Your support, patience, and passion mean everything. I said it before, and I’ll say it again: this is your class. Without you, there is no RaceSaver series. As long as you don’t give up on me, I’m not giving up on you.
Quick Change Liquid Energy (Mike Mitchell & Randy Wright) – Thank you for believing in the series, and in me, a new promoter and a woman! You’ve been incredible, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
BR Motorsports (Blake Robertson) – Thanks for your advice, support, and everything you do for the sprint car community. Sorry you were the last to find out what we were up to—surprise! Thanks for being a sponsor, a resource, and an employer (hi Brian).
Sidewaze Designs (Chris Ennis) – You brought the new logo to life, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Your creativity and patience are unmatched—thank you and the whole Ennis family for your support.
MyRacePass – Without you, we’d be back to whiteboards and panic-scoring. You’ve made life easier for drivers, fans, and yes, stressed-out promoters.
Rugged Radios – Your support and top-notch equipment keep us connected during a crazy night of racing. We appreciate you big time!
See You at the Track
Mark your calendars: April 12 at Bakersfield Speedway. The RaceSavers are comin’ in hot—ready to race, ready to throw some slide jobs, and ready to put on a show.
Let’s do this.
- ALICIA GARGES on Apr 06, 2025
- Article Date: 4/6/2025 by Alicia Garges