CALISTOGA, CA (8-2-11) – It’s one of the most scenic tracks throughout the Western States and the largest dirt track in California. At the same time, the half mile oval that is nestled at the far end of the Napa wine country is one of the most intimidating tracks in the history of sprint car racing. It’s the famed Calistoga Speedway and this Saturday night it will host the competitive Hoosier Racing Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series for the annual Calistoga Cup.
“This is one of the most coveted events for the Civil War Series year after year,” said Bill Sullivan Communications Director for Handy Racing Promotions. “It’s the largest, fastest and most intimating track in the state and it sits in one of the most scenic valleys. This is the race that our drivers look forward to each year and at the same time they are glad when the checkered flag waves because of the nature of the beast known best as… Stoga."
Due to its half mile distance and flat surface, the Calistoga Speedway is the one track in California where drivers reach top speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. It is a track where experience and patience must come together to come home successful and without serious damage or injury. Veteran drivers like Greg DeCaires of Elk Grove are well aware of the glory that Calistoga Speedway can bring a driver and at the same time they know the history of this famed track and must used their heads at all times.
“This isn’t just any dirt track,” said DeCaires. “It’s Calistoga. She is big, she is fast and if you aren’t careful she can tear you up pretty quick. Even those of use that have raced here for decades fear this place when the green flag drops; you have to or else you're going to get yourself in trouble because the slightest mistake can be devastating.”
Although DeCaires is not a fulltime contender in the Civil War Series, he has a great deal of experience and success at Calistoga Speedway. The former Civil War Champion, Silver Dollar Speedway Champion and Placerville Speedway champion won the inaugural Calistoga Cup when the Civil War Series first brought the Napa County Fairgrounds to life.
Saturday’s race is the 11th segment of the Civil War Sprint Car Series, This tour competes at six of California's best known race tracks which span Northern California from the Sierra Foothills to the Wine Country and the Coastal Region. Saturday's event and every regular Civil War Series event will pay $2000 to the winner and $300 to start the 22 car A-feature.
Overall, this series will compete for more than $250,000 over the year and an outstanding championship fund of $40,000 in championship funds is in place Additional contingency awards throughout the year are expected to reach the $30,000 mark in various products as well.
As they head to their biggest venue yet, the Civil War stars are amidst a heated battle for the coveted 2011 series title. This year’s championship is the richest in the history of the Civil War Series with $10,000 going to the champion alone when the 14-race tour concludes in September at Placerville Speedway.
This Saturday night, some 30 of California’s best drivers are expected to go head to head in a Civil War battle. Topping the roster for this event will be 2009 Calistoga Cup Champion and five time Civil War Series champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn. The driver known as Mr. Excitement drove to his career first Calistoga win back in 2009 and is feeling the pressure of the point wars as he attempts to drive to his sixth career series title this season.Despite winning four Civil War feature events this year, Forsberg sits just five points ahead of Visalia's Steven Tiner in the series point standings. Tiner has a solo win to his name and four heat race victories to keep him on Forsberg's rear nerf. Sitting in the third position is Elk Grove native Kyle Hirst, a one time winner in the Civil War campaign in 2011. Hirst is 27 points out of the lead and will look to hold off the hard charging efforts of Penngrove lady racer Alissa Geving who will have the opportunity to race on the big track close to home.
Rounding out the top five is two time series champion Sean Becker of Roseville. After a failed part cost him the championship on the final night last year, Becker is still trying to rally out of a tough streak that has carried over into this season. The driver known as "The Shark" is 76-points out of the lead behind Forsberg, a driver who now calls himself the "Shark Hunter" in an effort to spice up the interest among the longtime track rivals.
Jeremy Burt of Grass Valley is sixth in the standings over Sacramento's Mike Henry. Herman Klein is eighth overall while Chase Johnson of Penngrove is ninth and Jeff Parady of Pope Valley is tenth. The top Civil War runners will be joined by the pride of Calistoga himself on Saturday night, Mike Benson, who grew up just blocks from the speedway. In 2007 Benson achieved a life long dream when he claimed victory at the Calistoga Cup, a night that both he and the community will long remember as nearly every driver and fan flooded victory lane to celebrate with the local favorite.
"I grew up at this place, there is nothing I want more as a driver then to win at Calistoga Speedway," said Benson. "I remember the old days here when this place was the talk of the town. This place saw many big names in racing. I am proud to be able top add my name to the win list at Calistoga Speedway and note that all my crew members and sponsors are of equal importance in getting this done."
The front gates to Calistoga Speedway will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Adult tickets will be $20. Children 4-12 will be $10 according to www.calistogaspeedway.org where advanced tickets may be purchased. Tickets will also be available at the track on race day. Who will add their name to the prestigious list of former winners at the intimidating half mile dirt track that is too tough to tame? There is only one way to find out, make plans to visit the scenic Calistoga Speedway this Saturday night.
The Civil War Sprint Car Series is managed and promoted by Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated of Roseville. For additional information visit the official series website at www.civilwarsprints.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Aug 02, 2011
- Article Date: 8/2/2011 by Bill Sullivan/ Handy Racing Promotions Media