PLACERVILLE- It's the final race of the season. It's a night that will pay tribute to the late Al Hinds, a founding father of Placerville Speedway that is in its 46th year of operation. The feature winner earns $3000 courtesy of a bonus from Thompson Auto Centers and the series champion will earn a record breaking $10,000.
While those are great selling points, one of the biggest draws to Placerville Speedway this Saturday night will be the return of the phenomenon founded by race fans and loved by race fans; the third annual "Hug your Flagman Night" at Placerville Speedway.
Hug Your Flagman night began back in 2009 when a group of longtime race fans decided to hijack the public address system at Placerville Speedway and declare the final race of the year as "National Hug Your Flagman Night" to pass the time during a series of caution flags. What started as a simple friendly prank on Ed Entz, known as "Flagz" or the "Dancing Flagman" to his army of endearing race fans, resulted in a YouTube sensation that made the headlines of numerous racing columns across the country.
It it's first year, over 400 race fans lined up during the many caution periods to wrap their arms around Entz to show him how much they appreciate his true colors; those being green, red, yellow and white and of course…black. It was on that night that a bizarre night of caution plagued racing turned to a new level of fun at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
"The race was by far one of the dullest we had ever seen, they had so many caution flags lap after lap but we didn’t care because we had so much fun in the stands it didn't even matter," was a comment posted on an internet forum by longtime race fan Mike Avilla. Better known as "Carwash Mike," Avilla always looked forward to coming to Placerville Speedway, especially on Hug Your Flagman night.
Just last week the longtime racing supporter and friend of many in the sport lost his life following complications with his battle with cancer and awaiting a lung transplant. To show his support for the fallen fan of Placerville's most memorable night, Entz is hoping Placerville fans will break a new record throughout the race night.
"I met Mike Avilla on the very first Hug your Flagman Night," said Entz. "He was such a great fan and so knowledgeable of sprint car racing. He loved the sport and he loved a fun crowd. It's sad he didn't make it to our third one but we're going to make a good one for him."
Last year, over 700 race fans took a moment to hug Entz. This year the longtime flagman that once was under study for the lead singer of the Village People is looking to bring those numbers up.
"A lot of race fans have asked to move hug your flagman night to the last points race of the year so all the regular weekly fans can participate and break a record," said Entz. "So I'm thinking the Civil War fans better step up their game or might have to take some serious measures to protect the integrity of this National Holiday that is only observed at Placerville Speedway. Bring your friends and bring your neighbor, get a hug and have some good times at the track with the greatest fans."
Saturday's race should surely bring enough fans to break a new Hug You Flagman Night record as it is the Annual Tribute to Al Hinds event. Additionally, the event is the final race of 2011 Civil War Championship Series and California's most talented drivers in the sport are all expected.
For the first time since the birth of the Civil War Sprint Car Series, the championship will payout more than double it's original amount thanks to additional funds granted by Hoosier Racing Tires in an agreement with Handy Racing Promotions before the beginning of the year. This Saturday night, one race team will not only earn the coveted title as the 2011 California Sprint Car Civil War Series Champion, they will also earn an impressive $10,000 prize.
The grandstands will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday night with qualifying starting at 6:30 p.m. For further information visit the track's official website at www.placervillespeedway.com.
- Bill Sullivan on Sep 24, 2011
- Article Date: 9/24/2011