By Bill Sullivan /Civil War Series Media Relations
CHICO, CA (5-29-11) – When it comes to traditions at the annual Silver Dollar Fair, the sight of winged sprint cars before a colorful backdrop of carnival sights and sounds is right up at the top of the list with cotton candy, funnel cakes and the Ferris Wheel. It’s fair time at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds this week so step right up and witness the fire breathing sprint cars of the Civil War Sprint Car Series as it brings it’s amazing stars such as “The Shark, Mr. Excitement, Chicko, The Human Highlight Reel” and many more to the Silver Dollar arena.
When it comes to the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series its much more that catchy nicknames, it’s a racing series will never let an avid open wheel race fan down and is sure to bring a first time spectator back to the track once they witness the spectacle. The latest version of California’s premier series for 360 cubic inch powered winged sprint cars has already begun to produce a stellar chase for the coveted statewide championship title.
On Sunday night the open wheel racing will entertain fans at a bargain price as the Civil War Sprint Car Series takes to Silver Dollar Speedway for its second visit of the year and it’s fourth segment of the season. This event is second to none when it comes to quality entertainment at a bargain price. Admission to the speedway is free with admission to the fair which is just $8 for adults, $3.00 for children from ages 6-12. Children under six will be admitted for free and seniors are just $4.
Sunday’s event for the Civil War Series is the fourth event in the 2011 series that competes at six different California tracks throughout the year. The event will pay $3000 to the winner and $300 just to start the feature race. This is the premier traveling series for winged 360 powered sprint cars in California and produces higher car counts than any other traveling series in the state both winged and wingless. Sunday’s event is one of three visits to Silver Dollar Speedway, the series returns in September to open the Gold Cup Race of Champions with the “Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational.”
Entering Sunday’s race, former two time champion Sean Becker of Antelope leads the Civil War point standings after the completion of three events. Becker currently sits 15 points ahead of Visalia’s Steven Tiner. Defending five time champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn is lurking in the top three as well. Forsberg is just 16-points out of the lead. Sitting in fourth place is Herman Klein of Sacramento.
Rounding out the top five is Penngrove’s Alissa Geving. The former series Rookie of the Year is 20 points out of the lead. Former Civil War champion Mike Henry of Citrus Heights is in the sixth position over Sebastopol’s Geoff Ensign. Former Silver Dollar Rookie of the Year Kyle Hirst of Sacramento is eighth ahead of Elk Grove’s Nicole Miller. Jeremy Burt of Grass Valley rounds out the top ten in the series.
With three races in the history books, the Civil War Series is looking to be one of the most competitive yet. A mere 60-points separate the 10th place driver from the point leader which clearly illustrates that this campaign features the best of the west on any given night and hosts a posse of talented drivers who are all capable of taking home a win in any event as the playing field is more than level.
In three events the series has produced three different winners. Becker was the latest winner in War #3 at Silver Dollar Speedway. Stephen Allard of Chico won round two of the campaign at Placerville Speedway and defending champion Forsberg, better known as “Mr. Excitement” won the series opener at Petaluma Speedway. Over the three events that have taken place, 56 different drivers have already competed and earned points in the Civil War Series. Twelve different drivers have claimed heat race victories. Eighteen different drivers have earned top ten finishes. Nine different drivers have finished in the top five in the three events and two different drivers have earned fast time awards.
Sunday’s event will be well worth the price of admission as the Civil War Series brings nearly 40 of California’s high speed rebels without a cause to the exciting banks of Silver Dollar Speedway for a bargain price. Remember, admission to the speedway is free with fair admission. This is an incredible value that offers hours of entertainment over the holiday weekend.
In addition to the Civil War Sprint Cars, the Silver Dollar Speedway Wingless Sprint Cars will also be in competition on Sunday night. These exciting wingless cars are an excellent co-star to the winged warriors wherever they race and will ensure an action packed night of racing.
The grandstands at Silver Dollar Speedway will open at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Qualifying will begin at 6:30. An early arrival to the track is suggested as this annual race in conjunction with the Silver Dollar Fair routinely packs the grandstands due to its bargain price and top billing.
For further information on this upcoming event visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com or www.civilwarsprints.com. The Civil War Series is managed by Handy Racing Promotions Inc. in cooperation with the participating tracks on the tour including Petaluma Speedway, Calistoga Speedway, Silver Dollar Speedway, American Valley Speedway and Ocean Speedway. Learn more about this exciting traveling series at their official website today.
Thanks to Steve LaMothe of Steve’s Racing Photos for the generous use of his photos.