Monday, February 15, 2016

Havasu 95 Speedway To Present The President's Day Classic This Saturday


By Dave Grayson

The Havasu 95 Speedway will open its spectator gates this Saturday afternoon for another round of their winter racing series. The most scenic quarter mile asphalt track in the southwest will be presenting their President's Day Classic featuring racing action from the Late Models running twin 50 lap main events, the Get It In Gear Street Stocks, Sam Nichols Electric Factory Stocks and the Maintenance Solution Team Factory Stocks. Because of ongoing chilly night time temperatures, this event will be a day race. The spectator gates will open at 12pm with the racing receiving the green flag at 2pm. All of this Saturday afternoon fun and excitement is being presented by the race sponsor, the Mud Shark Brewery.

The high powered Late Models will be running their fourth 50 lap main of the winter season with the three previous races producing three different winners. Nick Joanides scored the first trip to the Havasu 95 victory lane back on November 28th. Then, on a January 16th event that featured twin main events, Jeff Peterson and Trevor Huddleston celebrated their wins. The fact that this series has turned up three winners in three races is a testimony to how equal, and challenging, the competition is among the Late Model teams.

The Get It In Gear Street Stocks will be making their eighth appearance of the season this Saturday. Since the speedway's 2015-2016 winter season began back in October, the street stock racing has been centered around two drivers: Gavin Bucy and Bobby Keirns. Bucy started the season literally on fire and won six, consecutive, main events. Meanwhile the veteran, and former track champion, Keirns scored six consecutive runner up finishes which allowed him to stay within striking distance of Bucy in the division's championship points. Keirns found his way to victory lane this past February 6th taking the checkered flag with a very decisive margin of victory of 2.501 seconds. With four races left on the street stock schedule, this run for the championship is far from settled.

One level of guaranteed excitement, on the Havasu 95 race schedule, you can always count on is the Sam Nichols Electric Factory Stock division. For years this division has enjoyed a loyal fan base created by their racing is rubbing main events that kept the fans standing on their feet. So far this season, driver Brent Delay has been the division's hot shoe collecting four main event wins within a period of two months. Jeff Prieur has found the Havasu victory lane twice this season and Chris Weiss scored his first feature win back on January 16th.

The Maintenance Solution Team Factory Stocks was created just a few short years ago by speedway promoter, Bill Rozhon. The concept calls for three rotating drivers, with at least one of them having to be a lady, collecting championship points for their teams. Current hot shoes among the group are Jose Guevara, Clint Almquist, Chris Weiss and William Guevara. Four appearances so far this season has turned up four different winners and that speaks volumes regarding how competitive this division. The drivers will have their hands full this Saturday because it's their turn to race on the dirt infield track area and that's always fun to watch.

On Saturday Mud Shark Brewery race day the spectator gates will open at 12pm. General admission tickets, age 17 plus, are $12 and $10 for seniors, military personnel and the handicapped. Tickets for kids, age six to 16, are $12 with kids five and under admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. Additionally, Lake Havasu Unified School District students can receive a one dollar discount on their tickets by presenting their school IDs at the ticket gate. The speedway also offers a budget friendly family pack that admits two adults and two kids for $25. Also for $25, fans can enjoy the special amenities of the speedway's VIP Lounge featuring the best seats in the house. Advance tickets can be purchased from Peggy Gerchman at Peggy's Sunrise Café located at 1584 Country Shire Avenue.

For out of town race teams and fans, the Quality Inn and Suites is the official motel of the Havasu 95 Speedway. Located at 271 South Lake Havasu Avenue, they offer beautiful and spacious rooms at very affordable rates. Call 928 855 1111 for reservations which can also be made online.

For more information regarding the speedway winter racing season dial up their website, www.havasu95speedway.com or visit their Facebook page.