Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Richest Season In Madera Speedway History Begins Saturday Night

(Jason Wedehase photo)

Via Madera Speedway Media

MADERA, CALIFORNIA (March 10, 2020) –The richest season of stock car racing at Madera Speedway begins this Saturday night with the $5,000 to win Nut Up Pro Late Model 100 at the one-third mile speedway. The event also kicks off the RACE 2B DRUG FREE BIG3 Series, televised on MAVTV. A large field of 51FIFTY Jr. Late Models and Mini Cups vs. Bandoleros will be in action as well, joined by Modified Super Toyotas on the undercard.

Drivers from across North America will flock to the Madera Speedway for the nine race Nut Up Series with the BIG3 series within. All told, more than $150,000 is on the line for the 49th season at the Madera Fairgrounds. The $5,000 to win Summer Speedfest on July 25 and the $10,000 to win Nut Up Short Track Shootout on October 3 round out the Big3 events.

Saturday’s opener is expected to be a battle of former tracks champions with at least six different Madera champions in action. Leading the charge will be two-time Pro LM champions Matt Erickson of La Grange and Buddy Shepherd of Bakersfield. They will be joined by all three 2019 track champions with Pro Late Model champ Austin Herzog of Clovis, Madera’s Jr. Late Model champion Joey Iest, and Madera Late Model champion Tyler Herzog. Add in former Late Model champion Rick Thompson as well to round out the strong trophy case worth of drivers ready to compete for the awards on the line.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot. Pretty excited to get back in the car. There’s always been a lot of competition here at Madera. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and dedication to hopefully repeat for the championship,” Austin Herzog said. “Race fans can expect a really action-packed race.”

Taking on Madera’s best are some of the best in the west including 2019’s standout driver Jeremy Doss of Upper Lake. Doss set the track record in the season finale at the Short Track Shootout before winning the feature. All told, Doss’ five starts netted four wins, four fast-times, and nearly 300 laps led. He went on to be the 2019 Kulwicki Driver Development Program champion as well. Drivers from Northern California, Southern California, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona are also expected on hand this weekend. The 100-lap race will be split over a pair of 50 lap segments, with a break on the frontstretch for adjustments and MAVTV interviews.

The 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series consistently delivers new drivers hoping to add their names to the illustrious alumni of the series. In just four seasons, the series for drivers ages 10-16 years old has already birthed competitors in the XFINITY and ARCA levels of the sport. The winner of last year’s finale, 15 year-old Seth Wise of Bakersfield, has a large target on his back heading into the 70-lap race this weekend.

Three Jr. Late Model Challenge Camp graduates – camp winner Grant Thompson of Mobile, Alabama, Holly Clark from Colorado, and Bakersfield’s Kercie Jung - are among those gunning for the top spot. Other second year drivers this season will include Jake Bollman, Robbie Kennealy, Washington’s Kasey Kleyn, Ukiah’s Cole Brown, and Smartsville’s Brody Armtrout. Jadan Walbridge scored three fast-times to end the season while Arizona’s Bradley Erickson was a consistent top-five threat as well.

New faces for 2020 include a pair from Colorado with Bandolero graduate Brody Moore and Pro Truck competitor Cassidy Hinds. This large field of talented youth will compete across two segments with a 40-lap run followed by a 30-lap dash to the checkered flag.

A bevy of new drivers will be in action when the youngest drivers at Madera hit the track in a 20-lap race for the Mini Cups vs. Bandoleros. These drivers will be taking their first steps on their Madera racing journey with champions from quarter midgets and Mini Dwarf racing among the crop.

Modified Super Toyotas looks to be another family feud between brothers Shaun and Ryan Reynolds in 2020. Their season opener will be a 20-lap contest as well.

Action gets underway Friday night with practices from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, practice begins at 12:30 p.m. followed by qualifying at 2:30 p.m. A C-Main (if necessary) will be held at 4:00 p.m., followed by heat races and the $1,500 to win Pro LM B-Main. Opening Ceremonies are at 6 p.m. with 210 laps of feature racing to follow.

Tickets are just $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $7 for youth ages 6-12, and kids five and under are free!

For more information about Madera Racing on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or www.mavtv.com. For more information on Nut Up Industries please visit www.nutupindustries.com and for more information about 51FIFTY Energy Drink visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com

Madera Speedway is presented by major partners Nut Up Industries, 51FIFTY Energy Drink, iPull-uPull, and Color Fast Industries. Contingency sponsors include Five Star Bodies, Maita Motorsports, RaceFace Brand Development, Competition Carburetor, and StopTech Brakes.

Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Thursdays every week. The show airs at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. PST and is also available on the Lucas Oil Racing TV app. The Donnie Large, Sr. tribute race with Super Modifieds vs. Sprint Cars airs on March 19th!