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Championships celebrated.
Few changes in sprint car rules for 2010. Racer’s Swap Meet Saturday.
By
Bob
Burbach
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Marysville CA - November
22,
2009 --- Promoter’s Paul and Kathy Hawes hosted the gala championship banquet honoring the champion drivers at Marysville Raceway Park. The event was held at the Colusa Casino. The 41st consecutive year of operation at MRP featured a number of outstanding achievements. In addition to spectacular championship trophies and cash awards, the Contingency Connection provided additional awards to championship racers.
The evening was kicked off by a few comments by promoter Paul Hawes. Each year at this event he gives a “State of the Union” style overview about what happened during the year and an inside view on the upcoming season. The most pertinent comments referred to the winged sprint car series for 2010. While final rules will be posted after the RPM Promoter’s Workshop in Reno next month, it appears that the much-anticipated switch to ASCS rules is on the back-burner for now. Promoter Hawes does not anticipate very many rule changes at all in the 2010 season. There will be no wing rule in effect for 2010. Any top wing will be allowed within the sq. ft. parameters set in the MRP rules. “Exotic Aerodynamic Devices” will not be allowed in any MRP race in 2010. Fins, panels and side pods will not be allowed. Dish (or curved) OR flat wings will be allowed, driver’s choice. There will be no tire rule regarding manufacturer at MRP next year. Use what you want. Promoter Hawes reiterated that MRP will be a racer friendly place to race next season. He added, “We are not interested in having racers having to absorb additional expenses during these hard economic times.”
The comments raised cheers from the assembled sprint car throng. This observer was stopped on several occasions during the post event conversations by winged sprint car drivers and owners asking that the “Duel Heat Race” formula instituted in the Gold Fever Open be retained for 2010 point races. Once again, a large majority of drivers would rather race than qualify. The dual heat race formula will be implemented in the MRP Winged Sprint Car Series only. It was a big, big hit with drivers and fans alike. While great racing action is presented in all of MRP’s classes, it is apparent that a majority of fans would like to see the winged cars in additional races each week rather than using wasting a well-prepared track with single car qualifying runs.
Many drivers were pleased with promoter Hawes’ attitude with regard to expenses next year. With promoter Hawes’ remarks Saturday, competitors can be assured that MRP will have the competitor’s best interests, and budgets in mind throughout the 2010 season.
After promoter Hawes’ words, track videographer and photographer Mike Dehoogh of Black Flag Race Photos presented a spectacular visual panorama of the 2009 season on the Colusa Casino big screen in the banquet hall. The hours Dehoogh put into this work were not wasted as the crowd roared with approval at its conclusion. Saturday night’s collage of music and color was a complete and satisfying sensory experience. Mike and his apprentice, Casey Lansdon, turned out some great shots in the 2009 season.
As a photographer Dehoogh has no equal. But this year he stepped up and became the track videographer as well filling a serious void that helps the track keep controversial incidents reviewable as needed by promoter Hawes. Dehoogh’s work behind the video camera this year has provided the raceway and fans with an excellent look at each evening’s activities. Dehoogh remains a vital part of MRP. The disc of MRP 2009 is available from Dehoogh at blackflagracephotos.com.
But, the most important order of business Saturday was to honor the great drivers who competed for the track championship in the 3 primary classes. The first ever 4-time MRP Winged Sprint Car driving championship was secured by Korey Lovell after a furious battle with 3-time champ Brent Dothage in the final races. Lady racer Misty Castleberry parlayed 8 feature event wins and a single DNF into a runaway championship run in the MRP Mini Stock class. “Iron Man” Cort Dozier grabbed the honors in the Brown’s Valley RV/Performance Auto Supply Wingless Warrior Sprint Car Series after fighting off the effects of a vicious flip late in the season (Dozier also finished 3rd in the winged sprint car stats as well).
Howard Law picked up Rookie of the Year honors in the MRP Mini Stock class after a stellar 1st year effort that included two point race victories and an impressive win in the year-ending Gold Fever Open. Jimmy Steward and Garry Burdick were honored with Rookie of the year awards in the MRP Winged Sprint Car class. Steward is a tenacious veteran of sprint car racing, but shined in his 1st season as a winged sprint car chauffer. Steward won the point tussle in the rookie ranks. Burdick was a first timer in the pro sprint car ranks and promoter Hawes thought it appropriate to honor his outstanding 1st year effort. Josh Vieira got the 2009 Most Improved Driver Award for his efforts in the 2009 campaign. Vieira got smoother, faster and more competitive with every lap this year. His first victory is surely just around the corner.
In other MRP news, the work on the turn 3-4 complex is being completed in record time thanks to favorable weather conditions. This observer learned that the new pour for the crash wall should take place soon. Promoter Hawes still talks about new grandstands in turn . Weather and time may be the tale on that one. The big, new concession stand in turn 4 will be completed by opening day.
In the midst of the greatest recession in the last 25 years, MRP had a season that saw record crowds and a supremely successful 2nd ˝ of the season. The Gold Fever Open series that included a three race post-season special for first, Winged Sprint Cars, then the only area post season special event for Wingless Sprint Cars and, finally, the Open Stock Car finale. All of those events played to great crowds with a full compliment of competitors filling the pits.
The annual Racer’s Swap Meet will be staged this Saturday at MRP. Be there early for the best bargains and selection. On January 1st MRP will offer the 3rd Annual New Year’s Day Open Practice. The track will be open all day and every class of racecar is welcome to hot lap and shakedown their equipment.
Note: Please make this observer aware of any names that are misspelled or incorrect. The text is based on information we have at the time of its release.
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