Entry list growing for Saturday shootout at speedway
The fifth annual Short Track Shootout for $10,000 to win at The Madera Speedway on Saturday has attracted its largest entry list of RPM Mortgage Pro Late Models, with nearly 60 cars already confirming tentative registrations.
The 150-lap race will also be broadcast on MAVTV and is joined by the championship finale for the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Models, Lucas Oil Modifieds, and Mini Cups.
More than 400 laps of racing will take place Saturday.
Not only will the Pro Late Model race for $10,000 to win, but the B Main will pay $1,000 to win as well.
Former K&N West champions Mike David and Eric Holmes have dominated the Short Track Shootout. David won the inaugural running, while Holmes has taken on the “Mr. October” moniker with three consecutive victories. This year’s event may be the toughest test yet, however, with the race expanded to 150 laps.
The 2015 Pro Late Model champion, Buddy Shepherd, leads the 2017 series into the race that serves as its season finale as well. Shepherd had been snake bitten by big money races before he won the 125-lap, $5,000 to win “Summer Speedfest” on July 29. Shepherd hopes to seal both the series championship and his career’s biggest win at the Short Track Shootout. Logan Zampa, second in points, and Madera’s all-time winningest driver, Matt Erickson, also would like a taste of a five-figure pay day.
The attention the race has attracted from Southern California is notable with 2017 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national runner-up Trevor Huddleston anchoring a three car High Point Racing assault on the event. Jager Jones, grandson of the legendary Parnelli Jones, along with national top-10 driver Dylan Garner round out the team’s potent lineup.
Veteran Nick Joanides finished third in the 2017 Irwindale points and returns to the Short Track Shootout while fifth in Irwindale points Lawless Alan is making his maiden voyage in the 150-lapper. Late Model rookie Ryan Schartau and veteran Rodney Peacher round out the Irwindale onslaught. Irwindale Spec Late Model champion Robby Hornsby is also expected.
Northern fans will be well-represented too with Canadian Geoff Morris and Idaho transplant Doyal Moen entered.
The Pacific Challenge Series’ winningest driver Jeremy Doss, with 19 career victories and two championships, will return to Madera after winning the August round of the RPM Mortgage series. Doss ran track record times in practice in last year’s Short Track Shootout, but did not run the feature. Third generation driver Ross Strmiska and touring star Blaine Rocha also add to the spice. 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model rookie Hailie Deegan is slated to make her first Pro LM start in a big test for the young lady driver.
The balance of the entry list is nearly every driver who has made a 2017 Madera start in either the televised races or the eight-race Madera Late Model non-televised series. More than 40 local drivers will test their mettle at The Madera Speedway on Saturday.
This includes 2007 Altamont champion Ryan Philpott, three-time ASA Speed Truck champion Joey Licata, Jr., multi-time Madera champion Rick Thompson, four-time MST track champion Kevin Thompson, and many many more.
An open practice kicks off on Friday before a full day of action on Saturday. Friday practice runs from 3-8 p.m. On Saturday, pit gates open at 9 a.m. with practice from 11:30 a.m -1:30 p.m. Qualifying will follow with C Mains and B Mains beginning at 4 p.m. The Mini Cup main will also be during this time. Opening ceremonies are officially at 5:30 p.m. with the 75-lap 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Model championship race, 75-lap Lucas Oil Modified race, and the 150-lap Short Track Shootout for $10K to win for the RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series to follow.
Tickets for Saturday’s race are value priced at just $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, $7 for youth ages 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free.
Madera Racing on MAVTV airs every Thursday night. On Oct. 5, the network will feature the July 29 round No 5 of the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Models. The broadcast beings at 5 p.m. Madera Speedway racing is also available on the LucasOilRacing.TV app.
