Marysville (CA) Hosts First Round Civil War

CALIFORNIA SPRINT CAR CIVIL WAR RACE SERIES Despite El Nino's threats, Civil War Series will open March 21 at Marysville MARYSVILLE, CA (3-10-98) - Even though El Nino has dumped significant amounts of rainfall on the valley floor, the season opener of the California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series scheduled for Saturday, March 21 at Twin Cities Speedway in Marysville will take place, according to track promoter Marlyn Hall last week. Just a few weeks ago, one would have never imagined that any motorsports activity, with the exception of watercraft, would be taking place soon on the 1/4 mile clay oval located in the heart of California's central farm community. But much like they did last season, the operators of this weather targeted facility have worked extra hours to insure a quality racing surface for next week's opener for California's premier race series for Limited "360" powered sprint cars. "Believe it or not, the track is in better shape than it was last year at this time," said Hall. "A couple of weeks ago much of it was underwater but that's all been pumped out now and we're in good shape. As long as we don't have anymore significant rain we'll be o.k." The 1998 California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series features limited "360" sprint cars in 13 events at four different California Speedway's spanning the Sierra Foothills to the California coastal range between March and October. In addition to cash winnings for each event, this competitive series, one that has recently grown astronomically in popularity among both racers and spectators, offers accumulative points to drivers for each event towards the coveted Civil War championship at the conclusion of the series, a title that is rarely determined until the final checkered flag waves. Nearly 50 competitors are expected to converge on the grounds of Twin Cities Speedway next Saturday, each of them looking to get an early start on the 1998 campaign which features an improved points program and an increase purse of $10,045. The winner of the A-main will receive $1500 of that overall amount with $200 going to each driver who merely starts the 30-lap feature. Topping the entry list for Saturday's event will be defending two-time Civil War champion Glenn Boune of Elk Grove. Boune, piloting the #44 machine owned by Joe and Carol Klingensmith that led him to victory in the season opener last year and a total of three series wins will begin his quest to become the first driver to claim three Civil War championships. The only other driver to claim two titles is Elk Grove's Kevin Urton who claimed titles in series competition in 1993 and 1995. Drivers who are expected to challenge Boune for the 1998 campaign include David Robinson Jr. of Loomis. Last season, Robinson closed the gap between he and Boune in the series point standings with back to back wins in the final two events at Placerville Speedway and Marysville. Roseville's Jeff Young a Marysville track champion, who ranked third overall last year is also expected to compete along with Grass Valley racer Mark Hall, another driver who is no stranger to victory circle at Twin Cities. Additional drivers expected include Chad Riolo of Roseville, Rio Linda resident Rich Tiner, Roger Crockett, Stephen Allard, Ray Rust and Andy Forsberg, all of which finished in the top ten point standings in the 1998 series. Action is set to begin on March 21 with the pit gate opening at 3:30 p.m. activity is expected to begin at 6:30 with time trials followed by racing at 7:30. Tickets will be available at the gate. Adult tickets will be $12, juniors & seniors will be $9, children $4 and under five will be admitted for free. For any further information on this event please contact the office of Twin Cities Speedway at (530) 265-9576 or the office of John Padjen Motorsports at (916) 969-7484.