Skagit Speedway Jim Raper Dirt Cup preview

2005 JIM RAPER DIRT CUP THIS WEEKEND AT SKAGIT SPEEDWAY

In 1972 the best drivers from all over the country converged on the 3/10th's mile clay oval carved in the hillside in Alger, Washington for the first annual Dirt Cup. Jim Raper wanted an open wheel show with a big purse that would attract drivers from all over to race for the Skagit Speedway fans.

Now 34 years later, the race known as the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup has become one of the premiere Open Competition Sprint Car race on the West Coast. The Dirt Cup features a $135,000.00 purse and pays out $25,000.00 to the Saturday night winner. The three day event draws 20,000 fans from across the US and drivers coming from all over the U.S., Canada and even Australia.

Past winners expected to compete at this years event include three time winner Brent Kaeding of Campbell, CA and two time winner Steve Kent of Fresno, CA along with single event winners Ronnie Day and Kevin Pylant. Local favorites Marc Huson from Clear Lake, Barry Martinez from Everett and Travis Rutz from British Columbia are all scheduled to appear as well.

Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup - Past Champions

1972 ... Ross Fontes

1973 ... Gary Patterson

1974 ... Jimmy Sills

1975 ... Jan Opperman

1976/77 ... Jimmy Boyd

1978/79 ... Doug Wolfgang

1980 ... Jimmy Sills

1981 ... Leeland McSpadden

1982 ... Jimmy Boyd

1983 ... Tim Green

1984 ... Leeland McSpadden

1985 ... Jimmy Sills

1986 ... Tim Green

1987 ... Jimmy Sills

1988 ... Jeff Swindell

1989/90 ... Jimmy Sills

1991 ... Brent Kaeding

1992 ... Bobby Burrow

1993 ... Tim Green

1994 ... Steve Kent

1995 ... Kevin Pylant

1996 ... Brent Kaeding

1997/98 ... Randy Hannigan

1999 ... Brent Kaeding

2000 ... Ronnie Day

2001 ... Steve Kent

2002/03 ... Kasey Kahne

2004 ... Shane Stewart

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