PLACERVILLE, Calif. – Set to enter year seven under the Russell Motorsports Inc. banner, the El Dorado County Fairgrounds-based Placerville Speedway has finalized its schedule of events for the upcoming 57th season of competition.
Since opening in 1965 the Placerville Speedway has been a favorite among fans throughout Northern California. Well known for its steep banks, distinctive red clay, loyal fan base and extremely close action, the track is located just 40 minutes up the hill from Sacramento.
The season starts with a test and tune on March 12 followed by the opening point race on Saturday, March 19. That night will launch the first of 16 championship point races presented by longtime speedway partner Hoosier Racing Tires.
Point-awarding divisions will be comprised of winged 360 sprint cars, limited late models, pure stocks and mini trucks. The weekly action, as noted, opens on March 19 and concludes on Aug. 27.
The annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial featuring the Northern Auto Racing Club Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series and the Sprint Car Challenge Tour will hit the Placerville bullring for the second straight season on Saturday, June 11. The top winged sprint car drivers from around the Golden State will grace the red clay for the 31st running of the event in one huge evening of competition.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards will also open their fifth season of action during the Spring Fever Frenzy at Placerville Speedway on Saturday, March 26. The USAC Western States Midgets and BCRA Lightning Sprints round out the card that night.
Placerville Speedway will host the lucrative Carnett Clash this season on Saturday, June 25. With extra sponsorship coming in the pure stock portion of the night will be the highest paying show of the season for the division on the red clay.
The limited late models will also be vying for an elevated purse during the Carnett. More information on the event is forthcoming.
The annual Nor*Cal Posse Shootout returns Labor Day weekend, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4. Winged 360 sprint cars will headline the two-night card with more details to follow as the event gets closer.
The Joe Hunt Magnetos wingless sprints will also be in action each night at the shootout.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will also make its grand return to Placerville Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 17. The 49er Gold Rush Classic marks the 10th ever appearance by the Greatest Show on Dirt and will also feature the Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association.
One of the more anticipated events of the season will be the third running of the Elk Grove Ford Hangtown 100 in November. The USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets will tackle the speedway for three exciting nights of competition on Nov. 17-19. The BCRA/California Lightning Sprints round out the bill each evening.
Other special events that highlight the schedule include the 19th annual Tribute to Al Hinds on April 9, the Tilford Tribute on April 23, John Padjen Kids Bike Night presented by the Mtn. Democrat on May 21, the annual Freedom Fireworks showcase on Monday, July 4, Thompson’s Fan Appreciation Night on Aug. 14, the 17th annual Mark Forni Classic on July 23, Legends Night on Aug. 27.
For more information, visit placervillespeedway.com.
2022 Placerville Speedway schedule
Saturday, March 12: Test and Tune | noon-4pm. Pit Gate Opens at noon. Grandstands are closed
Saturday, March 19: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks
Saturday, March 26: Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards, BCRA Lightning Sprints and USAC Western States Midgets | Spring Fever Frenzy
Saturday, April 2: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints
Saturday, April 9: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks | 19th annual Tribute to Al Hinds
Saturday, April 16: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, BCRA Lightning Sprints and Vintage Hard Tops | Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, April 23: Tri-State Pro Stock Series, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks | Tilford Tribute
Saturday, April 30: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | First Responders Night
Saturday, May 7: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, USAC Western States Midgets, BCRA Lightning Sprints and Mini Trucks | Mother’s Day Madness
Saturday, May 21: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | John Padjen Kids Bike Night
Saturday, June 11: Northern Auto Racing Club Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series and Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards | 31st Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial
Saturday, June 25: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | Carnett Clash
Monday, July 4: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks | Freedom Fireworks
Saturday, July 9: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and BCRA Lightning Sprints
Saturday, July 16: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints
Saturday, July 23: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | 17th annual Mark Forni Classic
Saturday, Aug. 6: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | Coors Light Big Trophy Night
Saturday, Aug. 13: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks and Mini Trucks | Thompson’s Fan Appreciation Night
Saturday, Aug. 27: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, BCRA Lightning Sprints and Vintage Hard Tops | Legends Night
Saturday, Sept. 3: Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints | Nor*Cal Posse Shootout
Sunday, Sept. 4: Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints | Nor*Cal Posse Shootout
Saturday, Sept. 17: World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | 49er Gold Rush Classic
Friday, Sept. 23: Malicious Monster Trucks | Insanity Tour
Saturday, Sept. 24: Malicious Monster Trucks | Insanity Tour
Thursday, Nov. 17: USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets plus Wingless BCRA/ California Lightning Sprints | Hangtown 100
Friday, Nov. 18: USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets plus Wingless BCRA/ California Lightning Sprints | Hangtown 100
Saturday, Nov. 19: USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets plus Wingless BCRA/ California Lightning Sprints | Hangtown 100
Saturday, Dec. 10: Annual Swap Meet 9am-1pm – Pit Gate opens at 8:30am – Rain or Shine Â
Saturday, Dec. 10: Awards Banquet | Night of Champions