2008 DIRT CUP AT SKAGIT SPEEDWAY FEATURES INTRIGUING STORIES

Posted on 6/13/2008 by Kelly Hart -

With the 2008 Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup presented by Camping World RV less than a week away, the storylines keep getting more and more interesting. In more 37 years at Skagit Speedway's signature event, back to back wins have happened only 6 times. Jimmy Boyd in 1976 and 1977. Doug Wolfgang in 1978 and 1979. Jimmy Sills in 1989 and 1990. Randy Hannagan in 1997 and 1998. Kasey Kahne in 2002 and 2003. And Jonathan Allard in 2005 and 2006. It doesn't look like Brandon Wimmer the 2007 champion will be back to defend the title, as weekly series duties as the driver of the 7tw car at Knoxville Raceway will keep him home.


Chasing the $25,000 top prize are former Dirt Cup champions Allard and Brent Kaeding. Kaeding is a 3 time winner of the event and Allard has two under his belt. Kaeding's 3 wins is second most all-time behind Jimmy Sills and his 6 wins. Former champion Ronnie Day has been rumored to be driving the 83jr car, but he is but one of many names floated to possibly be in the Roth Motorsports car for the event.


Another car that no one knows for sure who might be behind the wheel is the 1hd Doyle's Harley Davidson ride. There have been a couple of drivers already this season that have taken the car for a spin, both of whom have other rides. Namely Jason Solwold who will be in the Richard Samaure 39c and Jonathan Allard in Morrie Williams O car.


Local contenders for the title include Solwold, current Skagit point leader Colton Heath, 2005 Skagit 410 champion Barry Martinez, 2007 Skagit 410 champion Brock Lemley and the Rudeen Racing Teammates Travis Rutz and ARCA regular Tayler Malsam.


In addition to Brent Kaeding and Jonathan Allard, the California contingent should include the remainder of the racing Kaeding clan Tim and Bud. Both have won on the Golden State Championship Series this year and Tim has come close a number of times to winning Dirt Cup. Blake Robertson, Evan Suggs one of last years preliminary night winners, Roger Crockett in the 7n car fielded by Roger Henderson, Kyle Hirst, Johnny Gray and Tyler Walker. Mike Henry and Dan Simpson are expected to be first time entrants to the field.


Other locals to watch include Seth Bergman, Henry Van Dam and Mitch Olson. Aaron Fell, Brandon Harkness and Steve Kilcup have been fast as well.


The Canadian contingent is expected also, led by Chris Schmelzle, Jeff Hodgson, Marc Duperron and possibly Tim Gee.


Throw in the wild cards, the true Outlaw 410 Sprint car drivers that just show up at big shows and the 2008 Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup presented by Camping World RV at Skagit Speedway could be one for the ages. They will all be vying for the posted $150,000.00 in prize money, making this one of the richest purses on the West Coast for a Sprint Car event in 2008.


For ticket information call the Speedway phone at 360.724.3567.

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