Teams Look to Gain Points, Prepare for Outlaws

Posted on 8/27/2009 by -

Different race strategies for teams is the focus Saturday night at Skagit Speedway when the all four divisions of the Foothills Toyota Tundra Racing Series take to the track with only two rounds left in the 2009 championship. Many will focus on capturing feature wins, others gaining points and for some the mission of upsetting and preparing for the incoming World of Outlaws is the priority.


Colton Heath closed the point's lead of Jesse Whitney in the Associated Asphalt 410 division down to 19-points after a feature victory last weekend. Eric Fisher led 22 of the 25 laps almost collecting the elusive win.


Numerous Associated Asphalt 410 division teams will be focusing on next weekend's appearance by the World of Outlaws testing new equipment, different setups, and strategies as they take on the role of local enforcers against the traveling Outlaws.


After setting track records and toppling lap time benchmarks in race conditions Travis Rutz, Dirt Cup champ Jayme Barnes and others hope to gain the advantage when the series arrives.


Rutz set a new track record, previously held by Kasey Kahne, at a time of 11.020 during a qualifying run two weeks ago. Barnes continually dropped his race times into the 10 second bracket on numerous laps.


Budweiser 360 division leader Brock Lemley crashed down the front stretch during the main event last week. Even after the tumble, Lemley still leads Rod Perkins by 100-points in the championship running. Mike Melwicks captured his second main event win of the season with Alan Munn and Evan Funk in contention.


Lyle Woods held off point leader Kelsey Carpenter to win the Cook Road Shell Sportsman Sprint main event last week. Twenty cars entered the division, including Marc Schutte, Michael Bollinger, and Matt Van Der Sys in pursuit of the win. Carpenter's substantial lead in points now shifts other drivers attention to main event wins instead of point racing.


Cory Swatzina holds a slim 51-point lead over Freddie Vela with Wade Swatzina in close third, 55-points behind in the three car battle for the Outlaw Hornet championship. Tyler Ketchum holds the fourth spot with Ashley Lewellen rounding out the top five.


Saturday, Skagit Speedway salutes the men and women of the armed forces during 'Military Appreciation Night at the Races.' Fans with a military ID will receive free, complimentary admission. Events start at 7pm. General admission is $13; juniors ages 7-17 with an adult are only $3. Kids under six are free.


Tickets for the World of Outlaws weekend September 3-5 are on sale now by calling the ticket center 360-724-3567. The weekend starts up Thursday night September 3, when DIRTcar Late Models hit the track for the first time ever. The weekend continues Friday and Saturday with the Sprint Cars of the World of Outlaws.


During the World of Outlaws event, fans are invited to the first 'Hammerdown Corral FanFest' from 1-4pm Saturday September 5, with live music, displays, driver appearances, and events near the main gate and souvenir trailers.


For more information about Skagit Speedway upcoming events, promotions and competition news visit www.skagitspeedway.com or contact the events hotline at 360-724-3567.

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