PLACERVILLE, CA (12-31-09) - At this time of year the phrase "old acquaintance shall be forgot" is common place as we head into a new year in just a matter of days. However, the past racing season at Placerville Speedway was one many race fans and drivers will long remember thanks to the hard work of everyone's hard work and dedication during the 2009 Red Hawk Casino Championship Campaign.

In 2009, the quarter mile clay oval at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds made headlines throughout the nation as one of the most coveted rivalries developed in the track's Pure Stock Division between former track champion Tom Tilford and the newbie to the red clay, Heather Bartlett. This girl vs. boy battle lasted from the opening race of the year until the final lap of the year when Tilford claimed the title by single digits.

While the battle of the sexes stole many of the headlines in 2009, the Limited Late Model Pro Stock division berthed a new track champion as well. The controversial Jerry Bartlett brought his exciting, often criticized, driving style to Placerville and quickly developed a rivalry between former champion Dan Brown Jr. and himself. After a season long, heated rivalry Bartlett claimed the title on the final night of the season.

As the divisions with doors had a great deal of excitement in the title run, the winged sprint cars at Placerville Speedway once again had a season long close run for the track championship. Despite having their share of mechanical woes and mishaps, the veteran championship team owned by John Taylor went down in history as the only owner to win four consecutive titles in the division. Colby Wiesz of Colfax was Taylor's wheelman for the second straight season. Wiesz held off local drivers CJ Humphreys and Scott Russell who rounded out the year with impressive top three finishes.

Handy Racing Promotions would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2009 racing season at Placerville Speedway from the fans in the stands to the men and women behind the wheel each week, thank you for your support. Auto Racing is successful due to its great fan base and family values. Once again, all of you made this past season a huge success.

Thank you to all of our sponsors throughout the year; our new title sponsor, the Red Hawk Casino and Hoosier Racing Tires West. To the many businesses in El Dorado County that provided weekly bonuses and contingency awards to our drivers and our fans, thank you for your support.

In 2009 two patriarchs of the speedway were recognized in separate events, the late Mark Forni was remembered with the annual "Forni Classic" due to the efforts of Chuck Sept and the Forni Family whose dedication is very much appreciated in this annual event.

The annual 'Tribute to Al Hinds" was again a huge success as well as Family Chevrolet of Shingle Springs sponsored this race not only monetarily but with an impressive free car show and bbq that fed more than 500 race fans and brought the community closer to our many drivers in a day that many youngsters will long remember.

Thank You to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, CEO Jody Gray and her staff for all of their support throughout the season. Thank You to all of the track officials and employees for their hard work throughout the season and your enthusiasm to help Handy Racing Promotions succeed in their maiden voyage at the wheel of one of California's oldest dirt tracks and the best Saturday night venue in Northern California.

We wish all of you a joyous new year and look forward to seeing you in 2010. Watch for our official 2010 schedule in then coming weeks at www.placervillespeedway.com.