PLACERVILLE, CA (1-13-11) - The much anticipated schedule has been released for the 2011 racing season at Placerville Speedway by the office of Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated, management group for the quarter-mile clay oval located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

As Placerville Speedway begins its journey towards its 50th anniversary with its 46th year of continuous operation in the Sierra Foothills, the new schedule assembled by promoter Alan Handy features a wide variety of divisions throughout the year during the Red Hawk Casino Championship season presented by Hoosier Tires, Coors Light, Riebes Auto Parts and the Mountain Democrat. This year traditions that have been enjoyed by families will return to the classic bullring along with new additions to the program that are sure to thrill avid race fans and attract new ones.

On Saturday night, March 12th the season opens with a test and tune night for all divisions. One week later the competition begins with the exciting Hoosier Racing Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Series. This 14 race series will make four appearances at Placerville throughout the year, including the championship finale that will crown the champion and close the season on September 24th with the famed Tribute to Al Hinds.

On Saturday, April 2 the weekly Red Hawk Casino Championship Series will begin for Placerville's three weekly divisions including winged 360 cubic inch sprint cars, limited late models and pure stocks. A total of 25 events will complete the full season schedule at Placerville Speedway in 2011. The majority of these events will be point racing events under the sponsorship of Red Hawk Casino. The three weekly divisions will compete for championship point funds in the year to come in excess of $20,000 allocated for the year end payouts for the championship chase.

The weekly program at Placerville Speedway draws great crowds and competitors annually and is just as impressive as the many high caliber events during the season. Such events will include the annual Mark Forni Classic. This annual event pays $5,000 to win in honor of the late long time car owner, sponsor and fair board member.

Once again, for a driver to be eligible to compete on this night they must compete in six previous point races or Civil War races at Placerville Speedway prior to the Forni Classic. For each point race drivers compete in they will be awards one point towards their Mark Forni Classic eligibility. Every driver with six eligibility points prior to the event will be eligible for the high pay off, should he or she claim the victory on July 17th.

A new event that will top the headlines at Placerville in 2011 will be first ever Nationally recognized American Sprint Car Series event to take place on the tight quarter mile. The event will bring the nations' best 360 sprint car drivers together with California's best for two big days of racing for the Gold Country Nationals on July 29th and 30th. This event is just the beginning for Placerville Speedway as the historic speedway makes it's transition to align its rules to that of the popular ASCS tour over the next two years.

Not only will this event bring high octane racing to the foothill speedway with drivers from various areas of the United States, it will also bring increased tourism to the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and the surrounding communities. El Dorado offers a wide variety of tourism attractions ranging from local wine tasting, camping, bed and breakfast's and much more. With two big days of racing in town area hotels, campgrounds and business establishments will enjoy the economical boost the racing community will bring to this great county.

Another high paying event of the year will be the Annual "Tribute to Al Hinds" on Saturday, September 23. This event will be the final Civil War Series race of the year, paying $3000 to the winner. This event pays tribute to the late race promoter that was known for building a relationship between the speedway and the business community shortly after the track opened in 1965. The day includes a huge area car show and free fan bbq with the location to be announced later in the season.

Mountain Democrat Kids night returns to the speedway on Saturday, August 13. This night will feature children's bicycle races and free admission for youngsters. The event will take place in conjunction with the annual Placerville Police Officers Association Destruction Derby that takes place the next day at the fairgrounds. In addition to free admission to the speedway that night, youngsters will also receive complimentary tickets to the annual derby courtesy of the local law enforcement agency.

Throughout the season a variety of guest divisions will join the weekly divisions at Placerville Speedway. Among the list of visiting divisions will be the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Car Series. This year the wingless warriors will compete in three different events at Placerville Speedway in a special point series that includes events at Marysville Raceway Park and Silver Dollar Speedway. Both Handy, MRP Promoter Paul Hawes and Silver Dollar Speedway have come together to promote one of California's most popular divisions with a well rounded campaign.

The Nor Cal Dwarf Cars will return to Placerville Speedway during 2011 for seven events. The Bay Cities Racing Association will bring both their Midget and Midget Lites to the facility throughout the year as well with the traditional Midgets making three overall visits and the Midget Lites making four appearances.

Once of the most exciting nights that the BCRA will be in action is on August 6 when they will share the spotlight with the highly anticipated United States Auto Club (USAC) Western Classic Series. This will mark the inaugural visit to Placerville Speedway for this action packed wingless sprint car series. Handy, working together with Tommy Hunt of USAC over the winter months has brought the USAC name to Placerville's classic red clay bullring for an event that is sure to produce a night of thrills with many top wingless competitors expected to form the roster.

Additional special events during the season will include a night of 410 cubic inch winged sprint car action on Saturday night August 20th as the new Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series will illustrate what it has to offer to the high banks of Placerville. Formerly known as the Golden State Challenge Series this newly formed series will bring the fire breathing 410 sprint cars to the tight oval for a night of great fanfare and open wheel racing. The Nor Cal Dwarf Cars will join the program to form a full night of racing and the duo is always great on stage together.

As the 2011 racing season nears, sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels at Placerville Speedway. Area businesses are welcome to sponsor a night at the races or purchased trackside signage, advertise in the official racing programs and much more. All of these opportunities will offer visibility to more than 20,000 fans and team members throughout the year.

Due to its central location and offerings, Placerville Speedway draws spectators not only from El Dorado County but many of the surrounding areas including Sacramento County, Placer County, Amador County, Nevada, The Pacific Northwest and more. This year, local historians have determined that the one millionth fan will pass through the gates at Placerville Speedway which opened back in 1965 when a local community football field was converted into a speedway to bring one of the greatest spectator sports to a community that continues to welcome it decades later.

For the complete 2011 racing schedule at Placerville Speedway, visit the track's official website at www.placervillespeedway.com. For additional information or sponsorship opportunities contact the track business office at their new phone number (916) 783-DIRT or email them at info@placervillespeedway.com.