PLACERVILLE, CA (2-15-11) - For the past couple of years, drivers and race teams have been longing for an opportunity to test their brand new machines prior to the start of the racing season at Placerville Speedway. Now, their wish has been granted with the first "play night" in recent history at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds on Saturday night, March 12.

"This is something the teams have wanted for a long time and we have been wanting to put together," said Alan Handy. "With a track located on a fairgrounds we have a limited number of race dates available so it has been difficult in the past. This year, we found a way to make it work and we welcome everyone who is ready to get on track."

On March 12, drivers will be able to take to the track beginning at 5 p.m. and will have the opportunity to test and tune in organized session up until 9 p.m. All divisions are permitted for this evening. Entry fees will be $25 for car and driver. Pit area spectators and crew members will be admitted for $10 each. The grandstands will also be open for family members and fans wishing to watch their favorite drivers practice for the exciting race season to come at one of California's oldest dirt tracks in operation.

One week following the test and tune night, the competition begins at Placerville with the 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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