PLACERVILLE, CA (4-7-11) - After weeks of wash outs, the much anticipated racing season at Placerville Speedway is set to open at Placerville Speedway this weekend with two big nights of racing. The Red Hawk Casino Championship season begins on Friday night this week followed by a special wingless event on Saturday night.

While the racing action is sure to be thrilling, this double header opener will bring with it two very special people to Placerville Speedway for opening ceremonies this weekend. Lainey Moon, the sensational 11 year old vocalist from Rescue, will present the National Anthem on Friday night. On Saturday night, the beloved Don Wilson, better known as “Pastor Don” will return to the track for a visit all the way from Atoka, Tennessee.

Last season, the racing community was introduced to Moon following her debut at the annual Hangtown Destruction Derby. An aspiring young vocalist, Moon captured the hearts of everyone at Placerville Speedway not only with her spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner but with the amazing story of survival. As of late, her story has entered a whole new chapter and she continues to follow her dream of one day becoming a professional singer.

“I am looking forward to singing at the opener for Placerville Speedway,” said Moon. “It is really an honor for me to be doing this.”

Shortly after Moon was born, Julie and her husband Jeff learned the heartbreaking news of Moon’s ailing health. When she was just three months old, she went in for the first of three major surgeries to have a hole patched in her heart. Moon returned later to have an artificial heart valve installed and finally received a pacemaker to resolve the series of problems.

As of late, Moon has again been faced with complications regarding her condition. She was recently hospitalized for congenital mitral stenosis, primary pulmonary hypertension an atrioventricular blockage and a damaged coronary artery. Lainey will face an additional heart surgery in the future, however, that doesn’t slow the Pleasant Grove Middle School Student down and Placerville Speedway is honored to have her sing the opening anthem.

On Saturday night, another very special person returns to Placerville Speedway. Pastor Don Wilson will make his return to the track after departing two seasons ago when he moved to the Midwest for employment. For several years Wilson became a very special part of Placerville Speedway as he volunteered his chaplain services each week.

A life long race fan, Wilson helped in many areas of the speedway, often assisting with special off track events during the week, sponsorships and more. He has returned to town to visit with family and one of his first priorities was to come back and treat the fans at Placerville Speedway with one of the invocations they have missed so much.

“This is really a pleasure to be able to come back to Placerville Speedway for a visit,” said Wilson. “I have missed the track, the drivers, employees and all the fans so much since I left. Everyone one at the place treated me like family from the first time I met them and I can’t wait to see all of them again. We might even make it up there late Friday night too.”

Friday night will feature Winged 360 sprint cars will be at the top of the race card along with Pure Stocks and the ferocious Dirt Solutions Limited Late Models that will begin a mini series in conjunction with Chico's Silver Dollar Speedway. The Limited Late Models program will be presented by Performance Muffler and Brake in conjunction with Dirt Solutions.

Following the Friday night opener, racing resumes on Saturday night with the exciting Midgets and Midget Lites of the Bay Cities Racing Association in action along with the Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprints Car Series and the Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.

On Friday night, the grandstands at Placerville will open one hour later than normal at 6 p.m. followed by qualifying at 7 and racing at 7:30. On Saturday, the grandstands at will open at 5 p.m. with qualifying beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by heat races at 7. On both nights Adult tickets will be $13, Juniors and Seniors will be $11, Children $6. Those five and under will be admitted for free. All seating at Placerville Speedway is first come-first serve once the grandstands open.

For the complete 2011 racing schedule at Placerville Speedway, visit the track's official website at www.placervillespeedway.com. Race fans are also encouraged to join Placerville Speedway on facebook to interact with other fans, staff and competitors. For additional information contact the track business office at their new phone number (916) 783-DIRT or email them at info@placervillespeedway.com.