PLACERVILLE, CA (4-7-11) - The track is ready to go, the bare hot dogs are waiting to be submerged in hot batter, the popcorn is stocked and the flagman is polishing his dancing shoes for the opening weekend of Placerville Speedway's 2011 racing season. The quarter-mile clay oval at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds will come to life this Friday and Saturday night with a double header if defense of Mother Nature's recent wrath of cancellations.

While Placerville Speedway produces some of the most exciting dirt track racing in Northern California, the facility is home to more that just the competition. The place known as "Old Hangtown" is one of the few tracks that hosts a great amount of fan interaction throughout the season, Much of this can be attributed to the loveable veteran flagman, Ed Entz of Lincoln who goes above and beyond his assigned role.

Over the past few years, Entz has taken great pride in interacting with the spectators at Placerville Speedway during down time between nightly races. When it comes to busting a move, Entz is not shy and is known for getting involved with the fans as they enjoy themselves weekly with crazy antics such as the famed "YMCA" that is performed in stadiums across the nation, the "wave" and more.

"Saturday nights at Placerville is like a new movie release coming out every week, so many people look forward to it," said Entz. "As you know we have the best fans around and that couldn't be done without the collaboration of the announcing from Bill (Sullivan) and the colorful dancing flagman. We're a team that gets the fans of all ages involved in between some of the best dirt track racing on the West Coast. We give the fans a great bang for their buck."

One of the events that is living proof how the fans adore Entz is the "hug your flagman night" at Placerville Speedway that has taken place at the conclusion of the season. This impromptu event started by a group of fans two years ago has grown into something they all look forward to. Last year more than 700 fans lined up to hug the official that is more popular than NASCAR's Digger character or Tickle Me Elmo.

“I have been to numerous other tracks and the fans here are the best," added Entz. " They love what they come to see and love being part of it. I actually get geared up for a night of racing and entertaining the fans early on Saturdays, wondering what Bill will pull out of his bag of trucks and how the crowd will react to whatever we spring on them."

While the dynamic duo that is a pale comparison to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis will return this weekend, there will be a handful of nights during the 2011 season where Entz will have a new dance partner. Veteran Northern California announcer Tim Gilbert will takeover the microphone on select nights this year at Placerville when Sullivan is absent to travel with the NASCAR Richard Childress Development Racing West team he works for as a team publicist. Gilbert brings a great deal of experience to the booth and a fun personality as well. This will mark the first time he has ever announced at a track with a dancing flagman on staff.

"I don’t know Tim or his style, but filling Bill's shoes won't be easy, we have chemistry and that’s what makes it happen. I've flagged at other places where the announcer has his own agenda and it usually doesn't include the crowd unless it was to answer some dumb question for a T-shirt. Tim better step up his games and put his dancing shoes on to come play in the sandbox with me. I'm sure he will jump right in."

As Entz jokingly challenges Placerville's new addition to join his antics, Gilbert is ready for the call. He has already been working with Sullivan to insure he has all of the required tunes to meet Entz contract agreements set forth by his talent agent and will him pleased during the show. The two will have their first night alone together on April 16th.

"When I was asked to fill in I knew I would see the usual characters on the track, but now I've been warned," said Gilbert. "There is a cast of characters to watch off the track at Placerville as well and the best show in town seems to be from the flag stand."

In his years of experience, Gilbert agrees that the entertainment factor is important in today's sport. It is a factor that is important for both the fans and the employees during the night.

"A flagman has to keep so much on his brain it is only natural to have a release during the night wearing funny sox and such. But to lead the entire crowd dancing his way through the night puts a family spin on what be a serious business while the night progress. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action."

This season will mark the first time in over a decade that Sullivan will be absent on select nights during the year due to his other commitment. Regarding the two new dancing partners, he summed it up pretty simple."

"Van Halen did just fine when David Le Roth left and Three's Company went on for years with three different Chrissy's," joked Sullivan. "These two will do just fine and I’m sure after a few dates the chemistry will come and their relationship will flourish.”

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.