PLACERVILLE, CA (7-8-12) - This Saturday will be the highest octane night of the season at Placerville Speedway as the evening will pay tribute to the late Mark Forni. At the end of the night a member of the Sprint Car division will proudly hoist he prestigious trophy and a receive a $5000 payday in the 7th annual Mark Forni Classic.

Unlike the past two seasons, this latest version of the Forni Classic has no pre qualification requirements to compete for the highest annual victory at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds track. While the previous versions limited the opportunity to compete to those who had raced at the facility prior the event, this year the bounty is open game and top drivers from throughout California and the Pacific Northwest are expected to converge for the venue that pays homage to the late Mark Forni, a friend of the sport who lost his life far too young in the summer of 2005.

The Forni family has a great history in El Dorado County and deep ties to the El Dorado County Fairground and much of the land on which it sits. Much like his forefathers, Mark Forni had a great passion for the county fair and its attributes, especially the race track. From the time he was a young child and the days when Placerville Speedway was known as "Old Hangtown Speedway," Mark was actively involved with the weekly auto races, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need involved with the sport he loved.

Later in life, Mark continued his contributions to local auto racing, sponsoring many race teams with his business, Forni's Trucking. He later became a member of the El Dorado County Fair Board and focused on the issues regarding the future of the fair and the speedway. Mark Forni believed in working relationships. He understood the importance of race promoters, sponsorships and the one key element for every event to be successful, the spectator.

In November of 2004, Mark was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. During his final months, Mark had the opportunity to say goodbye to friends and family and spend some special moments with his wife and children, a bittersweet time for those who knew and loved him so much. In the summer of 2005, Mark passed away at the early age of 45

For Mark Forni, sprint car racing and his local racetrack were a very special part of his life. It is with great honor that Placerville Speedway and a group of community businesses continue to present the annual Mark Forni Classic. This Saturday, the winner of the sprint car feature will take home a $5000 victory and everyone who starts the A feature is guaranteed a minimum of $300. The added bounty comes courtesy of a number of community businesses that will be announced in the coming days in an additional news release as additional sponsors are still being sought for the stock car divisions.

Saturday's event marks the ninth event in the Red Hawk Casino championship racing season presented by Hoosier Racing Tires, Coors Light and Pepsi Cola. The event will including winged 360 sprint cars, limited late models, pure stocks and the addition of the Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.

Entering Saturday's race, defending champion Andy Forsberg leads the point standings in the winged sprint car division. Greg DeCaires is second in the ranks followed by Cameron Park's Stephen Allard. Jimmy Trulli of Placerville is fourth follow by Elk Grove's Nicole Miller.

In the Limited Late Model division, Matt Micheli of Live Oak leads the standings over Ken Micheli. Marek Bernert of Orangevale is third in the standings over Cameron Park's Jay Norton and Tom Tilford of Citrus Heights.

The Pure Stock division has Orangevale's Matt Tilford remaining undefeated at the top of the point standings. Chris Curtiss of Placerville is second in the ranks over Scott Grunert of Woodland, Dominic Stone of Folsom and Chris Van Roekel of Grass Valley.

Adult tickets are $13 for Saturday and available at the track box office. Seniors and Juniors are $11 while Children are $6. Those five and under will be admitted free. For further information visit www.placervillespeedway.com or call the track office at (916) 783-DIRT.

In the coming days watch our website for additional articles heading into the 7th annual Mark Forni Classic including a look back at the life and career of Mark Forni and a look ahead of who some of the favored drivers who are hungry to win this prestigious race. A limited edition commemorative shirt has been created for Saturday's event and will be for sale at the track until supplies run out as well as a number of drawings and door prizes that will be given away throughout the night.

Fans and competitors are also urged to join Placerville Speedway on Facebook where you can network with fellow fans, drivers and staff in a friendly forum packed with information and future contests. Follow us on twitter as well by finding us at: @pvllspeedway.