By Gary Thomas
Placerville, CA…The Placerville Speedway is locked and loaded to wrap up the month of June this Saturday night with the annual running of the “Bryan Carnett Clash,” which begins five consecutive weekends of racing at the facility.
Carnett was a true fan of the stock car divisions at Placerville Speedway while racing, owning and sponsoring both Pure Stocks and Limited Late Models throughout the decade he spent at the track. Because of that and thanks to the support of several gracious individuals and companies, extra money will be on the line for both the Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks on Saturday. Rounding out the bill are the Thompson’s Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Dwarf Cars and Vintage Hard Tops.
“Placerville Speedway has always been our home track and I am thrilled that Scott Russell and Kami Arnold were willing to host the Carnett Clash once again,” said Forryst Carnett, son of the late Bryan Carnett. “I am hoping we can build upon the success we’ve had in previous years and have another exciting night of racing, which is the best way to remember the competitive spirit of my dad. I am incredibly grateful to Placerville Speedway, all of our friends at the track and my family who all work hard to make this night a reality.”
The Ltd. Late Model main event will hand out a cool $2,500-to-win on Saturday, while the Pure Stock feature dishes out $1,200-to-win thanks to the backing of Ford’s Only, Murphy’s Concrete, Street to Sand Off-Road and Performance, Lightfoot Automotive, Dirt Solution and O’Neill’s Rods and Racing. Country Lube Auto Repair has also come on board the Ltd. Late Model portion to not only boost the winners share, but second place will now pay $1,500 and third will receive $1,000.
Ford’s Only has also offered up a $500 prize to a mystery spot outside the top-five in the Pure Stock class. Going into the Carnett Clash on Saturday it’s a dogfight atop the Ltd. Late Model standings, with the top-three separated by only 12-points. Auburn’s Ray Trimble has a pair of wins and leads fellow two-time victor this year Tyler Lightfoot by seven-markers. Diamond Springs gasser Dan Jinkerson ranks third and will look to close the gap even more this weekend. Orangevale’s Tom Tilford and Vacaville’s Paul Gugliomni round out the top-five.
On the Pure Stock side of things Oakley’s Nick Baldwin has been a dominant force thus far, accumulating four wins in the eight events held. Diamond Springs’ Kevin Jinkerson has also captured a pair of wins and like Baldwin, has finished among the top-five at each race. He heads into Saturday 16-points back of Baldwin for the top spot. Placerville’s Jonny Walsh, Cameron Park’s Stephanie Hanson and Dan Jinkerson make up the top-five.
Sebastopol’s Joel Myers Jr. brings a 28-point lead over Auburn’s Andy Forsberg into the eighth race of the season for the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars. Placerville’s Andy Gregg, Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick and Placerville’s Shane Hopkins comprise the top-five. This Saturday’s outing begins a busy stretch over the next couple months for the Winged Sprinters.
The action-packed event also welcomes in the popular Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association and Vintage Hard Tops. Both divisions routinely put on a solid show, are always a fan favorite and will be part of a big night to finish off the month of June. We are also pleased to welcome back price discounts for seniors, military, juniors and children along with walk up ticket sales at the gate.
Adult tickets this Saturday will cost $15, while seniors 62 plus, military and juniors 12-17 will be $13, children 6-11 are $6, kids five and under are free! Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at https://www.universe.com/embed2/events/2021-placerville-speedway-pts-race-10-the-carnett-clash-tickets-placerville-6YF25V
The pit gate will open at noon this Saturday, with the front grandstand gate opening at 3pm. Happy Hour is offered from 4-6pm in the grandstands featuring discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:30pm with cars on track at 5. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow.
The Placerville Speedway is located on the beautiful El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California. Take Hwy US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit. Then go north on Placerville Drive to the Fairgrounds. The physical address is 100 Placerville Dr., Placerville, CA 95667. For more information on the Placerville Speedway log onto http://www.placervillespeedway.com
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The quarter-mile clay oval is operated by Russell Motorsports Incorporated, which can be reached at the track business office at 530-344-7592. Contact Kami Arnold or Scott Russell directly for sponsorship opportunities at the office.
Upcoming events at Placerville Speedway:
Saturday June 26: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks, Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars and Vintage Hard Tops | Carnett Clash
Sunday July 4: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks | Freedom Fireworks
Saturday July 10: USAC West Coast Wingless 360 Sprint Cars, USAC Western States Midgets, Van De Pol Western RaceSaver Sprints and Wingless BCRA Lightning Sprints | Gold Dust Fever