Placerville Speedway hosts the annual Tilford Tribute this Saturday

The Placerville Speedway is charged up to honor one of the legendary names in its 60-year history, with the annual “Tilford Tribute” taking place this Saturday April 12th.

Divisions attacking the quarter mile during the Tilford Tribute include the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models, the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks and the new West Coast Pro Stocks. It marks point race number three during the Berco Redwood/ Berry Lumber championship campaign.

The event on Saturday honors the late Donnie Tilford, one the most beloved stock car drivers in the history of Placerville Speedway. During his final years Tilford mentored, sponsored, and wrenched for various drivers well past his retirement from driving in 1991. A former Placerville Super Stock champion, Tilford succumbed to heart complications, and passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 58 on March 18, 2014.

“This weekend’s event will be a perfect way to honor one of Placerville Speedway’s great legends,” said track promoter Scott Russell. “We look forward to hosting the show while showcasing our Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stock and Mini Truck divisions, along with welcoming in the West Coast Pro Stocks for the only time this season. We hope everyone can make it out for what should be a tremendous night of racing at the Donnie Tilford Tribute.”

Tilford was known for his long-time residency in Folsom and for helping many other businesses transform from mere dirt into establishments in the area by means of his business, Tilford Excavating and Engineering that was based in the city. Racing his way to countless victories through the decades from tracks close to home like Placerville Speedway and as far away as Australia, Tilford put the city of Folsom on the auto racing map in his days behind the wheel.

Tilford's love was racing Stock Cars on the dirt. He began racing in 1971 at the age of 17 at Placerville Speedway and was a highly successful driver winning numerous open shows, main events and championships. He continues to be the all-time leader in Stock Car victories at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds quarter mile, having claimed 71 checkered flags in the division.

Tickets and Details:

Grandstand seating at the Tilford Tribute will be general admission on Saturday April 12th, except for the reserved seats allocated to season ticket holders that are marked.

Adult tickets cost $18, while seniors 62+, military and juniors 12-17 will be $16. Kids 6-11 cost $8 and those five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online via https://www.eventsprout.com/event/psr041225 

The pit gate will open at noon, with the front gate opening at 4pm. Hirst Home Team Happy Hour is offered until 6pm in the grandstands featuring live music with discounted Coors Light and Coors Original at the beer booth. The pit meeting will be held at 4:30pm with cars on track at 5:15. Hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and racing will follow.

For those who can’t make it to the track, CaliDirt.TV will provide live flag-to-flag coverage of every Placerville Speedway point race this season. The live streaming service also includes each event with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour. Fans can purchase through a cost savings monthly membership or on a per race basis via https://calidirt.tv/

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

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.

Join over 20,000 followers of Placerville Speedway on Facebook, where you can keep abreast of updates for the 2025 season. You can also find Placerville Speedway on X/Twitter by following us https://twitter.com/pvillespeedway - In addition, Placerville Speedway is also on Instagram. Follow us @PvilleSpeedway.

Upcoming events at Placerville Speedway: 

Saturday April 12: Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks and West Coast Pro Stocks | Tilford Tribute

Saturday April 26: Thompson’s Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks and Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars | Sutters Ridge Night by Williams Homes

Friday May 2: Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Ultimate Sprint Car Series | 7th annual Nor*Cal Posse Shootout/ Legends Weekend presented by Berco Redwood

Saturday May 3: Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Ultimate Sprint Car Series | 7th annual Nor*Cal Posse Shootout/ Legends Weekend presented by Berco Redwood