Talented field for tomorrow’s King of the West

Placerville Speedway plays host Saturday to the 13th round of action for the Cancen Oil King of the West Sprints Series presented by Goodyear.

The Placerville Speedway is also known for having some of the most loyal and vocal fans seen in Northern California auto racing.

“The fans at Placerville are always great and really get into the racing,” said King of the West Operations Manager George Hague. “They all have their local favorites and it’s a lot of fun to see so many people that love sprint car racing. The track itself is as action-packed as it gets. Any time you are turning low 10-second laps you know it’s going to be wild.”

National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Jimmy Sills returns to competition Saturday and will also sign autographs when the front gate opens so be sure and get to the track early.

Last week’s winner Kyle Hirst will be on hand looking to make it back-to-back. Leading the Cancen Oil KWS Series is two-time Golden State 410 champion Jonathan Allard. With three wins, Allard will be a strong contender.

Co-Placerville Speedway track record holder Evan Suggs comes in ranked second in the series, locked in a tight battle with National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Brent Kaeding, who sits just 10-points back in the third spot.

1982 Placerville Speedway Rookie of the Year Bobby McMahan comes into his home track fourth in the KWS standings. Looking to move into the top-five for the first time this season will be Peter Murphy, ranked sixth.

Former Golden State 410 champ Jason Statler will be searching for his first win of the year and hot on his heels is Willie Croft.

Local favorite Andy Gregg will be another one looking to find victory lane for the first time this year on Saturday at his home track. Rounding out the top-10 is Craig Stidham.

Multiple-time Placerville Speedway track champion Andy Forsberg will be gunning for his first 410 victory at the track he calls home. “Mr. Excitement” scored a third place finish with KWS in Chico on June 8. Former Golden State champ Sean Becker will also be on hand.

Fremont’s Shane Golobic has had a strong season thus far and looks to continue. Other drivers expected  include three-time Placerville track champion Doug Gandy, Justin Sanders, Chad Compton, Tyler Wolf, Cody Lamar, Danielle Simpson, Pat Harvey and more.

Also in action during the night will be the mighty BCRA Midgets and at least three drivers: Golobic,  Forsberg and Becker are expected to pull double duty.

The front grandstand gate will be open at 5 p.m. Hot laps are scheduled for 6 with qualifying at 6:30 and racing anticipated to start around 7 p.m. Adult tickets cost $20, seniors will be $16, juniors $12 and children $6. All seating is general admission and fans are encouraged to get there early.