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Fierce Late Model racers eager to defeat Mother Nature at Silver Dollar

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Photo by Steve La Mothe[/caption]

CHICO, CA (4-26-10) - Before the series of weather related rain-outs struck Silver Dollar Speedway, local racers like Matt Micheli couldn't wait for the green flag to wave at Silver Dollar Speedway as it was announced the Limited Late Models would return to the track on a somewhat regular basis for the first time in nearly a decade. Several weeks and rain outs later, such anticipation is even greater and this Friday night racers are hoping to defeat Mother Nature and bring the thrill of Late Model Stock Car racing to the fans in Chico for the first green flag of the season.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back to racing at Chico," said Micheli, a resident of nearby Live Oak. Micheli raced in the now defunct Limited Sportsman class at Silver Dollar Speedway in the early 90's and later raced in the dirt modified division, winning championship in 1999 and 2000. Like most racers, Micheli has a passion for a certain division and this Friday night he has the opportunity to exercise that passion when the late models finally make their debut in a four division program in Chico.

"I really enjoy the modifieds, but nothing compares to driving one of these cars, they are incredible, now I have a few of them again," said Micheli, prior to his race at Placerville Speedway last weekend. "It's a great class. It's really exciting for the fans and pretty affordable for the competitor. It's growing everywhere with all the exposure it gets with shows like Prelude to the Dream and Speed Channel."

Micheli won't be the only driver bursting with excitement this coming Friday when the division makes its first of seven visits to Silver Dollar Speedway. Look for names like Jerry Bartlett, Thomas Arbogast and even a former racer that is now the promoter of Marysville Raceway Park, Paul Hawes to be in competition in the near future at Silver Dollar Speedway.

"I can't wait to race at Chico again," said Arbogast. Arbogast has piloted dirt modifieds as well as wingless sprint cars. Like Micheli, he too has learned his niche lies within the cockpit of a Limited Late Model. "This is where we want to be, this is where my heart is and where my family's real history is in racing. I really want to thank Alan Handy for bringing this class in at both Placerville and Chico. I think it's gonna grow to be strong at both tracks."

As he announced he would return to the driver's seat fulltime in 2010, Arbogast also announced his company, Dirt Solutions, would sign on to sponsor the division at both Chico and Placerville Speedway. In dirt track racing, drivers are always seeking methods to prevent the collection of dirt and mud on their cars during competition. Dirt Solution's proprietary blend is specially formulated to repel mud from sticking to any surface.

The product has been tested throughout many different forms of dirt track racing and has been used on Sprint Cars, Dirt Late Models, Off Road Trucks, Motor Cross, RC Cars and event at the Bonneville Salt Flats. For further information on the product visit their website at www.thedirtsolution.com.

One driver that will be looking to get his hands on some of Arbogast's complimentary product this Friday night will be Bartlett who resides in Yuba City Known best by his self proclaimed knick name of "Mr. Controversy," Bartlett is looking forward to having a few more race dates closer to home and the high banks of Silver Dollar Speedway are the perfect place for his ragged edge "win it or wear it" driving style that is almost as fast as the witty dialogue he dishes out to his many rivals.

"Mr. Controversy is ready for Chico this year," said Bartlett, shortly after the announcement the division was being added to the season schedule. "I can finally have the opportunity to race with Paul Hawes again. He's taken his share of wins away from me through the years as a promoter so now it's my turn to take one away on the track. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Friday night racing action returns to Silver Dollar Speedway in a big fashion with four divisions of racing. Along with the Limited Late Models will be the firebreathing 410 Sprint Cars, Street Stocks and Dirt Modifieds in the season opener for the championship season presented by Feather Falls Casino, Hoosier Tires, Riebes Auto Parts, Coors Light and Pepsi Cola. Watch for additional news on the returning division throughout the week at www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

Silver Dollar Speedway has been home to auto racing on the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico since 1962. The track is located at 2357 Fair Street in Chico, California, 95928, approximately one half mile southwest from Highway 99. For additional information visit the tracks official website. Race fans can also receive news updates via twitter by signing up at www.twitter.com/sdspeedway where up to the minute announcements can be sent directly to your computer or cell phone via text.

On Friday night the gates to Silver Dollar Speedway will open at 6 p.m. with racing beginning at 7 p.m. Adult tickets will be $12.00, juniors and seniors $10.00 and Children will be $5. Silver Dollar Speedway is a great source of entertainment for all ages. The facility is promoted by friends and family and patronized by friends and family. This Friday night, join the family and the fun. For complete information on all of the racing action on Friday night visit the track's official website at www.silverdollarspeedway.com

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