Rule changes level Super Stocks field
Published 9:00 pm Friday, April 21, 2006
MONROE – If the weather cooperates, as it’s supposed to, the NASCAR Super Stocks will open their 2006 season tonight at Evergreen Speedway, and the race for the championship could be as competitive as ever.
In an effort to make the division more competitive and affordable, Evergreen changed some of the rules, with an emphasis on the use of crate engines rather than large bore engines. In addition, weight restrictions and restrictor plates should keep the field more evenly matched. Also, the entire field will be inverted at the start of main events, putting the fastest qualifiers in the rear.
The new rules, as well as a busier schedule, should push the top two returning drivers, defending champion Shane Harding and runner-up Jason Fraser. Both are also competing in the NASCAR Elite Division Northwest Series this year. Harding, a Surrey, British Columbia, native, and Snohomish’s Fraser will be among the favorites, but a return by an Evergreen legend should make things interesting. Monroe’s Tom Moriarity, a five-time Super Stock champion, returns after two years of retirement to make a run at a sixth title.
Other top drivers are expected to be Monroe’s Doug Davidson, former Bombers champion Naima Lang of Lynnwood, John Burtsche of Bellevue and Carnation’s Joey Decker. A top rookie to watch is Tacoma’s Matt Barrett, a former Karting and Northwest Legends champion.
The Bombers, Northwest Legends, Mini-Stocks, Stinger 8s, and Super and Extreme Contact Figure Eights also are scheduled to race tonight. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. and racing begins at 7.
Skagit gets under way: After being rained out last week, Skagit Speedway is scheduled to open its season tonight. The track expects one of the largest fields in the 410 Sprint class, with Lynnwood’s Barry Martinez returning to defend his title against the likes of 2004 champion Jesse Whitney – who did not compete last year – as well as Brad Pritchard, Roy Blumenhagen and Marc Huson. Last year’s Sportsman Sprints champion, Steve Parker, moves up to the 410 class, and will be joined by Rick Fauver, Travis Rutz, Jimmy Deitz, Kyle Johnson, John Tharp, Danny Bullock and Travis Jacobson in chasing Martinez.
Defending 360 class champion Brandon Harkness plans to race part-time, leaving open the opportunity for someone to take the title, including 2004 champion Andy Jacobson, 2005 runner-up Martinez and Rod Perkins. Parker will defend his Sportsman title as well against Lyle Woods, Kelsey Carpenter and Robby Vaughn. The Outlaw Hornets also start the season tonight. Gates open at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30.
