Skagit Speedway is set to open its 55th season this Saturday. Here is a season preview.
To help make sense of what looks to be a very exciting season at the three-tenths mile clay oval, I asked Skagit Speedway announcer Kaleb Hart to give me some “insider knowledge” on what to expect. Below are some excerpts from what he had to say, and thanks Kaleb for taking the time to help me out.
Barry Martinez returns to seek his 3rd season championship over 5 years. Has to be the prohibitive favorite coming in considering past experience.
Colton Heath comes back for full season number two in the 410 class. Crew chief Leo Voight and Colton parted ways with Oudman Motorsports over the offseason to start their own venture.
Travis Rutz should be a frequent visitor in a couple different rides, piloting the Rudeen Racing #26 and his own Rutz Racing #8. If he makes all the races, he could easily factor in the championship chase.
Nick Engberg is coming back with all new equipment after his 4th place points finish last year.
Eric Fisher, last year’s 6th place driver showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign and also has a new car for ’09. Veteran Ricky Fauver is teaming with renowned motor guru Bob Reynolds to take a run at the 410 points title as well.
Also, Brock Lemley has reunited with the Kentch Bros to reform their 410 championship team on 2007.
Brian Kirkpatrick returns to defend his first points title in a LOADED 360 class. Both Barry Martinez and Kelsey Carpenter, last year’s Sportsman champ, are doing double duty this year to challenge for the 360 title.
First time I can remember that the 3 open wheel champions have all returned to defend their titles and combined to contest a title.
Top 5 in drivers points all return plus the aforementioned champions. Rod Perkins is back for a full year after injuring his back in early ’08. Lemley is running a 360 for Kentch as well.
Kelsey Carpenter returns with designs on a back to back points championship. What makes Kelsey extra threatening is he got a big time amount of financial backing / product support, so as opposed to previous years when he ran on a limited budget with little spares, he now has new equipment and the ability to replace stuff as necessary.
Marc Schutte is back for his third year of competition with tons of experience (and money) in his pit. He showed flashes last year, and is about as consistent as you’ll find in that class.
Lyle Woods returns to full time duty after about a 3 year hiatus. Should be a threat every week. In my mind, this is a 3 car race although every year it seems like someone surprises me and comes from nowhere to be a factor.
Defending champion Ben Gunderson is going to miss the first month or so of action, making this race even more wide open than usual.
With the claimer rules (eligible for claim if you win 3/5 races or top 3 4/5 races) guys have to be careful as to how well they do. Look for Cory Swatzina, Greg Hibma &Scott Naylor to win a lot of races. Ken Higby should also score a few.
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