Open-wheelers get first taste of new Meridian pavement
MERIDIAN, Idaho — Things will only get faster Saturday at ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway when the open-wheelers are let loose on the new pavement for the Sprintcar Season Opener.
Fans can expect more record-setting laps with the Mtn. Dew Winged Sprints, Pepsi Sprintcars, Mini Stocks and Domino’s Legends tracking to the fresh quarter-mile oval.
Gates open at 4 p.m., racing starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7.50 for senior citizens and military personnel with ID, $6 for children ages 7-11 and free for children 6 and younger.
This weekend marks the first opportunity for many 2009 champions to try out the new blacktop and increased banking, including Legends king Travis Anderson of Boise, Idaho, and hometown hot shoe Johnny Giesler in the Pepsi Sprintcars, which were known as Non-Winged Sprints a year ago.
Giesler and Anderson both hold the track record for the fastest qualifying lap in their divisions, with Giesler running a 13.166-second circuit in 2007 and Anderson touring the track in 15.197 last September. Middleton, Idaho’s Sierra Jackson owns the track record in Winged Sprints with an 11.297 in 2008. All three records are frozen in time, according to track general manager Adam Nelson, who said that with the new configuration a new record book will be written.
Other standout drivers expected to take their first laps of the 2010 season include defending Winged Sprint champion Chris Ratterree of Nampa and reigning Mini Stocks champ Eddie Abels.
For more information, contact Meridian Speedway at (208) 888-2813 or www.meridianspeedway.com.
Meridian Speedway
2010 points standings
After April 17 races
ESI Express ASA Modifieds — 1. Shelby Stroebel, Nampa, Idaho, 85 points; 2. (tie) Jeff Hill, Meridian, Idaho, 78; 3. Jentry Pisca, Nampa, 78; 4. Tom Hill, Eagle, Idaho, 72; 5. Charlie Ham Jr., Kuna, Idaho, 69
NAPA Late Model Sportsman — 1. Dan Buckley, Emmett, Idaho, 91; 2. Dylan Caldwell, Nampa, 82; 3. Jaramie Fuss, Kuna, 68; 4. Dennis Brodigan, Nampa, 53; 5. Dan Lowther, Boise, 51
Project Filter Pro-4s — 1. Kurt Madsen, Harriman, Utah, 92; 2. Kenny Chandler, Boise, 82; 3. John Peterson, Boise, 57; 4. Casey Tillman, Kuna, 54; 5. Tyler Bailey, Middleton, Idaho, 52
CWI PTDS Street Stocks — 1. Melissa Scott, Nampa, 98; 2. (tie) Chad Bess, Nampa, 79; Marv Weaver, Nampa, 79; 4. (tie) Pat Tully, 49; Shawn Hansen, Boise, 49; Nick Lane, Caldwell, Idaho, 49
Tates Hornets — 1. (tie) Danny Canington, Nampa, 61; Art Heath, Nampa, 61; 3. Wes Summers, Nampa, 51; 4. (tie) Cody McCue, 50; David Tankersley, Nampa, 50
