Joe Kopp looking for help with indoor flat-track racing at Fairgrounds
A few years back, Joe Kopp and dozens of volunteers ran a wintertime indoor flat track-racing schedule at the Spokane County Fairgrounds before taking a three-year hiatus. Fairgrounds leaders had been hesitant to offer the indoor facility to Kopp and the racing group due to other needs including horse shows.
Last winter Kopp was able to secure a few dates and once again show the Fairgrounds the value in the indoor motorcycle format. The races were met with success in revenue and participation. Now Kopp is gearing up for a full schedule of racing this winter, but needs volunteers, some equipment and supporters to make the events happen.
“We could use a few things like some hay bales for the corners and such and I could possibly even use another small tractor on race day. If anyone has one they could bring down for the day as that would help make the tear down process much faster.”
People and financial backing will also go a long way towards helping in the new season, Kopp added.
“I’ll also be looking for help to make the show run once again, so if someone would like to help out they’ll need to get ahold of me. We’re also looking for any businesses or persons that want to help support the racing as a sponsor.”
The Winter Indoor Flat Track season kicks off on October 29. Anyone interested in volunteering, divisional rules, schedule or supporting the Fairgrounds Winter Indoor Series as a sponsor can reach Kopp at jkopp43@aol.com.
Busy weekend at SCR
Spokane County Raceway will be busy this weekend as it heads toward season finales in coming weeks for the drag strip, oval and road course. The stars of the NHRA Summit Series return to the drag strip while the oval hosts the biggest names in Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Street Stocks. On the road course, another test and tune session is offered for motorcycle riders and car enthusiasts.
Summit Series Super Pro drivers Jeremy Rieken, Scott Wear and Justin Juel are locked in a tight battle for the season championship with 61 points separating leader Rieken from third-place Juel. While not in the mix for the championship, fourth-place driver Todd Schrock will also be a threat to win Saturday’s final round as he scored his first victory of the season back in August.
Pro division driver James Hornby has built a 33-point lead on his closest challengers, Dave Oien and Mark Jennen, who are tied for second-place. With three races left, Oien and Jennen will be out this weekend to maximize each pass down the strip to score points toward the final standings.
Two points separate Powder Puff drivers Jennifer Pratt and Jenifer Jennings (426 to 424) while third-place Judy Pasher is 21 points back. Like their Pro division counterparts, each pass will need to be carefully planned for all three to score points toward title hopes.
Other Summit Series points leaders include Shannon Hensley (Sportsman), Shayna Nickerson (Jr. Dragster), Austin Jennen (High School Drags) and Raymond Rhoads (Bike/Sled).
Andy Brown leads Kameron McKeehan by five points in Late Model and just four points separate Hobby Stock title contenders Mike and Nick Bellomy. Both series have two races remaining.
Dean Hegal Sr. is closing in on the Street Stock title with his 22-point lead on Kelly Nutter.