Legends return for racing finale at Silver State Raceway

Legends race cars return to Silver State Raceway Saturday for the track's season finale.

A $10,000 purse will be paid out if a 40-car count is reached in their class. The winner is guaranteed $1,000, regardless of car count and INEX (sanctioning body) rules will apply. The race is sponsored by Traveler's RV and Landmark Homes.

In addition to the Legends 60-lap feature is the late model sportsman's Nevada Days 100, a 100-lap open comp main event and twin-25s race for the maverick class.

Race fans are encouraged to bring a blanket and bundle up with some hot chocolate, coffee or refreshment of choice. Whatever it takes, fans won't want to miss the last chance to see drivers in three divisions vying for big bucks and bragging rights as they give it their all in the last race of the year.

Open practice will be held Friday afternoon, which is free and open to the public. Saturday's qualifying will begin earlier than normal, in hopes of completing all races before 11 p.m.

"At this point we're expecting about 20 Legends cars, but that could change," said Robert Kline, who obtained the sponsorship from Landmark Homes and Traveler's RV for the show.

"We have contingency sponsors in addition to the main sponsors. They have added to the prize and cash funds. Regardless of car count, this will be a good show."

South Lake Tahoe driver Jim Klopp broke the Legends track record last year with a 14.83 qualifying lap, winning $50 in the process. Fast-qualifier this year will receive $150. Fast-qualifier for the sportsman will win $50, the maverick fast-qualifier will also receive a prize. D.J. Krentz is defending champion of the Best in the West Legends Shootout.

"It looks like we've got the usual drivers that visit for our open comp races," said track owner Larry Burton. "Melissa Davis, the usual gang from Roseville (Calif.), should be a good race for the season closer, if the weather doesn't scare the fans off.

"It's kinda funny. They love racing, but won't brave the cold. Not like football fans. They'll sit through blizzards to watch their team. We'll see if they come out Saturday. I hope so."

Also, California Highway Patrol officer Ron Gleason will present a new program designed to involve high school students called TAD 57 - Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug Free.

Not associated with the DARE program, Gleason has obtained sponsorship for cars to be donated to area high schools for students to put into operation under the program's guidelines. The students then take the cars to area elementary schools, where the elder students teach the program to the younger ones.

"This gives high school students a hands-on opportunity to actually put the car together, fix it up, and share their knowledge about staying tobacco, alcohol and drug free with the younger kids," said Gleason, who was voted CHP Officer of the Year in 1999.

More than $8,000 of Gleason's own money has gone into the program. He has received grants from Alpine County totaling $6,500, from the tobacco settlement account. Sponsor of the program include Steve's Transmission, Kragen Auto Parts, Carquest Parts Depot, Signs of Tahoe and Sierra Tahoe Ski Resort.

"We've got girls as well as boys involved. We'll show the car at Silver State Raceway Saturday, and explain to the audience the program and how they can get involved."