Placerville Speedway is set to electrify motorsport fans this August, kicking off the month with its highly anticipated annual “Carnett Clash.” This special racing event, a highlight on the calendar, will feature thrilling action from the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models and Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks, promising an unforgettable night of high-octane auto racing as competitors vie for supremacy on the oval track.
The Carnett Clash serves as a profound tribute to Bryan Carnett, a revered Placerville resident and a long-time fixture in the local racing community. Known for his vibrant personality, generosity, and unwavering passion for stock car racing, Carnett was deeply involved as a racer, owner, and sponsor of both Pure Stocks and Late Models, leaving an indelible mark on the Placerville Speedway for over a decade.
A significant draw of this year’s Carnett Clash, presented by Ford’s Only, is the impressive $500-to-start payout for the Pure Stock main event. While the August 2nd event will operate as a “show up points only” night, it warmly welcomes local track divisions, fostering an inclusive environment for a diverse range of racers and further elevating the competitive spirit of this premier motorsport event.
In addition to the fierce battles in the Ltd. Late Models and Pure Stocks, spectators will also witness the exhilarating performance of the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars and the robust Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks. These divisions add further depth and excitement to the auto racing lineup, showcasing a wide spectrum of vehicles and driving talents at Placerville Speedway.
The Pure Stock division anticipates a dramatic showdown, with Oakley’s Nick Baldwin leading the standings in his quest for a seventh championship at Placerville Speedway. Fresh off his fifth triumph of the season, Baldwin enters the Carnett Clash with significant momentum, aiming to extend his phenomenal campaign and solidify his position at the pinnacle of stock car racing.
The Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models continue to present an incredibly tight championship chase, with Yuba City’s Rod Oliver and Live Oak’s Matt Micheli separated by a mere five points at the top. Oliver, boasting two victories, will be defending his lead against Micheli, who is fiercely determined to secure his first win of the season, making every lap a critical test of skill and strategy in this motorsport event.
Further excitement will emanate from the Mountain Democrat Mini Truck division, where Camino’s rookie sensation Noah Lapoint holds a 13-point lead over Luke Costa, thanks to a remarkably consistent season. Meanwhile, Auburn’s Andy Forsberg, a 76-time Winged Sprint Car winner at Placerville Speedway, is poised to potentially clinch a record 11th Thompson’s Winged 360 title, currently holding an 18-point advantage with only three races remaining in the season.
For fans attending the Carnett Clash on Saturday, August 2nd, grandstand seating will be general admission, with specific reserved seats for season ticket holders. The pit gate opens at noon, followed by the front gate at 4 p.m. A “Hirst Home Team Happy Hour” will run until 6 p.m., offering live music and discounted beverages. The pit meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with cars on track by 5:15 p.m., leading into hot laps, ADCO Driveline qualifying and the much-anticipated main racing events.
