By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — May 29, 2025
Placerville Speedway will host the inaugural Davy Thomas Memorial – Prelude to the Bradway this Friday night, launching one of the most anticipated weekends in Northern California dirt track racing. The event marks round four of the Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour (SCCT) and serves as a tribute to Davy Thomas, a beloved race fan, crew member, and official who lost his battle with cancer on June 30, 2024, at the age of 33.
Friday’s race offers $4,000 to the winner and $600 to start, making it one of the most lucrative standalone events in SCCT/Civil War Series history. A field of up to 40 Winged Sprint Cars is expected, setting the stage for an action-packed evening ahead of Saturday’s prestigious Bradway Memorial featuring the NARC 410 Sprint Cars.
“Davy was the kind of guy who embodied the spirit of this sport — always in the stands, always smiling, no matter what he was going through,”
said SCCT Director Gary Thomas.
“It’s an honor to carry his name into an event that celebrates everything he loved about racing.”
Special incentives will further fuel Friday’s competition. The Donna Gomez Fast Time Award pays $1,750, while the Gene Freeman Hard Charger Award comes in at $1,550. Non-transfer drivers in the B-Main are guaranteed at least $300, with the first non-transfer earning $450. A $350-to-win Posse Pole Shuffle will replace the traditional Dash, with the winner also receiving a Box of Beef from Fairma Farms.
Fans will also see the Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars competing both Friday and Saturday as the companion division.
Heading into the weekend, Justin Sanders leads the SCCT points standings following a victory last Sunday. Chance Grasty of Suisun City and Max Mittry of Redding round out the top three, followed closely by Colby Copeland and Austin Wood. Drivers such as Bubba Decaires, Dawson Hammes, and Travis Labat are also expected to make a strong showing on Friday.
Ticket Information:
General Admission seating is available Friday, May 30, except for reserved sections for season ticket holders.
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Adults: $25
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Seniors 62+ / Military / Juniors 12–17: $22
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Kids 6–11: $10
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Children 5 and under: Free
Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online: EventSprout Link
Schedule Highlights:
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Pit Gate: 12 p.m.
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Front Gate: 4 p.m.
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Pit Meeting: 4:30 p.m.
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On-Track Action: 5:15 p.m.
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Live Music and Happy Hour until 6 p.m. (Discounted Coors at the beer booth)
Placerville Speedway is located at 100 Placerville Drive, inside the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. More information is available at www.placervillespeedway.com.
As the engines fire up Friday night under the foothill sky, fans will be honoring not just a man, but the spirit of a community member who never let illness silence his love for racing. With high stakes, emotional resonance, and a full house expected, the Davy Thomas Memorial promises to be more than just a race — it’s a celebration of life, passion, and perseverance.
