By Gary Thomas
August 4, 2025 – Placerville, California
As the summer heat peaks, so does the intensity on the quarter-mile clay oval of Placerville Speedway. This Saturday, August 9, the famed track on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds will host Red Hawk Resort + Casino Night—the second-to-last points race of the 2025 season—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Only eight points separate the top four drivers in the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Car standings, making this weekend’s event pivotal in the race for the track championship.
Leading the charge is Modesto’s Tony Gomes, who has delivered a steady campaign behind the wheel of the C&M Motorsports No. 7c, notching two victories and seven top-five finishes. Nipping at his heels is Austin Wood, last year’s Rookie of the Year, just one point back. Wood, driving the CR Wood Motorsports No. 2a, has impressed with speed in qualifying and multiple ADCO Driveline Fast Time Awards—yet is still chasing his first win of the season.
Veteran racer Andy Forsberg, who briefly led the points, suffered a mechanical failure while leading last weekend and now sits tied with Gomes for most top-five finishes. He’s hoping to bounce back in the Pacific Highway Rentals No. 92. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Chance Grasty of Suisun City lurks just eight points behind in fourth, fresh off his first career win during SCCT Speedweek.
“We are getting down to the wire on the season but still have some pretty large events remaining at Placerville Speedway,” said Promoter Scott Russell. “Our entire staff looks forward to Red Hawk Casino Night on Saturday… We hope everybody can make it out and help us finish the season in style.”
In the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Model division, Rod Oliver of Yuba City has stretched his lead to 27 points, looking to claim his first track title. Over in the Red Hawk Casino Pure Stocks, Oakley’s Nick Baldwin continues his dominant streak, targeting a record-setting sixth consecutive title and seventh overall. He currently holds a 35-point advantage over challenger Kevin Jinkerson.
Beyond the championship drama, fans will enjoy a full night of family-friendly entertainment thanks to event sponsor Red Hawk Resort + Casino, located just off Highway 50 in nearby Shingle Springs. Named Sacramento’s Best Casino, Red Hawk now features The Apex, a high-tech arcade and entertainment center with bowling, VR, karting, and more.
Tickets for Saturday’s Red Hawk Casino Night are General Admission—$18 for adults, $16 for seniors, military, and teens (12–17), $8 for kids 6–11, and free for children 5 and under. Advance sales and more details are available at EventSprout.
Gates open at 4:00 p.m., with the pit gate opening at noon, pit meeting at 4:30, and cars on track at 5:15 for hot laps, qualifying, and main events. The Hirst Home Team Happy Hour features live music and discounted beer until 6:00 p.m.
For fans unable to attend in person, CaliDirt.TV will provide live flag-to-flag coverage of the event and every Placerville Speedway points race this season.
Upcoming Events at Placerville Speedway:
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Saturday, August 9: Red Hawk Casino Night (Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, Ltd. Late Models, Dwarf Cars)
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Saturday, August 16: Kubota High Limit Racing 49er Gold Rush Classic (Winged 410 Sprint Cars)
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Saturday, September 6: Pay Dirt Showdown (NARC 410 Sprint Car Series, Nor-Cal Dwarf Cars)
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Saturday, September 13: 20th Annual Forni-Humphreys Classic ($8,500-to-win)
For full schedule, standings, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.placervillespeedway.com or call the track office at (530) 344-7592.
