PLACERVILLE, Calif. — One of Northern California’s most enduring dirt-track traditions returns this weekend with a special salute to the fans who have supported it for generations.
Placerville Speedway will host its annual Thompson’s Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, June 27, offering grandstand admission for just $5. The event takes place at the speedway located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and serves as both a celebration of race fans and a pivotal night in the track’s 2026 championship chase.
“Throughout the years Placerville Speedway has been known for having some of the most loyal fans in Northern California,” the speedway said in its event announcement. “As a special thank you to our dedicated patrons, grandstand tickets will be just $5.”
The evening will also serve as the makeup date for Big Trophy Night, which was postponed by rain earlier this season. As tradition dictates, winners of all four main events will take home the event’s iconic six-foot-tall perpetual trophies.
Fans can expect a full slate of racing featuring the Thompson’s Family of Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Mountain Democrat Mini Trucks.
Championship Races Tighten
After a week off during the El Dorado County Fair, racing returns to the famed red clay oval for what could be one of the most consequential stretches of the season.
The Winged 360 Sprint Car championship battle remains exceptionally close. Just 15 points separate leaders Justyn Cox, Jake Morgan and Andy Forsberg entering Saturday’s action.
Cox has recorded four top-five finishes in five events this season, including a victory on May 9. Morgan earned his first sprint car victory of the year during the most recent race after making a dramatic final-corner pass. Forsberg, a perennial contender and multiple-time champion, leads the division with two wins despite suffering a did-not-finish result in the last event.
In the Kings Meats Ltd. Late Models, defending champion Rod Oliver of Yuba City carries a 19-point advantage over Paul Gugliomoni. Saturday’s race is also part of the Xtreme Ltd. Late Model Series schedule.
The Pure Stock division has been dominated by seven-time track champion Nick Baldwin, who has captured four victories this season and enters the weekend with a 31-point lead over Wayne Trimble.
Meanwhile, Noah LaPoint holds a narrow seven-point edge over Brian Tremblay in the Mountain Democrat Mini Truck standings, setting up another closely contested championship battle.
Family Activities Planned Before Racing
Race fans arriving early will find more than just cars on the track.
Hirst Home Team will sponsor a pre-race Coors Light and Coors Banquet Happy Hour featuring live music until 6 p.m. A magician and face painter are also scheduled to entertain younger fans before racing begins.
The Speedway Café will offer its popular menu, including the venue’s featured “$6 Kings Meats Cheeseburger Recession Special.”
Event Information
Grandstand seating will be general admission, except for reserved seats designated for season ticket holders.
The pit gate opens at noon, while the front gate opens at 4 p.m. Hot laps and qualifying begin at 5:15 p.m., followed by racing.
Placerville Speedway is located at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville.
Fans unable to attend in person can watch live coverage through CaliDirt.TV, which is streaming every Placerville Speedway points race and Sprint Car Challenge Tour event this season.
For El Dorado County residents, Saturday’s event represents one of the most affordable family entertainment options of the summer, while also marking a critical point in several championship campaigns as the speedway enters its busiest stretch of the season.
Additional event details and ticket information are available through the official website of Placerville Speedway. Tickets may also be purchased through EventSprout Ticketing.
Source: Event information provided by Placerville Speedway.
