Dec. 17 – The arrival of Santa Claus was among the schedule activity of the East Bay Raceway Park 2005 season finale, but the weatherman had other ideas. Daylong showers forced the cancellation of the Saturday night racing program and brought the 2005 season to a close.
East Bay Raceway Park will be honoring its top performers at the track’s banquet. Go-Kart racers will be feted on Friday, January 13. The drivers of the 1/3-mile track will receive their awards on the following evening, Saturday, January 14. Tickets for the banquets will be available by calling the track office, beginning Tuesday, December 20.
The 30th annual Winter Nationals will be the next racing events scheduled. The action begins on Thursday, January 26 with the start of three nights of 360 Sprint racing, sanctioned by the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS). Vintage racing will be featured on Sunday, January 29. Non-wing racing returns to East Bay Raceway Park with three nights beginning on January 30. When the non-wing cars vacate the track, open competition 410 action will take place from February 2-4.
A showcase of multiple talented drivers is expected throughout the open wheel portion of the Winter Nationals. For the first time, the Fast Lane Apparel Triple Crown Challenge is being offered. If a driver can win each of the 40-lap features (January 26, February 1 and February 4), that driver will receive a $50,000 bonus. If a driver can win any two of those three, there is a $5,000 bonus.
Winter Nationals racing continues with Lucas Oil Late Models racing for six straight nights from Feb. 6-11 after an open practice on Sunday, Feb. 5. The Team USA Mod Lites make their return to East Bay from Feb. 12-14 with open wheel Modifieds closing off the festivities from February 15-18.
Tickets are available for Winter Nationals with special discounts for the nine nights of open wheel Sprint action. Complete information about Winter Nationals is available by calling the trackj office at (813) 677-7223 or visiting the track website at www.eastbayracewaypark.com.