Racing coming back to Fuji Park

With the primary goal of developing youth motorsports, the RPM Group of Nevada will be promoting motorsports at the new Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park.

Included in the venue are youth speedway, speedway sidecars, speedway motorcycles, pee wee speedway, Xtreme motorcycles (ramp style) and econoboxes. The track is American Motorcycle Association sanctioned.

In a move that will surely entice many young and mature riders, General Manager/Promoter Jeb Onweiler is also bringing in Pocket Rocket racing, for pocket bikes. Onweiler is working with Dave Joiner, owner/operator of Fast Fridays Speedway in Auburn, Calif.

"There is a strong interest and need to establish a safe, controlled environment for youngsters to operate these ever-popular motorized vehicles," Onweiler said.

"I also want to thank Roger Moellendorf, Scott Fahrenbruch, Gail Schroeder and Denny Howard from the Carson City Parks and Recreation Department for helping us put this together. The fruits of their efforts will allow race fans in Northern Nevada and Central California to enjoy some thrilling Saturday night Speedway action."

The eight-week racing series is sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers of Northern Nevada, and will share the arena with other activities, such as equine events. The arena will accommodate a temporary 1Ú10-mile dirt track for the four-stroke racing divisions.

"We've decided to allow only four-stroke engines to race so we don't adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood," Onweiler said. "Taking great strides to be as good a neighbor as possible."

Joiner has been in the business since 1982 when he began as a corner marshal (caution flag holder).

"I worked my way up to manager and after several years, was presented with an opportunity to buy the company," Joiner said. "I did do that and have been promoter since 1996.

"We run 48 races each Friday night. Nobody's bored and it appeals to a broad spectrum (of people). We get many compliments saying 'Your crew is fantastic.'"

Joiner will bring an officiating crew to oversee three divisions - top, intermediate and beginners. There is no age limit. Division I is for the most experienced rider; Division II for intermediate and Division III is beginners.

"We have racers from 16 to their 60s," Joiner added. "There is no age limit, they are placed by driving ability.

"Youth speedway begins from ages 8 to 15. Once they hit 15 they go to the adult division. Below that is the peewee, kids racing on mini 50cc bikes for ages 4 to 8. Parents love to see their kids have a good time. I limit it to 30 kids per year. I could have 60 it's so popular."

Joiner expects 30-60 riders to begin the season at Carson City Raceway. Many riders from Fast Fridays will come to Carson City on Saturday.

"Speedway is a niche sport in America," Joiner said. "It's good for the community and will especially help (the sport of) speedway grow. And the community sounds like they're getting behind Jeb. It's an extremely exciting sport."

Checking out the arena Thursday were Bill Hermant, John O'Neill, Tyler Hansen, Guy Jessop and Sean Billenstein. All said they are looking forward to the addition of the Carson City Raceway.

"Most guys run for the money," Hermant said with Jessop agreeing. "It is fun, too."

Hermant explained some of the basics of a speedway bike being; it accelerates from 0-60 mph in three seconds, weighs about 185 pounds, has no brakes or transmission and runs on alcohol, and costs between $15,000-$18,000.

"Some places have a burm, some have a (retaining) wall," O'Neill said. "They can make you stop."

- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

Drivers, Start Your Engines

What: Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park

Where: Fuji Park Arena, Clear Creek Road

When: March 26, Media Day and Open House 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; track live from noon-4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Event Schedule

April 9 Ð Canned Food Night No. 1

May 21 Ð Carson City Clash

July 2 Ð MADD Night

July 30 Ð Law Enforcement Night

Aug. 13 Ð Xtreme Night

Aug. 20 Ð Firefighter Night

Oct. 8 Ð Canned Food Night No. 2

Oct. 22 Ð Sheriff's Department & Season Finale Night

All racing venues include: AMA Speedway, Youth Speedway, Peewee Speedway, Pocket Rockets, Bicycle Races, EconoBox Drags and special events.

Times: Pits open at 5 p.m.; Main gate at 6; Racing starts at 7

Cost: Adults $9; seniors $7; Teens, 13-19, $5; Juniors, 6-12, $3; kids, 5-younger, free

Call: 882-2460

Related Web site: www.fastfridays.com