IMCA sanction returns to Canyon, Winter Challenge Series starts Jan. 24

[Bobby Kimbrough]

IMCA sanction returns to Canyon, Winter Challenge Series starts Jan. 24
PEORIA, Ariz. (Dec. 17) - IMCA sanctioning returns to Canyon Speedway Park in 2009, with Winter Challenge Series action for both the Modified and Southern SportMod divisions.
Modifieds will race for $1,000 to win and a minimum of $100 to start at Jan. 24, 25 and 31, and Feb. 7, 8, and 14 shows. Southern SportMods are on the card for the same dates and again Feb. 21-22 at the Peoria speedplant.
National, ButlerBuilt Western Region and Smiley's Racing Products State, as well as special series points, will be awarded for all eight Modified races. Each feature winner and the overall series champion will be added to the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot.
Southern SportMods vie for national, state and spe cial series points.
Canyon will host the Rotating Right Wild West Modified Tour Southern Series opening doubleheader Feb. 21-22.
The regular IMCA point season at the Doug Gabbard-owned and promoted, 3/8-mile clay oval starts in March and continues on Saturday nights through September.
The former Canyon Raceway had been one of the first tracks in Arizona to sanction its Modified division with IMCA, in 1988. The class was featured during weekly programs, and later in a special Winter Series, through the 2004 season.
"When I came in here, I looked at the future of Canyon and the strengths of this track. I think IMCA contributed to much of its success," said Gabbard, who purchased the facility in June of 2007. "Modifieds are the most successful division as far as car count and fan popularity here and we need to keep it that way. Especially with today's economy, there needs to be a long-term dependable plan for the division and IMCA rules provid e that."
"There is a good base of IMCA drivers here in Arizona," he added, "and they can race here for national and regional recognition."
Eight hundred tons of new clay were added to the racing surface early this year. In addition to catching up on upkeep and maintenance, Gabbard added track preparation equipment, had an irrigation canal replaced with a new well, installed a new electrical generator and designated a new section in the grandstand for families.
Next up will be work on scoreboards and the front straight fence, and improving handicapped accessibility.
Future plans for the 165-acre facility that includes the clay oval call for rebuilding of motocross and sand drag courses, as well as construction of an off-road course.
Pit gates open at 10 a.m. for each Winter Challenge show. Hot laps are at noon and racing will start at 1 p.m.
Entry fee for Winter Series programs is $50 and pit passes are $30. Grandstand ad mission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, and 12 and under get in free.
Canyon's season-ending Desert Classic special will move from November to October in 2009.
More information about the Winter Challenge and the upcoming season at Canyon is available from Gabbard at 602 258-7223 and at the Canyon Speedway Park website.