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West Valley City, Utah-May 3, 2013. Entering its 17th season of racing, in West Valley City, Rocky Mountain Raceways' season opener will be Saturday, May 4. The 95 acre motorsports facility houses the 3/8 mile America First Credit Union Super Oval, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) ¼ mile drag strip, and the RMR Motocross Park.
"The 2013 racing season is full of exciting events that will attract competitors and fans to Utah. This year our focus is family-friendly entertainment. I can say with confidence that the 2013 schedule is the strongest we have ever had at this venue." says Mike Eames, Rocky Mountain Raceways General Manager.
On the America First Credit Union Super Oval, an ASA Member Track, the Double Decker class will make its Utah debut on May 18. This European style of entertainment racing consists of two cars welded on top of each other. The bottom car controls the gas and the brakes. The top car controls the steering. With no radio communication between the drivers, the towering vehicles will navigate RMR's short track oval in a new track configuration each night.
"We cater to die-hard racing fans but we also understand the importance of attracting new fans and entertaining our guests. We believe that the Double Decker's will be a class that will become an instant fan favorite." says Eames.
After the successful debut of Horsepower Heaven in 2012, Rocky Mountain Raceways will continue the dual-track event. On Saturday, May 11, fans can get a taste of both the America First Credit Union Super Oval and the NHRA drag strip on the same night. This unique racing event is achievable because of Rocky Mountain Raceways' unique back-to-back grandstand seating, which allows guests to easily move between both tracks.
A second figure-8 trailer race has been added to the schedule for Horsepower Heaven. This legendary crowd-favorite marries the concept of demolition derbies and figure-8 racing to create a show of mayhem and destruction. The historical Doomsday of Destruction event will host the second figure-8 trailer race of the season on Monday, September 2.
The Lucas Oil Modifieds will also make their Utah debut at Rocky Mountain Raceways on Saturday, June 15. This travelling, open-wheeled series draws racers from across the western United States. Utah's local Maverik Modified racers will have the opportunity to race with the series at Rocky Mountain Raceways.
Rocky Mountain Raceways has created a new event geared toward winged sprint cars on Saturday, September 14. The big-purse race will celebrate the rich history and power of winged sprint cars. "The event will have the biggest Sprint Car purse in the Western United States. We are hoping to attract 30+ cars from throughout the country," says Eames.
The NHRA Summer Send Off on Rocky Mountain Raceways' ¼ mile drag strip will celebrate the history and nostalgia of early dragsters and funny cars. The NHRA Summer Send Off event will also include a big-money bracket race that is open to any type of drag car; attracting top drag racers from across the western United States.
Rocky Mountain Raceways will be hosting a NHRA Lucas Oil Divisional Race in conjunction with the Night of Fire jet car show on Saturday, September 28. "This event is part of the seven-race Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series that travels to the Division 7 drag strips across the western United States," says Ron Craft, Rocky Mountain Raceways Drag Strip Manager.
"This will draw top drag racing teams to the great state of Utah to compete for division championship points." The last time Utah hosted a NHRA divisional drag race was in 2000, with more than 300 vehicles at Rocky Mountain Raceways.
The Young Subaru Midnight Drag events scheduled throughout the summer will provide everyday hobbyists and the general public with a chance to test themselves and their vehicles on the ¼ mile drag strip. "This is a safe, controlled environment where anybody can experience what it is like to race down the drag strip," says Craft.
Rocky Mountain Raceways' Motocross Park has its own series where youth can experience what it is like to race on motocross track. Entering its second year hosting the Edge Powersports Mini MX League, Rocky Mountain Raceways' encourages families to bring youth interested in competitive motocross racing. The league is focused on creating a safe, welcoming place where the public can bring youth (ages 4-15) to learn how to race on dirt bikes and 4-wheelers. "We created the Edge Powersports Mini MX League for any ability of rider. We have seen the bike count double this year and we are excited to welcome all of the new faces to the league," says Curt Stewart, Motocross Manager.
With the help of track designer, Hubert Rowland, Stewart completely transformed Rocky Mountain Raceways' motocross track. "This design will appeal to racers and spectators. Fans can see every part of the action from beginning to end," says Stewart. "The track includes different styles of turns, table tops, elevation changes, and a few bigger jumps that are safe for all skill levels."
At the end of the 2013 season, Stewart will take his creative design skills to create the Ultimate Moto Challenge course. This October motocross race will challenge the most experienced rider with obstacles and terrain. The Ultimate Moto Challenge Course will utilize all three of Rocky Mountain Raceways' tracks. "This is a great way to end the motocross season and get racers excited for next season," says Stewart.
