MORRISON, Colo. (July 7, 2011) – Hundreds of kids took to the track today at Bandimere Speedway for the 2011 Mopar NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals presented by Lucas SlickMist and JR Race Car. The annual event plays hosts to kids ages 8 to 17 years old and their families with competitors in nine categories racing in half-scale dragsters at speeds up to 70 mph on the eighth-mile track in search of both team and individual honors and a share of nearly $100,000 in savings bonds.
Today is day one of the 3-day event which included one time trial run for all competitors. Bandimere Speedway also hosts a number of events leading up to the Western Conference Finals extending the event to a full week of fun activities for all.
Friday’s action will include two time trial runs for all racers, with the final time trial scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Saturday will consist of eliminations and the crowning of champions in the 8 to 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 to 17 year-old age groups as well as the Jr. Comp Champion and the Team Champions from tracks throughout the western United States. Each team is made up of 10 racers.
Six of the nine champions from last year’s event are on the entry list and are looking to double up this year including Colorado racers Sebastian Vennard, Castle Rock, and Victoria Flores, Littleton. Bailey Jones, Wichita, Kan., is looking for his third win in a row, winning the 8-9 year-old championship in 2009 and then the 10 year-old class last year. Joining this group of retuning champions are Keoki Desa, North Las Vegas, Nev; Travis Steffens, Dubuque, Iowa; and Carly Jo Ellingson, Rapid City, S.D.
Gates at Bandimere Speedway open at 7 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. For additional information call Bandimere Speedway (303) 697-6001 or visit www.Bandimere.com. Additional event coverage can be found at http://jrdragster.nhra.com/
