Evergreen Speedway is preparing to host the annual running of the Summer Showdown.
Evergreen Speedway is preparing to host the annual running of the Summer Showdown.

Action Heating Up Ahead Of Summer Showdown

MONROE, Wash. – You know the summer is really here when it’s time for the Evergreen Speedway Summer Showdown and this year the event provides the highpoint for a busy and exciting month of racing. 

First up is a special night on July 10 with the BECU Driver Reunion Night presented by Busch Light. In addition to the driver reunion, the racing on track features Pro Late Models, Super Stock Figure 8s, Mini Stocks, Youth Hornets and Street Stocks. The action continues through the month with the Figure 8 Nationals Presented by Sparkle Wash the following weekend on July 17.

The Summer Showdown presented by Tire Pros takes center stage on July 23-24 with racing on the five-eighths-mile oval featuring pro and super late model events. The event begins with practice and the complimentary dinner and reception on Thursday, July 22. The events on Thursday are sponsored by Central Welding Supply.

A new format for this year sees the Pro Late Models race on Friday, July 23. The winner of the Tire Pros 125 for Pro Late Models will have the option to start at the rear of the field for the Summer Showdown 200 on Saturday, July 24 and have the opportunity to not only win the $25,000 Showdown after picking up $15,000 prize for winning the for the Pro Late Model race, but will they will also win an additional $40,000 bonus making the $80,000 payday one the the richest in short-track racing.

Drivers who finish 2nd and 3rd in the Tire Pros 125 on Friday will also be given the opportunity to start at the rear of the field on Saturday night. Should they place in the top-three in the Summer Showdown they will receive a $10,000 bonus in addition to their Summer Showdown 200 winnings.

Several of Evergreen Speedway’s resident competitors will be among the drivers jockeying for supremacy during the Summer Showdown. Naima Lang leads the Speedway Chevrolet Pro Late Model Series, but has serious rivals in Dawson Cox, Chad Fitzpatrick and Greg Bennett.

Mark Hubbard is 56 points clear of Ted Lingren in the Street Stocks while Colton Price has a similarly healthy lead over Mike Jensen in the BECU Mini Stocks with Cole Rarden currently rounding out the podium placings. 

The Gates open at 2:15 p.m. for Friday’s action at the Summer Showdown and at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.