Back to the 50's next for PHRA
Andrew Kunas
BANKS, Ore. - It's that time of the year again for the PHRA Dwarf Cars, who will take to Sunset Speedway Park for two days of action in the annual Back to the 50's Classic.
Unlike prior years when it was a single day event, this year's Back to the 50's will be two days, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. For the more than 35 dwarf car drivers who are expected to compete, a little more money than usual will be on the line, especially on Sunday. That afternoon's A-Main event will pay a whopping $1,000 to the winner and it will pay $100 just start.
The road to that winner's paycheck will not be an easy one as a point system will be in effect for the weekend. Points from heat races and main events on Saturday will be combined with points scored in Sunday's heat races to play a role in determining Sunday's main event line-ups. Only 18 cars will start the A-Main event on the small ΒΌ-mile, semi-banked clay oval.
In preparation for this event, a similar point format was put to use at a two-day event at Coos Bay Speedway this past weekend and was successful.
There could be another incentive for the PHRA teams as well. The last two Back to the 50's winners have gone on to win the PHRA championship. Corey Esteban won Back to the 50's in after making a pass on then defending club champion Rian McVae on a late race restart, one of his ten victories that year en route to the club title. Last year, Bryan Baxter won Back to the 50's on his way to winning the PHRA championship as well.
Two PHRA events have been run at Sunset Speedway Park this year. Rick Adams won the PHRA season opener at the Banks, Ore. facility on April 26 and Mackey Cushing won on May 31. Adams won another point race at Madras Speedway in central Oregon on June 14 and picked up the non-points race victory last Saturday at Coos Bay.
Several sponsors have stepped up to the plate to help this year's Back to the 50's Classic, including Iron Workers Local 29, Bridgetown Electric, C & E Electric, Pavelcomm, Competition Motorsports, Dave's Automotive, JT's Go Fast Shoppe, Option Motorsports, Sause Marine Service, Steve & Silvias Old Time Pub, Troutdale Liquor Store and Pacific Towing.
More information on the Pacific Hardtop Racing Association and its drivers can be found online at www.phraracing.com.
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Back to the 50's - Sunday A-Main Payout:
1st - $1,000
2nd - $500
3rd - $250
4th - $240
5th - $230
6th - $220
7th - $210
8th - $200
9th - $190
10th - $180
11th - $170
12th - $160
13th - $150
14th - $140
15th - $130
16th - $120
17th - $110
18th - $100
All drivers who race both days will receive $75.
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PHRA point standings, unofficial top 10
1. Corey Esteban, 2666
2. Richard Petty, 2575
3. Brian Baxter, 2542
4. Mackey Cushing, 2495
5. Rick Adams, 2492
6. Charles Millar, 2375
7. Dave Cantu, 2270
8. Clay Goben, 2058
9. Troy Kunas, 2043
10. Adam Stoecklein, 2026
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PHRA Dwarf Cars: The Biggest Little Race Cars on Dirt!
