YUMA, Ariz. (Feb. 3) – IMCA Modifieds are on the ticket for opening night this Saturday at Cocopah Speedway.
Following the Feb. 5 show, six more race dates are on the track’s NAPA Auto Parts Racing Series schedule. Sanctioned events will also be held Feb. 19, March 26, April 2 and 23, and May 7-21.
After taking the summer off, Cocopah will hold up to three more events featuring Modifieds in September. Dates of those races are to be announced.
IMCA last sanctioned the open wheeled division at the former Yuma Speedway, a 3/8-mile dirt oval, in 1998. Idle since the following season, the facility was purchased six years ago by the Cocopah tribe and underwent extensive renovation before hosting half a dozen shows last fall.
“A meeting was held early in 2010 to determine if there was an interest in refurbishing the facility and reviving racing,” explained Cheryl Bradstreet, director of communications for the Cocopah tribe. “More than a hundred people attended that meeting and promised to help with that and during the season. It’s been quite a community effort.”
The tribe provided startup money for the project, with labor by volunteers as well as local contractors.
In addition to new bleachers and concession stands, Cocopah boasts new public address and electrical wiring systems, remodeled scoring tower and expanded pit area. A sprinkler system was also installed to maintain a grassy area near the speedway entrance.
“The tribe is interested in providing fun, family oriented venues for entertainment in the area,” said Bradstreet, noting a Cocopah-owned and operated hotel, fun center and two golf courses nearby. “The speedway has the possibility to provide another form of entertainment that is family oriented.”
Modified points earned at Cocopah will figure toward IMCA ButlerBuilt Western Region standings.
“After the tribe held its initial meetings to gauge interest in refurbishing the track, the consensus of the drivers favored IMCA sanctioning because of the organization’s national reputation,” Bradstreet said. “Drivers indicated they were comfortable with working to gain IMCA sanctioning and support in all that IMCA has to offer.”
Following the Feb. 5 show, six more race dates are on the track’s NAPA Auto Parts Racing Series schedule. Sanctioned events will also be held Feb. 19, March 26, April 2 and 23, and May 7-21.
After taking the summer off, Cocopah will hold up to three more events featuring Modifieds in September. Dates of those races are to be announced.
IMCA last sanctioned the open wheeled division at the former Yuma Speedway, a 3/8-mile dirt oval, in 1998. Idle since the following season, the facility was purchased six years ago by the Cocopah tribe and underwent extensive renovation before hosting half a dozen shows last fall.
“A meeting was held early in 2010 to determine if there was an interest in refurbishing the facility and reviving racing,” explained Cheryl Bradstreet, director of communications for the Cocopah tribe. “More than a hundred people attended that meeting and promised to help with that and during the season. It’s been quite a community effort.”
The tribe provided startup money for the project, with labor by volunteers as well as local contractors.
In addition to new bleachers and concession stands, Cocopah boasts new public address and electrical wiring systems, remodeled scoring tower and expanded pit area. A sprinkler system was also installed to maintain a grassy area near the speedway entrance.
“The tribe is interested in providing fun, family oriented venues for entertainment in the area,” said Bradstreet, noting a Cocopah-owned and operated hotel, fun center and two golf courses nearby. “The speedway has the possibility to provide another form of entertainment that is family oriented.”
Modified points earned at Cocopah will figure toward IMCA ButlerBuilt Western Region standings.
“After the tribe held its initial meetings to gauge interest in refurbishing the track, the consensus of the drivers favored IMCA sanctioning because of the organization’s national reputation,” Bradstreet said. “Drivers indicated they were comfortable with working to gain IMCA sanctioning and support in all that IMCA has to offer.”
