5/24/2016
Cottage Grove Speedway
Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic This Weekend; Ladies 18+ FREE Admission On Saturday
Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic This Weekend; Ladies 18+ FREE Admission On Saturday
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Madman Photography)
Cottage Grove, Oregon- One of the biggest 360 Sprint Car races in the Western United States will get going this weekend at Oregon’s Cottage Grove Speedway. Sprint Car teams from all over the country are expected to make the journey to the historical ¼-mile clay oval for the Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic presented by Body Works Salon and Marvin Smith Auto Repair. The racing will be a two day affair beginning on Saturday May 28th and concluding on Sunday the 29th. A special FREE admission is being offered for Ladies eighteen or older on Saturday night.
The Grove Classic’s history stretches as far back as 2002 when the Leach family decided to create a major Sprint Car race for Cottage Grove. It has been held every year with the exception of 2012.
Since then the dates have migrated from June to August then to April but for the last two editions it has been in May. Sadly, Marvin Smith passed away in late 2013 and since 2014 has been commemorated at the Grove Classic as race held in his honor. Since then it has been known as the Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic.
Marvin’s brother Dale won the first three main events from 2002 to 2003 before Billy Nutter won on the first night of the 2004 race. The second night of 2004 would see the beginning of an incredible win streak where Roger Crockett won thirteen straight features until 2013. Roger was unable to defend his dominance of the event in 2014 or 2015 due to prior commitments. But he plans to make it this year to continue his winning ways at this event.
Henry Van Dam was triumphant in 2014 after an incredible battle with Kyle Hirst. Jason Solwold was the winner of last year’s finale after making a pass on Trey Starks just passed the halfway mark on lap twenty-three. Starks was the winner of the prelim the night before.
Both nights event will be a local points while Sunday will count towards the Interstate Sprint Car Series Triple Crown. Cottage Grove Speedway has just hosted one 360 Sprint race in 2016 and that was back on April 9th, Roger Crockett was the winner.
Saturday support classes include IMCA Modifieds and the Northwest Focus Midget Series while on Sunday it is IMCA Modifieds and the Quality RV Repair Hornets. There will be a practice on Friday May 27th starting at 6:00 PM. For spectators wanting watch in the grandstands it is FREE. The weekend will be consisting of several events and you can find a comprehensive list at http://www.cottagegrovespeedway.com/downloads/get.aspx?i=316374
Saturday May 28th, as aforementioned, is Ladies Night where all Ladies, over the age of eighteen, get in to the races for FREE. Tickets are Adults $13.00, Juniors/Seniors $10.00, Youth (6-12) - $5.00, Family Pass $30.00, and Children 5 or under are FREE.
On Sunday May 29th the fun continues with the final night of action for the Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic. Tickets are Adults $15.00, Juniors/Seniors $10.00, Youth (6-12) - $5.00, Family Pass $30.00, and Children 5 or under are FREE.
Both nights will have the Pit Gates open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates 4:00, and Racing starts around 6:00. As will happen all year long in honor of our 60th Anniversary the 60th fan through the Front Gate gets in for FREE. For more information log on to www.cottagegrovespeedway.com and check out the track’s Facebook page and click “Like”.
Past Marvin Smith Memorial Grove Classic Winners:
2015- Trey Starks on May 29th, Jason Solwold on May 30th
2014- Henry Van Dam on May 31st
2013- Roger Crockett on April 26th, Roger Crockett on April 27th
2011- Roger Crockett on May 13th, Roger Crockett on May 14th
2010- Roger Crockett on April 23rd, Roger Crockett on April 24th
2009- Roger Crockett on April 24th, Roger Crockett on April 25th
2008- Roger Crockett on April 26th
2006- Roger Crockett on April 21st, Roger Crockett on April 22nd
2005- Roger Crockett on April 22nd
2004- Billy Nutter on April 23rd, Roger Crockett on April 24th
2003- Dale Smith on August 29th, Dale Smith on August 30th
2002- Dale Smith on June 29th
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage