Press Release

By - Andy Hall, Palatka Daily News
This will be in the Sports section tomorro 1-14-2011


Putnam Speedway

The regular season does not open until Saturday, Feb. 12, but dirt-track enthusiasts get their first look at the Satsuma oval in more than a year Jan. 22, when it hosts a 100-lap Thunder Stock race along with a 35-lap Open Modified Event.

The speedway is re-opening under the management of a Palm Coast couple, Bob and Ingrid McClellan, who each bring experience to their roles. A business contractor and onetime Late Model driver, Bob has spent six weeks with veteran track worker Jimmy Pugh of Satsuma on a variety of projects – applying new clay to the racing surface and remodeling both the concession stands and the scoring tower. Ingrid will draw on her experience as a restaurant manager in running the concession stands.

According to track announcer Jim Barnes, the regular-season schedule calls for competition featuring Late Models, Open-Wheel Modifieds, Street Stocks, Thunder Stock, Sportsmans, Mini Stocks and Gladiators. The track expects to draw drivers from throughout Florida and South Georgia.

The 100-lap race Jan. 22 will pay the winner $2,500. The Open Modifieds champ will get $1,000. The gate opens at 10 a.m., qualifying begins at noon with the first race set for 1:30 p.m. For more information, call, the speedway, 386-649-6688.