Alaska Raceway Park features busy day on asphalt oval

PALMER — As one veteran of the Valley speedways inched toward a career mark, another driver most known for his work in a different sport wowed the crowd during a busy night of racing Saturday at Alaska Raceway Park.

Alex Schwochert used a victory in the 20-lap baby grands class to win his 99th career feature race. Schwochert finished ahead of runner-up William McDonald and Brad Generous, the third-place finisher, in the class.

Bryan Barber won the 20-lap legends class. But it was mushing legend Lance Mackey who had the highlight of the day in the legends class. According to raceway officials, Mackey went airborne in his No. 7 car, after completing 18 of the 20 laps, “and deftly kept his car under control,” according to a release issued by the speedway.

Willie Creech finished second in the legends class, and Mike Thomas placed third.

Dana Pruhs was the top drive in the 40-lap late models field. Aaron Creech was second and John Klayum was third.

Young drivers

Alaska Raceway Park is in search of young drivers with an interest in NASCAR. Those, ages 14-17, interested are encouraged to contact the speedway officials via raceakcom or Facebook. This season, NASCAR is offering a $500 cash prize and $500 scholarship to the highest-ranking youth driver on Alaska Raceway Park’s third-mile asphalt oval.

This week is also #KidsDriveNASCAR week, which encourages children 6-14 to become race fans and learn more about NASCAR.

Upcoming events

Alaska Raceway Park is hosting its Driver Appreciation Day Saturday on its asphalt oval and the IHRA points drag races on Sunday, on the quarter-mile strip.

The park is also giving a way a bicycle to one lucky fun Saturday.

Before racing on Saturday evening, local drag and oval racers can be seen during the Alaska State Fair parade, slated for 11 a.m. in Palmer.

Fans interested in hitting the park should not have to worry about a construction project that has hindered traffic in the area of Alaska Raceway Park on recent race days. According to speedway officials, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has reported that all lanes of traffic will be open and there will be no construction activity on the paving and bridge rehabilitation project from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5.

For more results and detailed race schedules, see raceak.com.