Wenatchee, Wash. (September 29, 2016)– When the Fall Classic at Yakima Speedway is mentioned race fans think about all the icons that have won it and the ones that have tried. This weekend the 29th Annual Fall Classic returns to Yakima Speedway in Yakima, WA with over 30 drivers trying to add their name to list of winners for this prestigious event.

Some drivers would be happy to say they’ve won it once but to say that you’ve won the race three or four times is pretty amazing. The all-time Fall Classic winner is Surrey, BC driver Pete Harding with four wins including three consecutive wins between 1997-1998. The veteran is one that many drivers keep their eye on during any racing that happens at Yakima Speedway, especially the Fall Classic.

One of the biggest moments in Fall Classic history happened in 2001 when Garrett Evans took a back of the pack challenge to pass 40 cars and win the race along with a $50,000 bonus. Evans has been dominant this season on the NWSLMS with four wins. The multi-time champion needs to take the green flag Sunday to secure his third straight NWSLMS title.

The East Wenatchee, WA driver has won the Fall Classic three times in his career but would love to add another one to his collection.

“We’ve had a great year this year and it would be unbelievable to win another Fall Classic especially since we won the Apple Cup earlier this year,” said the 60-year old Evans. “I’ve been telling a lot of people this year that ‘Old Guys’ rule and this would show it once again and prove we can get it done.”

For Tayler Riddle the win at last years Fall Classic had special meaning, as it is the Naches, WA native’s home track. The young star is looking to carry that momentum into this year’s Fall Classic along with his wins at the Summer Showdown and Galloway 150.

“I feel like there is a little pressure lifted off me after winning last year. We’ve had a really good season but haven’t raced as much as we would have liked,” Riddle said. “After winning one, you always want to win another and repeating is tough to do, especially the Fall Classic.”

For some drivers the magical Fall Classic win has eluded them for many years, one of those drivers is Tayler Riddle older brother Owen. The 30-year old has had lots of success at Yakima Speedway over the years but the Fall Classic win has eluded him. For Owen though, just finishing the race and having fun is what he is looking forward to this weekend.

“This year has not been a good one for us wrecking the car at both the Summer Showdown and Montana 200. We’ve had a few bad races here at the classic the last two years as well.” said the past Yakima Speedway Late Model Champion. “I just want to try and have some fun this weekend and at the end of the race Sunday load my car in the trailer in one piece.”

Other past Fall Classic winners in the race are Shane Harding and Mike Longton. Both drivers have had their struggles of late but look to put their name on the back of the famous Atomic Screenprinting Fall Classic sweatshirt for a second time.

With this race being the championship for the NWSLMS the points battle between Braeden Havens, Ryan Wells, Mitch Kleyn and Brittney Zamora will add to the excitement as the four drivers are separated by less than 30 points for second through fifth positions.

Other drivers to watch include Doni Wanat fresh off his win two weeks ago at WVSO. Canadian Clint Habart has been coming on strong the last few NWSLMS races with several podium finishes. Some of the local Yakima stars will be looking for big things at their home track such as Zack Beaman, JC Wofford and Jason Jefferson.

The action for the 29th Annual Fall Classic will feature the NWLSMS, WestCoast Late Models, Mini Stock Nationals and Hobby Stocks. The weekend will kick off with practice on Friday. Saturday will feature Qualifying, Trophy Dashes and Heat Races. Sunday will feature the main events including the Fall Classic 200.

For a complete weekend schedule and ticket information visit Yakima Speedway website at www.yakimaspeedway.us

The Northwest Super Late Model Series is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued sponsors including Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, Port City Race Cars, AR Bodies, Joes Racing Products, Accelerated Graphics, Five Star Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, Wheel Chill, KRC Power Steering, Racers Against Child Abuse, Atomic Screenprinting and Embroidery, Franks Racing Radio, BLP, Jefferson Pitts Racing and Racing Dynamics. For more information on the series visit www.nwslmseries.com or on Facebook or Twitter. To contact the series please email northwestsuperlatemodels@gmail.com