By Dave Grayson

Following a break for the holidays last month, the Havasu 95 Speedway will launch the second half of their 2016 - 2017 winter racing series this Saturday afternoon. The famed quarter mile paved oval is located within the SARA Park complex in beautiful Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Due to the still chilly night time temperatures, Saturday's race will be a daytime event. The spectator gates will open at 12 noon with the green flag falling on the racing at 2pm.

In typical fashion, Promoter Bill Rozhon and his staff will be starting the second half of their winter series in a very strong manner. Highlighting the racing excitement will be the Late Model division who will be treating the fans to twin, 50 lap, main events. Also providing racing excitement will be the Office Cocktail Lounge Bandoleros and the Sam Nichols Electric Factory Stocks. The afternoon is going to conclude with Rozhon's favorite form of racing fun when his speedway presents the first of two scheduled waterless boat races. All of this racing fun is being sponsored by the Eagles Lodge, Aerie 4299, along with Champion Watercraft Rentals. Fans are also invited to meet at the speedway's beer garden for a special happy hour, 12 to 130pm, where draft beers will be sold for $2.

The Late Model division will be making their second appearance of the season meaning their points standings are based on race number one held during Thanksgiving weekend. Jeff Peterson won that race, and the points lead, followed by Zack St Onge, Mark Allison, Ryan Vargas and Barry Karr. With double points on the line, from the twin 50 lap mains, the Late Model show is expected to become extremely intense.

When the fans watch the racing provided by the youngsters from the Office Cocktail Lounge Bandoleros, they will be looking at the future stars of tomorrow. This extremely well organized program includes the opportunity for national points for divers from age six to early teen years. The sight of a six year old, during a victory lane interview, thanking his parents and grand parents for supporting his racing, is heart warming.

The Bandoleros will be making their ninth appearance of the winter season at the Havasu 95 this Saturday. afternoon. The big question here is: who can stop the dominance of driver Taylor Whitefield? In eight starts this young driver has compiled four feature wins and four second place finishes. However, Whitefield will have to keep driver Korbin Mitchell in his rear view mirror this Saturday. Mitchell has three feature wins, and eight top five finishes, and is only 12 points out of first place. Aiden McCorkle is ranked third in the standings, with a consistent eight top fives, 24 points out of first.

It would not seem like race day at this speedway without the presence of the fan favorite Sam Nichols Electric Factory Stock teams. Jeff Prieur has been the division's hot shoe so far. In five previous starts he has accumulated three feature wins, two runner up finishes and 253 championship points. However, Chris Blackwell remains within striking distance in second 17 points out of first based on his consistent five top five finishes.

The day concludes with Bill Rozhon's fun loving waterless boat race. The unique format calls for fishing boats, minus their trailers, being attached to race cars and being drug around the race track. The object involves a driver ramming their cars into a competitor's boat in an attempt to separate the boat from the car. The last car on the track with the boat still attached is the grand prize winner. The result is often boat carnage that resembles a bad day at "Gilligan's Island" complete with the comedy.

Tickets for the fully loaded Saturday afternoon are very budget friendly. General admission tickets, age 17 up, are only $12 and $10 for seniors, military personnel and the handicapped. Kids tickets, age 6 to 16, are only $6. The speedway also offers a budget friendly family pack for $25 which admits two adults and two kids age 6 to 16. Fans can also enjoy the special amenities of the speedway's VIP section, featuring the best seats in the house, for $25.

For more information, regarding the winter racing series, dial up the official website, www.havasu95speedway.com, and visit their Facebook page.