UKIAH — Four-cylinder race cars return to the Ukiah Speedway in 2011 with the addition of the new “4-Banger” class. This new addition to the weekly racing program will be composed of four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive race cars that are designed for beginning drivers as well as veterans who are looking for a fun time.
The 4-Bangers are sub-compact sedans or hatchback cars that must remain stock. They will be running on 400-tread-wear 60 or 70 series tires with no modifications. A roll cage is required along with other safety gear and the only aftermarket part allowed is the air filter. Passengers are optional in this entry-level class but all passengers must be at least 18 years of age.
The 4-Bangers will be competing on a chicane-type course at the beginning of the season, graduating to a full-course figure-8 track following the Redwood Empire Fair Spring Carnival in June. Figure-8 racing was popular back in the 1980s and is making a comeback at short tracks around the country.
Ukiah Speedway hopes to bring back this type of racing later this season with plans of having a fully-paved figure-8 track in 2012.
Although opening night at the Ukiah Speedway is April 2, the 4-Bangers will debut on April 23.
For more information on the new 4-Banger race cars, call George Abella at 349-3511 or technical inspector Bob Strauss at 274-1662. Rules are available online at www.UkiahSpeedway.com.
