Madera, Altamont tracks in action with full racing cards

Madera Speedway will have a bit of an exotic atmosphere on Saturday.

It's Hawaiian Shirt Night, with a $5 discount granted to anyone wearing a tropical top. And, for the first time in two years, the Grand American Modifieds return to the 1/3-mile oval.

The open-wheel cars will run twin 50-lappers. Scheduled to race are Scott Winters, the defending champion at Roseville's All American Raceway, and the top three Grand Am drivers from Altamont Motorsports Park in Todd Lynch, Todd Lewis and Jose Gutierrez.

Six other divisions also are on the card, including the NASCAR Whelen All American Racing Series, American Limited Stock Cars, Mini Super Toyotas and Toyota Sedans.

The fan deemed to be wearing the best Hawaiian shirt wins tickets to a future race. The Clovis-based band the Cadillac Cowboys will perform.

Regular ticket prices are $15. Gates open at 3 p.m. Visit www.racemadera.com.

ALTAMONT -- The ½-mile track west of Tracy plays host to the United States Auto Club Western Sprint Cars in a 50-lap feature Saturday.

The USAC Western Midgets, Ford Focus Midgets, NCMA Limited Sprints and Spectator Racing Series are also scheduled.

In two previous events at Altamont, Kingsburg 17-year-old Tanner Swanson has one win and two fast times.

Swanson's main rival has been popular Northern California standout Nick Rescino, Jr. of San Francisco. Rescino comes into the event trailing Swanson by 14 points.

Qualifying begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit www.altamontmotorsportspark.com.

This story was originally published June 27, 2008 at 2:17 AM with the headline "Madera, Altamont tracks in action with full racing cards."