9/4/2023
Ocean Speedway
FORMAT FOR PETTIT SHOOTOUT RELEASED, MODIFIEDS TO RACE 103 LAPS
WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (September 4, 2023) – Details have been unveiled for the prestigious 13th annual Pat and Jim Pettit Memorial Shootout on September 29 and 30 from Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. The annual event pays tribute to the parents of Hall of Famer Jim Pettit II and features IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds, and Hobby Stocks racing in complete programs each night at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds dirt track.
The main event is Saturday’s 103-lap IMCA Modified blockbuster, paying $3006 to win and $206 to start. Saturday’s Hobby Stock main event is $506 to win and Sport Modifieds is $1006 to win. Friday action pays $1003 in the Modifieds, $553 in the Sport Modifieds, and $303 in the Hobby Stocks.
New for 2023 is the addition of a choose cone for all races throughout the weekend, allowing drivers to select the outside or inside line for each double file restart.
During Saturday’s 103 lap Modified feature, caution flag laps will not count and all drivers a single lap down will receive a lucky dog during caution flags (except for during the lap 50 break). The lap 50 break will be a seven-minute break for fuel only. Drivers must complete the entire 103 laps on the same set of tires.
Numerous special activities are planned, beginning with Thursday’s popular car show and raffle at Carmona’s BBQ in Watsonville from 5pm to 8pm
Friday night will feature the #suestyle Pit Party after the races with food and a live band. Saturday is Kids Night at the Races with prizes, food, and activities on the grandstand side. There will also be an autograph session with many legends of the sport including Dave Byrd, Bobby Hogge III, Bobby Scott, and Jeff Silva.
Camping is available by contacting the fairgrounds directly at (831) 724-5671 and is first come, first served. During the upcoming Santa Cruz County Fair, potential campers should be aware of limited availability for fair staff to return phone calls.
An optional $50 pit stall reservation is available as well to get a preferred spot.
Pit gates open at 10am each day of the Pettit Shootout with pill draw opening at noon and closing at 2:30pm. The driver’s meeting is at 2:45pm with cars on track at 3:15pm. Pit passes are $50 per person each day.
Race fan tickets will be available at the gate each day.
For more information, follow the event on Facebook or visit www.OceanSpeedway.com
Article Credit: Steven Blakesley
Submitted By: Steven Blakesley